Attorney Ned Ogueri
Georgia Child Support Lawyer
Child support in Georgia is calculated under a statutory formula, but the inputs, adjustments and deviations often decide the outcome. Attorney Ned Ogueri, a child support lawyer in Norcross serving Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta, helps parents establish, review and modify child support orders.
How is child support calculated in Georgia?
Georgia uses an income shares formula. The court adds both parents’ gross monthly incomes, finds the basic support amount for that income and number of children on the state schedule, and divides it by each parent’s share of income. Health insurance, work-related child care and, since January 1, 2026, a parenting time adjustment are then applied.
Until what age is child support paid in Georgia?
Generally until the child turns 18. If the child is still enrolled in and attending high school at 18, the court may order support to continue while the child finishes, but not past age 20.
How Georgia calculates child support
Georgia uses an income shares model under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15. The court combines both parents’ gross incomes, finds the basic child support obligation for that income and number of children, and divides it in proportion to each parent’s share of combined income. Health insurance premiums for the child and work-related child care costs are then added and allocated. The Georgia Child Support Commission publishes the official online calculator and worksheet.
Parenting time now affects the calculation
Effective January 1, 2026, Georgia’s child support statute includes a parenting time adjustment that applies when an order includes court-ordered parenting time. Before this change, parenting time was handled as an optional deviation. Because the number of overnights can now change the calculated amount, the parenting plan and the support calculation should be prepared together.
Deviations
The court may deviate from the presumptive amount when the evidence shows the guideline result would be unjust or inappropriate, for example because of extraordinary expenses or special needs. A deviation must be supported by findings, so documentation matters.
How long support lasts
Support generally continues until the child turns 18. Georgia law allows support to continue until age 20 if the child is still enrolled in and attending secondary school.
Modifying a support order
A parent may seek modification when there has been a substantial change in either parent’s income and financial status or in the child’s needs. Georgia limits how often a modification petition may be filed, with certain exceptions, so the timing of a request matters.
Information to gather
- Recent pay stubs, tax returns and W-2 or 1099 forms for both parents if available
- The child’s health insurance cost and child care expenses
- Any existing support order and payment history
- The current or proposed parenting-time schedule
Related guides: Georgia child custody and parenting plans | Georgia divorce FAQ.
Learn more about Gwinnett County divorce and family law lawyer, or call (770) 840-9098 to request a consultation with Attorney Ned Ogueri.
This page provides general information about Georgia law. It is not legal advice for your situation, and contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.