Decoding the Math: How Georgia Calculates Child Support in 2026
The question “How much child support in GA will I pay?” is the most common inquiry in Georgia family law. While many assume the answer is a simple percentage of income, the reality is far more complex. As of January 1, 2026, Georgia has implemented some of the most significant changes to its child support guidelines in nearly two decades.
The numbers generated by the Georgia Online Child Support Calculator are the “presumptive” amounts, but these figures are only as accurate as the data you input. Navigating the shifts from discretionary deviations to mandatory adjustments requires a clear understanding of the new Income Shares Model and how the 2026 updates—specifically the Parenting Time Adjustment—impact your bottom line.
Step 1: Determining Combined Adjusted Income
Georgia operates under an “Income Shares Model.” This philosophy suggests that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived in the same household.
The first step in the calculator is determining each parent’s Gross Income. This includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Commissions, bonuses, and tips
- Self-employment income
- Investment income (dividends/interest)
- Unemployment or disability benefits
- New for 2026: Specific recognition and credits for Veterans’ disability benefits.
The “Adjusted” Part of the Equation
Before the incomes are combined, certain “Adjustments to Income” are made. This is where many parents lose out on credits they are legally entitled to.
- Self-Employment Taxes: If you are a business owner, you are credited for the half of FICA taxes you pay that an employer would normally cover.
- Prior Children: If you are already paying child support under a pre-existing legal order for children from a different relationship, that amount is deducted from your gross income.
- Theoretical Support: Even if there is no court order, if you are supporting other children in your home, you may be eligible for a deduction.
Example: If Parent A makes $5,000 and Parent B makes $3,000, and Parent A pays $500 for a child from a previous marriage, the “Combined Adjusted Income” is $7,500 ($4,500 + $3,000).
Step 2: The Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO)
Once the calculator has the Combined Adjusted Income, it looks at the Georgia Basic Child Support Obligation Table. This table is updated periodically to reflect the current cost of living in Georgia.
The table provides a “base number” representing the total cost to raise the child(ren) per month.
- For 1 Child: A combined income of $8,000 might show a BCSO of roughly $1,250.
- Pro-Rata Share: The calculator then splits this $1,250 based on each parent’s percentage of the total income. In our example, if Parent A earns 60% of the income, their “share” is $750.
Step 3: The 2026 Mandatory Parenting Time Adjustment
Prior to 2026, the amount of time a child spent with the “non-custodial” parent was considered a discretionary deviation. A judge could lower the payment if the parent had significant visitation, but they weren’t required to.
That has changed. As of January 1, 2026, the Parenting Time Adjustment is mandatory.
How the Formula Works
The calculator now uses a specific mathematical formula (found in Schedule C) to adjust the payment based on the number of overnights. The logic is that if a parent has the child for 40% of the year, they are directly paying for food, utilities, and entertainment during that time.
- The “Anything Above Zero” Rule: Even a small number of overnights will now trigger a reduction in the presumptive support amount.
- Equal Parenting Time: In cases of 50/50 custody, the adjustment often brings the child support payment significantly closer to zero, though the higher earner will typically still pay a small amount to ensure the child enjoys a similar standard of living in both homes.
Step 4: Health Insurance and Childcare Credits
After the base obligation is set, the calculator factors in “Additional Expenses.” These are typically split pro-rata (based on the income percentages calculated in Step 1).
- Health Insurance Premiums: Only the portion of the premium specifically for the child is counted. If you pay $400 for a family plan, but it would only cost $100 for just you, the $300 difference is the “Child’s Share.”
- Work-Related Childcare: This includes daycare, after-school care, or summer camps necessary for the parents to work.
- Cash Medical Support: This covers the “uninsured” portion of medical expenses, usually allocated by the same percentage as the income split.
Step 5: The New Low-Income Adjustment
The 2026 updates also introduced a Mandatory Low-Income Adjustment. Georgia law now recognizes that a parent must be able to support themselves to remain a productive member of the workforce.
If a parent’s income falls below a certain threshold (adjusted for the federal poverty level), the calculator automatically applies a “Self-Support Reserve.” This prevents child support orders from being so high that the payer cannot afford basic rent or food, which historically led to high rates of non-payment and incarceration.
Deviations: When the Calculator Isn’t Enough
While the calculator provides a presumptive amount, the court can “deviate” (move away) from that number if it finds the amount would be “unjust or inappropriate.” Common deviations include:
- Extraordinary Educational Expenses: Private school tuition or tutoring.
- Special Needs: Costs related to medical conditions or disabilities.
- Extracurricular Activities: High-level sports or music programs.
- Travel Expenses: If parents live far apart, the cost of flying or driving the child for visitation can be used to lower the support payment.
How to Prepare for Your Calculation
To get an accurate estimate of how much child support in GA you will handle, you must gather the following documentation:
| Document Category | Items to Gather |
| Income Proof | Paystubs (last 3 months), Tax Returns (past 2 years), W-2s/1099s. |
| Business Records | Profit/Loss statements if self-employed. |
| Existing Orders | Legal documents for children from prior relationships. |
| Child Expenses | Health insurance premium breakdowns and daycare invoices. |
| Parenting Schedule | A clear count of overnights per year (standard is often 72-88; 50/50 is 182.5). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my child support if the 2026 law makes my payment lower?
Yes, but with caveats. Under Georgia law, you generally must wait two years since your last order to file for a modification unless there has been a significant change in income or the needs of the child. However, the implementation of the mandatory parenting time adjustment may serve as a basis for modification if your current order doesn’t reflect your actual custody time.
What if the other parent is “underemployed” on purpose?
If a parent is capable of working but chooses to earn less to avoid support, the court can “impute” income. This means the judge treats the parent as if they are earning what they could reasonably earn based on their work history and education.
Does child support include college tuition?
No. In Georgia, the legal obligation to pay child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates high school (but not beyond age 20). College expenses are only paid if the parents specifically agree to it in a signed settlement agreement.
Summary: Getting the Numbers Right
The 2026 Georgia Child Support Calculator is designed to be fairer and more reflective of modern co-parenting. By making the Parenting Time Adjustment and Low-Income Adjustment mandatory, the state has moved toward a system that values the time a parent spends with their child as much as the money they send.
However, because the formula is now more complex—involving exponents and specific overnight counts—it is easier than ever to make a mistake that costs you hundreds of dollars a month.
Would you like me to walk you through a hypothetical calculation based on your specific income and number of children?
