Understanding Georgia’s Income‐Shares Child SupportFormula

Georgia uses a system called the “income-shares model” to determine child support—
but what does that mean in practical terms for parents?

Whether you’re paying or receiving support, understanding how this formula works can
help you set realistic expectations, avoid confusion, and ensure your child receives fair
financial support.

What Is the Income-Shares Model?

The income-shares model is based on the idea that both parents should contribute to
the financial support of their child—just as they would have if the family remained
together.

It considers the combined income of both parents to determine a base support amount,
which is then divided proportionally based on each parent’s earnings.

Step-by-Step: How It Works in Georgia

1. Add both parents’ gross monthly incomes.
   • This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources like rental income or benefits.
2. Find the base support obligation using Georgia’s official child support table.
   • This table estimates how much a child needs each month based on combined income and number of children.
3. Divide the support obligation proportionally between the parents.
   • Example: If one parent earns 70% of the combined income, they’ll be responsible for 70% of the support amount.
4. Adjust for health insurance, daycare, and extraordinary expenses.
   • These “add-ons” are included in the calculation and split between the parents.
5. Consider parenting time.
   • If one parent has significantly more parenting time, they’re often the one who directly provides the support, while the other parent pays the calculated amount.

Key Terms to Know

• Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO): The starting figure from the support table before adjustments.
• Deviation: Adjustments a judge can make to the standard amount—based on parenting time, travel costs, private school, or special needs.
• Worksheet: The official Georgia form where all these figures are entered and calculated.

When to Consider a Modification

You may be eligible to modify your child support order if:

• One parent’s income has significantly changed
• Parenting time has shifted (e.g., to a 50/50 arrangement)
• A child’s needs have changed due to medical, educational, or personal reasons

Georgia allows reviews of support orders every two years, or sooner if there’s a material
change in circumstances.

Need Help Navigating the Math?

Child support calculations can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are involved.
At South Atlanta Family Law, we help parents:

• Understand what they owe or are entitled to
• Advocate for fair adjustments and deviations
• Modify existing orders based on updated income or parenting time

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📞Need help calculating or modifying child support?

Schedule a consultation by calling 404-494-0027 or visiting
www.southatlantafamilylaw.com. Let’s make sure your support plan truly supports your
child—and you.

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