Georgia’s income shares model

The income shares model is designed so that children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents were still together. Georgia starts by combining both parents’ gross incomes, then uses the state’s child support guidelines schedule to determine the total amount needed to support the children.

Each parent is then assigned a percentage of that total based on their share of the combined income. This method aims to create a fair, predictable distribution of financial responsibility.

Step-by-step calculation process

Georgia courts follow a specific sequence when calculating child support. Each step builds on the previous one to arrive at the final support amount.

Step 1: Determine gross income

Gross income includes most income sources before taxes or deductions, such as:

Courts will also consider income potential if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Step 2: Calculate the combined adjusted income

Both parents’ gross incomes are added together. Adjustments are made for pre-existing child support orders or alimony paid to another household. Each parent is then assigned a percentage based on how much of the combined income they earn.

Step 3: Find Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO)

Using Georgia’s Child Support Guidelines table, the court:

This BCSO represents the minimum amount needed to support the children.

Step 4: Add additional expenses

Certain costs are added to the BCSO, including:

These added expenses help reflect the real cost of caring for the children.

Step 5: Calculate each parent’s share

The total support amount is multiplied by each parent’s income percentage. The custodial parent’s portion is assumed to be spent directly on the children. The non-custodial parent pays their calculated share to the custodial parent.

Step 6: Parenting time adjustment

After each parent’s share of the Basic Child Support Obligation is calculated, the court enters the number of court-ordered days for each parent. The formula reduces the non-custodial parent’s payment when they have higher parenting time, reflecting the costs they cover directly. The adjustment is added into the state worksheet and online calculator.

Factors affecting child support amount

Several key variables can affect how much child support is ordered in Georgia.

Number of children

The more children involved, the higher the BCSO. Georgia’s guidelines provide amounts for one child up to six or more, with each additional child increasing the total support needed.

Income levels

Income is the biggest factor in determining support. Higher combined income leads to a higher BCSO. For low-income parents, Georgia includes a self-support reserve to ensure the paying parent can still meet basic living needs.

Healthcare and childcare costs

Child support is adjusted to include:

These expenses are divided between the parents based on their income percentages.

Special needs

If a child has extraordinary medical, educational, or developmental needs, the court may increase support. These adjustments can be made through documented deviations.

Deviations from guidelines

Although Georgia follows a structured calculation process, courts can order a different amount when special circumstances justify it. A deviation may increase or decrease the final child support amount, but the court must provide a written explanation for why the deviation is in the child’s best interests.

Common reasons for deviation include:

Deviations are not automatic. Judges make these decisions case by case.

Modifying child support

Even after an order is entered, child support can be changed when circumstances shift.

Grounds for modification

A parent may request a modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

These changes must have occurred after the original order or the last modification.

Modification process

To modify child support, a parent may:

A modification is not automatic. The court must approve the change before it becomes enforceable.

Conclusion

Georgia calculates child support using the income shares model, which combines both parents’ gross incomes and assigns each parent a percentage based on their share of the total. The Basic Child Support Obligation is taken from the state guidelines table, with adjustments for healthcare, childcare, extraordinary expenses, and parenting time. Courts can deviate from the guidelines when justified, and child support can be modified when circumstances change.

Understanding how this process works can help you anticipate what support may look like and prepare for discussions or court proceedings. Whether you are establishing child support for the first time or seeking a modification, knowing how Georgia applies these guidelines helps you navigate the process with more confidence.