Mandatory Deviations to Child Support in Atlanta, GA
Like most states, Georgia determines child support based on a formula. The formula considers each parent’s income and the number of children they are supporting to arrive at a suggested payment.
However, the amount of child support ordered depends on other factors. Mandatory deviations in child support in Atlanta, GA can change the support obligation.
Consult a family law attorney when you have questions about child support. They can explain whether a mandatory or discretionary deviation might apply in your specific case and, if so, how it would impact the payment.
Completing the Child Support Worksheet
The Georgia family courts publish a child support calculator to help parents determine how much child support they will owe. The online worksheet and attachments are available here.
The worksheet considers the relative incomes of the parents, the number of children they are supporting, and other factors when determining how much financial support each parent must provide their children. The Official Code of Georgia §19-6-15(h)(2)(A) requires parents to make two adjustments to the calculations, when appropriate.
Health Insurance Premiums
Parents often pay for health insurance for their children through their employer. Usually, employer-sponsored health insurance is paid through a payroll deduction. A parent gets a credit for the amount they pay that goes toward paying for health insurance for their children.
Self-employed parents and those who do not receive health insurance through their employers also can adjust the amount they pay for their children’s health insurance premiums. Usually, the cost of these premiums is divided between the parents on a pro-rata basis. In other words, a parent who earns 60 percent of the couple’s income would pay 60 percent of the premiums.
Work Related Childcare Costs
When parents must pay for care for their children so they can work, attend school, or undergo vocational training, the expense is considered when calculating child support. Only the money the parents actually pay is counted, so the adjustment will be less if the parent receives subsidized care or if a relative is providing care without cost.
Childcare costs are usually included as an adjustment on the Child Support Worksheet. However, when childcare costs are variable, parents can arrange to share costs without including it on the worksheet. Each parent would pay a pro-rata share of the cost, and the obligation is enforceable.
Before finalizing a child support order, a judge will review the parents’ worksheet, including adjustments. If the judge feels the child support cost is not appropriate to the parent’s income level, the judge could disallow the adjustment or revise it. It is always wise to have an Atlanta family attorney review the Child Support Worksheet to identify and revise any potential red flags when determining mandatory deviations.
New Mandatory Deviations
Traditionally, parents could ask a family court judge to deviate from the child support guidelines for other reasons. A recent change in the law that goes into effect on July 1, 2026, will make two common discretionary deviations mandatory. Parents who believe these changes might impact their child support obligation or mandatory deviations should discuss their circumstances with an Atlanta attorney.
The new law makes a parenting time adjustment mandatory. The amount of time the children spend with each parent will be factored into the child support calculation. This could mean a lower child support payment when the parents spend roughly equal time with the children, or a potentially higher payment if one parent has sole physical custody.
The new law also introduces a mandatory adjustment for low-income parents. Until the provision takes effect in 2026, a low-income parent must request the court to reduce the child support obligation. After July 1, 2026, a low-income adjustment will be incorporated into the child support worksheet.
Talk to A Family Law Attorney About Mandatory Deviations to Child Support
Using a formula to determine child support is meant to make the system fair and ensure all children receive a basic level of support. However, the system is not one-size-fits-all. There are mandatory deviations to child support in Atlanta, GA, and they can significantly impact a parent’s child support payment.
Our firm has considerable expertise in helping parents negotiate child support issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.
