Last verified: February 2026
Georgia uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support under O.C.G.A. Section 19-6-15. This approach considers both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Significant updates to Georgia’s child support guidelines took effect January 1, 2026, including revised support amounts and new adjustment provisions.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Georgia Child Support
- Model Used: Income Shares Model
- Governing Law: O.C.G.A. Section 19-6-15 (updated effective January 1, 2026)
- Support Ends: Age 18 (or 20 if still in high school, but graduation ends obligation even if under 20)
- Modification Limit: Generally one modification request every two years
- Interest on Arrears: 7% per year
- Statute of Limitations: None for enforcement under O.C.G.A. 9-12-60(d)
How is Child Support Calculated in Georgia?
Georgia’s child support calculation under O.C.G.A. 19-6-15 follows these steps:
- Calculate gross income for each parent.
- Determine adjusted gross income by subtracting allowable deductions (self-employment taxes, preexisting child support orders, etc.).
- Add both parents’ adjusted gross incomes to get combined adjusted gross income.
- Find the basic child support obligation using the statutory table based on combined income and number of children.
- Calculate each parent’s pro rata share by dividing their adjusted gross income by the combined total.
- Apply adjustments for health insurance, childcare, and other factors.
- Determine the final obligation the noncustodial parent pays to the custodial parent.
What Counts as Gross Income
Georgia’s definition of gross income is broad and includes:
- Salary, wages, and overtime
- Commissions and bonuses
- Self-employment income
- Rental property income
- Severance pay and pension income
- Capital gains
- Unemployment benefits
- Workers’ compensation
- Social Security benefits
- Gifts and prizes (if recurring)
Allowable Deductions
- One-half of self-employment taxes
- Preexisting child support orders actually being paid
- Court-ordered alimony to a former spouse
- Certain expenses for children from previous relationships living with the parent
Use the official calculator: Georgia Child Support Commission Calculator
Apply for child support online: Georgia DCSS Application
Deviations from the Guidelines
A “deviation” occurs when a court orders an amount different from the formula calculation. Georgia law permits deviations when applying the guidelines would be inappropriate or unjust. Factors that may support a deviation include:
- Unusual travel expenses for visitation
- Alimony payments
- Mortgage payments for the marital home benefiting the child
- Parenting time significantly different from standard arrangements
- Life insurance premiums
- High or low parental income situations
- Other health-related insurance costs
- Extraordinary educational expenses
- Special needs of the child
The Georgia Child Support Commission continues to review parenting time deviations to ensure fairness in shared custody situations.
Impact of Remarriage
Remarriage does not directly affect child support in Georgia. However, if a new spouse’s income allows the parent to cover all household expenses, the court may consider that the parent has more disposable income. New spouse income is only considered in “unusual circumstances,” such as when a parent no longer needs to work due to the new spouse’s earnings.
How to Modify a Child Support Order in Georgia
Georgia limits modification requests to prevent constant litigation. Generally:
- Two-year rule: A parent may not request modification more than once every two years.
- Exceptions: Modification can be requested sooner if there is a significant change in parenting time or a substantial involuntary income reduction.
Grounds for modification include:
- Substantial change in either parent’s financial circumstances
- Change in the child’s needs
- Perceived unfairness in the current order
- Noncustodial parent’s failure to exercise court-ordered visitation
To prove your case, gather documentation including current income records, changed expenses, and the other parent’s current financial information if possible.
What Happens if You Do Not Pay Child Support in Georgia?
Georgia takes child support enforcement seriously. Under O.C.G.A. 15-11-96, a court can terminate parental rights if a parent willfully fails to comply with a support order for 12 months or longer.
Enforcement Methods
- Income deduction order: Wages garnished directly from employer
- Contempt of court: Can result in jail time; obligation continues while incarcerated
- License suspension: Driver’s, professional, business, and recreational licenses
- Property liens: Filed against real estate (Writ of Fieri Facias)
- Tax refund interception: State and federal
- Bank account garnishment: Available if 30 days behind
- Credit bureau reporting: Damages credit score
Interest on Arrears
Georgia charges 7% annual interest on unpaid child support. Failure to pay for 30 days is considered delinquent. Arrears cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, and there is no statute of limitations on enforcement under O.C.G.A. 9-12-60(d).
Termination of Parental Rights
Beyond nonpayment, parental rights may be terminated if:
- The court finds misconduct or inability to care for the child
- The parent is convicted of murdering the child’s other parent
- The parent consents in writing
- The child is abandoned
If parental rights are terminated, the parent loses all rights to notice of proceedings regarding the child and all custody and visitation rights.
When Does Child Support End in Georgia?
Georgia child support ends when the child:
- Turns 18 and has graduated high school, OR
- Turns 20 (if still in high school, but graduation ends the obligation regardless of age), OR
- Becomes legally emancipated, OR
- Marries, OR
- Dies
Emancipation in Georgia
To be emancipated in Georgia, a minor must:
- Be legally married, OR
- Join the military
Courts may also grant emancipation if the minor demonstrates financial independence and the ability to manage their own affairs. The minor can request sworn statements from professionals (attorneys, clergy, school officials, therapists) supporting emancipation.
Unique to Georgia: Emancipated minors can petition to reverse emancipation if they resume a family relationship with parents, if parents agree to rescind the order, or if they can no longer support themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can child support arrears be dismissed in Georgia?
No. Georgia law does not allow dismissal of child support arrears. The debt continues to accumulate with 7% annual interest and can follow you into old age. Arrears survive bankruptcy. The only way to address arrears is through a repayment plan or an agreement with the custodial parent (which should be documented with the court).
2. Does a new spouse’s income affect my child support?
Only in unusual circumstances. Georgia does not automatically include a new spouse’s income. However, if the new spouse’s earnings allow you to cover all household expenses, a court might consider that you have more disposable income. Getting a new spouse to pay child support for your prior children is difficult and requires showing unusual circumstances.
3. How do I apply for child support services in Georgia?
Contact the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). They provide services including locating absent parents, establishing paternity, obtaining support orders, and enforcement. Apply online here.
4. What are the 2026 changes to Georgia child support laws?
Effective January 1, 2026, Georgia updated its child support guidelines under O.C.G.A. 19-6-15. Changes include updated support amount tables, refined provisions for parenting time adjustments, and clarifications on low-income adjustments. The Georgia Child Support Commission continues to evaluate parenting time deviations for fairness.
5. Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Georgia?
Yes. Contempt of court for willful nonpayment can result in incarceration. However, your child support obligation does not stop while you are in jail, and arrears continue to accumulate. Courts typically view jail as a last resort after other enforcement methods fail.
Related Georgia Laws
- Georgia Recording Laws
- Georgia Car Seat Laws
- Georgia Hit and Run Laws
- Georgia Lemon Law
- Georgia Sexting Laws
- Georgia Statute of Limitations
- Georgia Whistleblower Laws
Georgia’s child support guidelines can be complex, and the recent 2026 updates add new considerations. For questions about your specific situation, consult with a Georgia family law attorney. You can get a free case consultation from a lawyer here.