Child Support

Child Support Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, the State has a specific formula for calculating child support payments.

Changes Can Affect Current Payments

Georgia child support laws changed significantly in 2024 and 2026. These changes can be applied retroactively to modify existing child support terms in a divorce settlement. The new laws still consider the same factors but calculating payments now applies these factors differently.

To learn more about these changes, and how they may affect you, contact a top divorce lawyer in Cherokee County GA.

Do you need help with child support issues? Contact us online to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION. Child support is not an issue to take lightly. Child support laws changed in 2026 and you may benefit from a child support modification. Having problems receiving child support payments? we can help you with child support enforcement actions.

Calculating Child Support in 2026

In Georgia, child support is calculated in a manner that considers the income of and the amount of parenting time of both parents. This results in child support payments that are far more fair than most states. As of January 1, 2026, child support laws in Georgia are dramatically different than in past years.

The parents' combined gross income is used to determine the percentage of the required child support amount that each parent is to cover. A key provision in the new child support laws is payments being factored by the amount of parenting time provided by each parent.

You can visit the Child Support Services website to use the Free Child Support Calculator Tool to get an approximation of potential child support payments.

Every Situation is Different

Georgia child support guidelines do not guarantee a specific outcome. Your circumstances, and the skills of your divorce lawyer, greatly affect the court's decisions. Consult with a lawyer to get a realistic assessment of potential child support payments.

Child Support Payments

The court will render a decision regarding the amount of any child support payments to be made. Typically these payments are made monthly via check or direct transfer from one bank account to another. Any person who is habitually negligent in making child support payments may have their wages garnished, tax refunds held or have other actions taken to recover past due amounts or ensure timely payments.

Changing Child Support Payments

In order to change the amounts that are being paid for child support you will need to file for a Divorce Modification which starts a formal legal process to ask the court to consider specific changes to the financial picture of the spouse(s) with regard to amending the payments to be equitable according to current conditions. A modification can be filed to raise or lower child support payments.