JLA Law Group

Child Support in Georgia: Ensure Your Children's Well-Being

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Child support in Georgia is calculated using an income shares model established in O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. This model is based on the premise that both parents should contribute to the child's support in proportion to their respective incomes. The court uses the Georgia Child Support Schedules to determine the basic support amount based on the parents' combined gross income and the number of children.

Once the basic amount is calculated, the court may apply upward or downward deviations based on special factors listed in O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(i). Deviations may be based on the child's extraordinary medical needs, childcare expenses, additional visitation time for the noncustodial parent, and travel costs for visitation. Support orders can be enforced through an income withholding order directed to the paying parent's employer.

Child support may be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(k). A change of twenty percent or more in the amount of the existing order creates a presumption that a substantial change exists. Failure to make payments can result in contempt of court, license suspension, interception of tax refunds, and even arrest under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-28.

Steps You Should Take

1

Consult With Our Attorneys

Call (770) 609-9396 to discuss your child support case. We help you correctly calculate the appropriate amount based on both parties' incomes and the child's expenses.

2

Gather Income Documentation

Prepare your tax returns from the last two years, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and documentation of any additional income.

3

Formal Petition to the Court

Your attorney will file the child support petition in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County. In cases involving unmarried parents, it may first be necessary to establish paternity.

4

Establishment of an Income Withholding Order

Once the support order is issued, we will request an Income Withholding Order so that payments are automatically deducted from the paying parent's wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Georgia?
Georgia uses the income shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. Both parents' gross incomes are added together, then the base amount is found in the Child Support Schedules. That base amount is divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes. Health insurance and childcare costs are added separately.
Can I request child support if we were never married?
Yes. Child support does not depend on marital status. If paternity has been established, whether by voluntary acknowledgment or court order, the father has a legal obligation to pay child support under O.C.G.A. § 19-7-46.
Until what age is child support paid in Georgia?
The obligation generally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but never beyond age 20 under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(e). If the child has a disability that prevents self-sufficiency, the court may order support beyond those ages.
What happens if the paying parent loses their job?
Job loss may constitute a substantial change in circumstances that justifies a modification under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(k). However, the modification is not automatic: it must be formally requested from the court. The obligation to pay continues until the court modifies the order.
Can the government help me collect child support?
Yes. The Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) offers free or low-cost services to locate the parent, establish paternity, obtain support orders, and collect payments. DCSS can garnish wages, suspend licenses, intercept tax refunds, and report to credit bureaus.

Applicable Laws

O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15Child support calculation using the income shares model; permitted deviations; modification of orders.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15(k)Modification of child support orders upon a substantial change in circumstances.
O.C.G.A. § 19-6-28Consequences of failure to pay child support, including contempt and arrest.
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-46Support obligation of the biological father regardless of marital status.

Related Services

Custodia de MenoresDerecho FamiliarPaternidadDerecho FamiliarDivorcioDerecho Familiar

Other Family Law Services

D
Divorce
C
Child Custody
A
Adoption
P
Protective Orders
P
Paternity
N
Name Changes

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