Navigating child custody arrangements is a pivotal aspect of family law, with significant emotional and financial implications. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we combine over 30 years of experience with innovative legal strategies to help Atlanta-area families achieve the best possible outcomes in custody and support matters. Here’s what you need to know about the child custody financial impact in Georgia, and how our client-centric approach can guide you through these complex decisions.

Understanding Child Custody Arrangements in Georgia

Georgia law recognizes two main types of custody:

• Physical Custody: Where the child primarily resides.
• Legal Custody: Who holds the authority to make major decisions for the child.

Both types can be awarded jointly or solely, depending on the unique circumstances of each family. The guiding principle in all custody decisions is the best interest of the child. Courts weigh factors such as parental fitness, stability, and — if the child is 11 or older — the child’s own preference.

Recent Legal Developments

In 2025, the Georgia Supreme Court raised constitutional concerns about the Equitable Caregiver Act, which allows non-parents who have played a significant parental role to seek custody. This underscores the evolving nature of family law and the importance of experienced legal representation to navigate new precedents and protect parental rights.

For more on Georgia custody laws, see the Georgia Legal Aid Custody Guide.

The Financial Impact of Child Custody Arrangements

Child custody decisions directly influence financial obligations, especially child support. In Georgia, the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) table — updated in July 2025 — determines support amounts based on both parents’ combined incomes and the number of children.

Key Financial Considerations

• Updated Child Support Guidelines: The revised BCSO table reflects current economic realities, ensuring support calculations are fair and accurate.
• Low-Income Adjustment: Beginning January 2026, a mandatory adjustment will help ensure support obligations are manageable for lower-income parents.
• Custodial Parent Responsibilities: Custodial parents should review the new guidelines with a legal professional to understand how changes affect their finances.

For detailed information on Georgia’s child support guidelines, visit the Georgia Child Support Commission.

High-Asset and Contentious Cases

High-asset divorces and contentious custody disputes require specialized expertise. These cases often involve:

• Complex Asset Division: Including business valuations and investment tracing.
• Forensic Accounting: To ensure all assets are identified and valued correctly.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Especially when allegations of parental unfitness or attempts to restrict visitation arise.

Our team at Hobson & Hobson is equipped with special litigation training and advanced technology to handle even the most complex scenarios, ensuring both parental rights and financial interests are protected.

How Hobson & Hobson Supports Families

We offer comprehensive legal support across all aspects of custody and financial arrangements:

• Drafting Parenting Plans: A clear, well-structured parenting plan can reduce conflict and provide stability for children.
• Negotiating Financial Settlements: We ensure that all financial aspects, including child support and alimony, are addressed with precision.
• Litigation and Mediation: While we strive for amicable resolutions, we are prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary.

Our approach balances empathy with assertive advocacy, leveraging technology for efficient case management and transparent communication.

Learn more about our services at Hobson & Hobson, P.C..

The Role of Technology in Modern Family Law

Technology is transforming family law practice, making the process more accessible and efficient:

• Secure Digital Platforms: For document management, scheduling, and communication.
• Virtual Hearings: Increasingly common in Georgia courts, reducing delays and improving access.
• Digital Evidence Gathering: Texts, emails, and financial records can be crucial in custody and support disputes.

By integrating these tools, we enhance productivity and ensure our clients have real-time access to their case information.

For more on the impact of technology in law, see the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center.

Unique Considerations for Georgia Families

• Grandparent Rights: Grandparents may seek visitation, but parental rights remain paramount.
• Visitation and Support: Visitation cannot be withheld due to unpaid child support, ensuring children maintain relationships with both parents.
• Nontraditional Families: The evolving legal landscape, including the Equitable Caregiver Act, highlights the need for up-to-date legal guidance.

For more on family law trends, visit FindLaw’s Georgia Family Law Section.

Why Choose Hobson & Hobson?

Our clients benefit from:

• Over 30 years of combined experience in divorce and custody cases.
• Special litigation training for efficient, effective outcomes.
• A focus on protecting parental rights and finances.
• A balanced approach — empathy when possible, aggressive advocacy when needed.
• Five convenient office locations across Atlanta and surrounding areas.

We stay current with evolving family law through ongoing training and the latest technology, ensuring our clients receive the most effective representation possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does child custody affect child support in Georgia?

Child custody arrangements determine which parent is the custodial parent and directly influence child support calculations. The non-custodial parent typically pays support based on the BCSO table, which considers both parents’ incomes and the number of children.

What if my financial situation changes after a custody order?

Georgia law allows for modification of child support and custody orders if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss or increased income. Consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to navigate this process.

Can grandparents or non-parents seek custody or visitation?

Grandparents may petition for visitation, but cannot override parental rights without court approval. Non-parents may seek custody under the Equitable Caregiver Act, but recent court scrutiny means these cases are complex and require skilled legal representation.

How does Hobson & Hobson use technology to help clients?

We utilize secure digital platforms for case management, virtual meetings, and efficient communication, ensuring clients have access to their case information and can participate in hearings remotely when needed.

What should I look for in a family law attorney?

Experience, specialized training, a client-focused approach, and a commitment to ongoing education and technology are key. At Hobson & Hobson, we combine these qualities to provide exceptional service and results.

For personalized guidance on child custody financial impact and related family law matters in Georgia, contact us at Hobson & Hobson, P.C.. We are here to help you make informed decisions and protect your family’s future.

References:

• Georgia Legal Aid Custody Guide
• Georgia Child Support Commission
• American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center
• FindLaw’s Georgia Family Law Section

Sarah Hobson

Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.