Child Support Calculation
Calculating Child Support in a Georgia Uncontested Divorce
In Georgia uncontested divorce cases involving children, child support is often the most carefully reviewed—and sometimes the most misunderstood—issue. While every family’s circumstances are different, calculating child support in Georgia follows a structured, legally required method using the Georgia Child Support Worksheet.
Georgia’s Child Support Calculator: Use the Updated Version
As of July 1, 2024, the Georgia General Assembly implemented changes to the state’s child support calculator. If you’re using an outdated tool or a non-official website, your numbers may be incorrect.
Important: Always use the official Georgia child support calculator, which you can find on the #Georgia Child Support Commission# website.
Georgia Uses the “Income Shares” Model
Many people mistakenly believe child support is based solely on the non-custodial parent’s income. That’s no longer the case.
Georgia uses the income shares model, which calculates child support based on the combined gross income of both parents. The goal is to approximate what the parents would have spent on their children if they were still living together.
Step-by-Step: How Child Support Is Calculated
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Determine Each Parent’s Gross Income
This includes wages, salary, overtime, bonuses, commissions, retirement income, Social Security disability, unemployment, worker’s comp, and more. Almost all sources of income must be counted. -
Calculate Combined Monthly Income
Add both parents’ gross monthly incomes to determine the total household income for child support purposes. -
Use Georgia’s Basic Obligation Table
This table (available inside the official worksheet) gives a base child support amount based on the number of children and combined income. -
Allocate the Obligation Based on Income Share
Each parent’s share of the total income determines their share of the support. For example:Example:
Father earns $6,000/month
Mother earns $4,000/month
Combined = $10,000/month
Basic child support obligation (per Georgia’s table) = $1,259
Father’s share = 60% → $755.40 -
Adjustments and Deviations
The final amount can be adjusted for health insurance (for the children only), work-related childcare, and other agreed factors. These are called deviations.
What Is a Deviation?
A deviation is a legal adjustment (increase or decrease) from the presumptive child support amount. In uncontested divorces, parents sometimes agree to deviate from the calculated figure—but an agreement alone is not enough.
Georgia law requires a valid legal justification for any deviation. Judges will only approve deviations that fall under permitted reasons—such as parenting time, extraordinary medical costs, insurance, or travel-related expenses.
Even in an uncontested divorce, the court will closely examine any proposed deviation. If it’s not properly explained and supported by the worksheet, the judge may reject it and delay or deny approval of the divorce.
The Role of the Child Support Worksheet
Georgia courts require the use of the official child support worksheet—not a generic calculator found online. The worksheet accounts for all required factors and produces a support figure the court will accept.
You can access the worksheet on the #Georgia Child Support Commission website#. In some cases, multiple worksheets are required (e.g., when support is owed for children from different relationships).
Required: The completed worksheet must be filed as part of the Final Decree of Divorce.
Can You Waive Child Support in Georgia?
No. Georgia law does not permit a total waiver of child support. Even if both parents agree, the court cannot approve a divorce without appropriate child support arrangements in place.
That said, parents may agree to a different support amount than the default number—but only if it is legally justified and properly documented. The judge must be satisfied that the amount is appropriate and in the best interest of the child(ren).
How We Help Our Clients
When we handle an uncontested divorce involving children, we:
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Calculate child support using the official Georgia worksheet
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Review income and allowable expenses
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Identify and document any permitted deviations
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Finalize a compliant agreement that meets legal standards
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Submit all required paperwork to the court
As part of your initial conference, we’ll ask for:
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Each parent’s gross monthly income
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Who will provide health insurance for the child(ren)
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The monthly cost of that coverage (for the child only)
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Any work-related childcare expenses
Once we’ve entered this into the worksheet, we walk you through the results, review any deviations, and document everything properly for court approval.
Bottom Line: Don’t Guess—Get It Right
Child support in a Georgia uncontested divorce must be calculated correctly—and legally. Even if both spouses agree on a support amount, the court will not approve your divorce unless the child support arrangement complies with Georgia law.
By working with an experienced Georgia divorce attorney, you’ll ensure that:
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Child support is calculated correctly
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Any deviations are legally justified and approved
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Your divorce is granted without unnecessary delay or rework
Ready to Get Started?
We help clients across Georgia file uncontested divorces with children. To begin, complete our #Client Inquiry Form#.
If you have questions about child support, the worksheet, or deviations in an uncontested divorce, we’re here to help. Let’s get it done right.