Child Support in Georgia: How Much Will You Owe?

Quick answer: it depends on both parents' incomes, how many children you have, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page turns those numbers into a real guideline estimate in about a minute. It is an educational estimate, not legal advice, and the judge always sets the final amount. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource, not a law firm.

Wondering how much child support you will owe or receive in Georgia? The state uses one formula everywhere, so the same math applies in every county. This page explains how it works, lets you run a live estimate, and links to a dedicated page for each county at the bottom.

Georgia follows the Income Shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

What counts as income? Georgia runs the formula on gross income, meaning income before taxes come out. Gross income from any source, wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment, fringe benefits, severance, recurring overtime, bonuses, interest, dividends, rental income, trust income, retirement, Social Security, unemployment, workers' comp, and capital gains.

Parenting time matters in Georgia, but not as an automatic formula: the judge can adjust the guideline number when one parent has substantial time with the children. Georgia treats parenting time as a deviation factor rather than a fixed credit built into the basic formula. The guideline first sets each parent's share based on combined gross income, and a judge may then adjust the number up or down based on the actual parenting time schedule. There is no automatic overnight credit, so more time with the children does not lower support by a set amount. Any parenting time deviation must be written into the order with the court's reasons.

When does it end? Georgia child support generally ends at age 18 but continues until graduation from secondary school not past age 20. An adult child with a permanent disability that began before majority can receive continuing support.

Can the amount change later? Petitions are filed in superior court. Generally a 2-year wait applies between modifications unless a substantial change in income, financial status, or the child's needs supports earlier review.

If payments fall behind, Georgia has real enforcement tools. DCSS enforces through immediate income withholding, tax refund intercept, license suspension, credit bureau reporting, passport denial, lien filings, and contempt with potential incarceration.

Child support cases in Georgia are generally handled through the state's Superior Court, and Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) runs the state's child support services program. Forms and local practice can vary, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency.

The calculator on this page is the same live engine behind our full Child Support Calculator. Enter both incomes, the number of children, and the overnight split, and the estimate updates instantly. The full calculator page adds extras like health insurance, child care costs, and saved scenarios.

Bottom line for Georgia: the guideline number comes from incomes, children, and parenting time. Run the estimate on this page, keep your paperwork honest and complete, and let the court confirm the final amount.

Frequently asked questions

How much child support will I owe in Georgia?

There is no flat amount. Georgia uses the Income Shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, so the number depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page gives you a guideline estimate, and the court sets the final amount.

When does child support end in Georgia?

Age 18, or graduation from secondary school not later than age 20, whichever is later.

Can the child support amount be changed later in Georgia?

Usually yes, when circumstances change enough. Two-year minimum between modifications absent a substantial change in income, financial status, or needs of the child.

Who handles child support cases in Georgia?

Cases are generally heard in the state's Superior Court, and Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.