Georgia calculates child support using an income shares model, but the worksheet leaves more room for argument than most people expect.
How support is calculated
Both parents' gross incomes are combined to find a basic obligation, which is then apportioned. Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare are added, and parenting time can affect the result.
Imputed income
When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a court may impute income based on earning capacity rather than actual earnings. Proving or rebutting this is frequently the central fight.
Deviations
The worksheet figure can be adjusted for extraordinary educational or medical expenses, travel costs for parenting time, and other statutory grounds. Deviations must be justified in writing.
Enforcement and modification
Support can be enforced through wage garnishment and contempt proceedings, and modified when incomes or circumstances change materially.
Common questions
Can we agree to no child support?
Courts are reluctant to approve agreements that waive support entirely, because the right belongs to the child rather than the parents.
Does a new spouse's income count?
Generally not directly, though it can be relevant in limited circumstances.
When does support end?
Usually at eighteen, or upon graduation from secondary school, subject to statutory limits.