Navigating child support calculations can be one of the most complex aspects of divorce proceedings. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., our 30+ years of combined experience in Georgia family law helps clients understand how courts determine financial obligations while protecting children’s best interests.
Georgia Child Support Guidelines
Georgia uses an income shares model for child support calculations, designed to approximate the financial support children would receive if parents lived together. The formula considers:
- Both parents’ gross income
- Number of children requiring support
- Parenting time allocation
- Healthcare and childcare costs
- Educational expenses
Key calculation factors include all forms of earnings:
- Wages/salaries
- Bonuses/commissions
- Self-employment income
- Retirement benefits
- Unemployment compensation
Gross vs. Net Income: Which Determines Payments?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is child support based on gross or net income?”. Georgia law requires using gross income before taxes and deductions. This approach ensures consistency, as net income can vary significantly based on:
- Tax filing status
- Voluntary deductions
- Benefits packages
- Retirement contributions
However, courts may consider mandatory deductions like:
- Existing child support orders
- Health insurance premiums
- Certain retirement plan contributions
The Georgia Child Support Formula Breakdown
Georgia’s child support formula follows these steps:
- Combine parental incomes: Add both parents’ gross monthly incomes
- Determine basic obligation: Use state schedule based on combined income and number of children
- Allocate percentages: Calculate each parent’s share of total income
- Adjust for parenting time: Credit for overnight stays exceeding 30% annually
- Add extraordinary expenses: Healthcare, education, childcare costs
Example Calculation
| Parent | Gross Monthly Income | Percentage Share |
|---|---|---|
| Mother | $6,000 | 60% |
| Father | $4,000 | 40% |
If basic obligation = $1,500/month:
- Mother pays $1,500 × 40% = $600
- Father pays $1,500 × 60% = $900
Modifying Support Orders
Child support amounts can be modified through Georgia’s legal process when experiencing:
- 15% income change
- Job loss/reduced hours
- Medical emergencies
- Changes in custody arrangements
Our attorneys help clients:
- File modification petitions
- Recalculate support amounts
- Enforce existing orders
- Address arrears issues
Why Legal Guidance Matters
While Georgia provides an online calculator, real-world cases often involve complexities requiring professional analysis:
- Business owners with irregular income
- Parents with multiple jobs
- Special needs children
- Shared custody arrangements
At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we combine special litigation training with advanced financial analysis tools to:
- Protect parental rights
- Ensure fair income verification
- Negotiate medical expense allocations
- Advocate in modification hearings
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is child support recalculated in Georgia?
Orders remain fixed unless parents demonstrate substantial change in circumstances. We recommend reviewing payments every 3 years or after major life events.
Why use gross income instead of net?
Gross income calculations prevent manipulation through voluntary deductions and create uniform standards across cases. This approach aligns with federal child support guidelines.
Can shared custody reduce payments?
Yes. Georgia offers parenting time credits when children spend more than 30% of overnights with the non-custodial parent. Our attorneys help document custody schedules accurately.
Are college expenses included?
Georgia courts cannot require college funding through child support. However, parents can voluntarily include educational costs in agreements.
How are self-employed parents assessed?
Courts examine business tax returns, profit/loss statements, and industry benchmarks. We work with forensic accountants to ensure accurate income reporting.
For personalized guidance on your child support case, contact Hobson & Hobson, P.C. at (770) 284-6153. With five metro Atlanta locations, our family law team provides compassionate yet aggressive advocacy to protect your children’s future.
Additional Resources
- Georgia Child Support Commission
- Custody & Support Modification Forms
- Parenting Time Guidelines
- Healthcare Cost Estimator
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.
