Marietta Child Support Lawyer
Child support should be fair and accurate. We make sure the numbers reflect reality — and we help you establish, modify, or enforce support the right way.
How child support is calculated in Georgia
Georgia follows an 'income shares' model under the state's Child Support Guidelines. Both parents' gross incomes and the number of children go into a Child Support Worksheet that produces a presumptive amount, which a judge can adjust up or down for specific circumstances. Small errors in the worksheet can mean big differences over the years — we make sure your numbers are right.
What counts as income — and what adjusts the number
Income includes wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment earnings. The amount is then adjusted for things like health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, extraordinary medical expenses, parenting-time arrangements, and significant travel costs.
When child support ends
Support generally continues until the child turns 18 — but if the child is still in high school, it can continue until graduation, up to age 20. It can also end earlier on the child's marriage, emancipation, military service, or death.
Modifying child support
In most cases you can't ask to modify support until two years after the last order, though exceptions exist (for example, an involuntary loss of income). You'll need to show a substantial change in either parent's finances or in the child's needs. We handle the petition and the worksheet.
Enforcing unpaid support
When payments stop, Georgia's Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) can enforce the order through wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, and suspending licenses — and contempt of court is also available. We help custodial parents collect what their children are owed.
Questions & answers
Child Support: common questions
How is child support calculated in Georgia?
Georgia uses an income-shares model: both parents' gross incomes and the number of children feed a Child Support Worksheet that sets a presumptive amount, adjusted for expenses like health insurance and childcare.
When does child support end in Georgia?
Generally at 18, but it continues while the child is still in high school (up to age 20). It can also end earlier on marriage, emancipation, military service, or death.
Can I change my child support amount in Georgia?
Usually only two years after the last order — with some exceptions — and you must show a substantial change in a parent's finances or the child's needs.
What happens if the other parent stops paying child support?
Georgia's Division of Child Support Services can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, and suspend licenses, and you can also pursue contempt of court.
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