Georgia Child Support Calculator

Free instant estimate based on Georgia's Income Shares model (O.C.G.A. 19-6-15)

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Select a state and enter your monthly gross income to see an estimated child support payment based on net income.

How Georgia Calculates Child Support

Georgia calculates child support using the Income Shares model as established under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 19-6-15. This model assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined and referenced against the Georgia Child Support Guidelines table, which provides a schedule of basic support obligations based on combined income and the number of children.

Each parent is responsible for their proportional share of the total obligation, calculated based on their percentage of the combined gross income. Georgia requires a detailed child support worksheet that accounts for both parents' incomes, health insurance premiums, work-related childcare costs, and any pre-existing child support obligations. The state also mandates a parenting time deviation worksheet when the non-custodial parent exercises significant parenting time.

Georgia's guidelines allow for both upward and downward deviations from the calculated amount when warranted by specific circumstances. Common deviations include extraordinary medical or educational expenses, parenting time adjustments, and special needs of the child. The court is required to document the rationale for any deviation on the record, ensuring transparency and consistency in how deviations are applied across cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Georgia calculate child support under O.C.G.A. 19-6-15?
Georgia uses an Income Shares model under Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 19-6-15. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined and applied to the Georgia Child Support Guidelines table to determine the basic child support obligation. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
What is considered gross income for Georgia child support?
Georgia defines gross income broadly to include wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, interest, dividends, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, pensions, annuities, and capital gains. Income may be imputed if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed without good cause.
Does parenting time affect Georgia child support?
Yes. Georgia provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the child for a significant number of days. The court uses a parenting time deviation form to calculate the adjustment based on the number of days the non-custodial parent exercises parenting time, with larger adjustments for more days.
What are the deviations allowed in Georgia child support?
Georgia allows several deviations from the guideline amount, including: parenting time deviations, extraordinary medical expenses, special education expenses, extraordinary extracurricular expenses, and any other deviation the court finds justified. The court must document the reasons for any deviation on the child support worksheet.
Can Georgia child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification of a Georgia child support order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare or the parents' financial situation. Georgia also allows modification if the original order was entered or last modified more than three years ago, and the current guidelines would result in a support amount that is at least 15% different from the existing order.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on SupportCalc is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be taken as legal advice. Child support calculations are estimates based on publicly available state guidelines and may not reflect the exact amount ordered by a court. Every case is unique, and many factors can affect the final support order. Please consult with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation.