Georgia Child Support Calculator

How Georgia's Income Shares Model Works

Under Georgia's Income Shares model, the court combines your and the other parent's gross incomes to find a total child support amount on a state schedule. Your portion of that amount is based on your percentage share of the combined income, as governed by O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15.

Understanding Parenting Time Deviations in GA

In Georgia, shared physical custody does not trigger an automatic, formula-based reduction in child support. Instead, if there is equal or substantially equal parenting time, a judge has the discretion to grant a 'Parenting Time Deviation' to adjust the support amount. This deviation, permitted under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(i)(2)(K), is not guaranteed and must be justified as being in the child's best interest.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Georgia Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15
Shared Custody Threshold Substantial Equal Time (Discretionary Deviation)
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 20 if in High School)
Modification Standard Substantial Change in Circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions About GA Child Support


At what age does child support end in GA?

Child support in Georgia terminates when a child turns 18, unless the child is still enrolled full-time in secondary school, in which case it may continue until age 20. According to O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(e), the obligation ends automatically upon the child's 18th birthday if they have already graduated from high school.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in GA?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a Georgia court can impute income to them based on their earning potential. This determination considers the parent's recent work history, occupational qualifications, and the prevailing job opportunities and earning levels in the community, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(f)(4)(D).

How do I modify a child support order in GA?

To modify a child support order in Georgia, you must show a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status or in the needs of the child. Per O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(k), a petition for modification cannot be filed by the same party more than once every two years, regardless of a substantial change, unless certain specific circumstances are met.

Does GA child support cover college expenses?

No, Georgia law does not require a parent to pay for college or other post-secondary education expenses. A court can only enforce an obligation for college support if the parents have previously agreed to it in a signed settlement agreement that was incorporated into a court order.

How does GA handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation and are prorated between the parents based on their respective incomes. These expenses are treated as mandatory additions under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(h), and the cost paid by each parent is factored into the final child support order.