Major Changes to Child Support Calculations Effective July 1, 2024

Understanding Georgia Senate Bill 454: Major Changes to Child Support Effective July 1, 2024

On July 1, 2024, Georgia will implement significant changes to its child support calculations through Senate Bill 454. This bill updates the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) Table for the first time since its creation in 2006, bringing much-needed modernization to the state's child support system.

The New Basic Child Support Obligation Table

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the new BCSO Table. This update, which can be found within SB 454, allows practitioners to determine the new BCSO amounts ahead of the activation of the updated child support calculator on July 1, 2024. These new amounts are based on recommendations from an economist who conducted Georgia's 2022 Economic Study, ensuring that the values are both current and relevant.

Key Updates

The updated BCSO Table features several critical changes:

Increased Income Bracket: The vertical axis, representing parents' combined gross monthly income, will now extend up to $40,000, compared to the previous cap of $30,000. This change means cases where the parents' combined adjusted gross monthly income exceeds $40,000 are eligible for a high-income deviation.

Accuracy and Usability: To avoid errors, individuals must stop using the old Excel version of the child support calculator as of July 1, 2024, since it will no longer produce accurate amounts. Instead, the new child support worksheet will feature a field indicating its creation date, ensuring users can easily verify they are using the updated figures.

Implementation and Transition

The transition to the new BCSO Table is designed to be seamless. Any child support worksheets created on or after July 1, 2024, will automatically incorporate the updated BCSO amounts. Worksheets created prior to this date will continue to reflect the previous BCSO table amounts.

Implications for Practitioners and Parents

For legal practitioners and parents alike, understanding these changes is crucial. The new BCSO Table not only reflects more accurate economic conditions but also provides a clearer structure for high-income cases. By adhering to the updated guidelines, practitioners can ensure fair and consistent child support calculations.

In summary, Georgia Senate Bill 454 brings significant and necessary updates to Georgia's child support system, making calculations more reflective of current economic realities and providing a robust framework for high-income deviations. As these changes take effect on July 1, 2024, both legal professionals and parents should familiarize themselves with the new BCSO Table to ensure compliance and accuracy in child support matters.