Changes to Georgia's Child Support Guidelines
In May 2024, significant updates to Georgia's
Child Support Guidelines were enacted into Georgia law with the signing of SB
454 by Governor Brian Kemp. This marks the first major revision to the Child
Support Guidelines since 2007, introducing crucial changes which affect both
parents and children.
The revised Basic Child Support Obligation
(BCSO) table reflects inflation and the rising costs of raising children, now
accommodating income levels up to $40,000 a month. This expansion allows for a
more accurate assessment of child support based on current economic realities,
ensuring that both parents contribute fairly to their children's upbringing.
Another notable change is the consideration
of Department of Veteran's Affairs benefits in child support calculations for
disabled veterans. This adjustment reduces their financial obligations,
ensuring that veterans can better support their families while managing their
own needs.
In January of 2026, a new low-income adjustment table will go into effect to provide relief for parents with limited incomes. Parents earning between $1,550 and $3,950 monthly will benefit from reduced child support obligations, helping to ease financial burdens during challenging times.
What to Expect for the Parenting Time Adjustment
The most significant change to the Child
Support Guidelines is the mandatory parenting time adjustment, which will take
effect on January 1, 2026. This adjustment will calculate support based on how
much time a child spends with each parent.
The current child support rules for parenting
time will remain in place until January 2026. However, some family law attorneys advocate
for the use of this formula in current cases to avoid parties returning to court
for future child support modifications. Currently, accounting for parenting
time in calculating a parent's child support obligation would involve an optional child support deviation at
the sole discretion of the judge, until it becomes a mandatory adjustment
and part of the Child Support Worksheet
in January 2026.
To assist those
individuals interested in calculating the Parenting Time Adjustment before the
updated Child Support Worksheet goes live on the Georgia Child Support
Commission website in 2026, the Georgia Child Support Commission website offers
a Parenting Time Formula Tool. The Parenting Time Formula Tool automates the steps of the parenting
time adjustment formula, allowing users to determine future parenting time
adjustments or calculate a proposed parenting time deviation amount.
The
Georgia Child Support Commission website also provides an explanatory video
featuring legal experts who explain background information and instructions on how to use the Parenting Time
Formula Tool. As the changes to the Child Support Guidelines unfold, staying
informed will be crucial for parents navigating the child support landscape in
Georgia.