Navigating Recent Child Support and Custody Law Reforms in Georgia
Georgia’s family law landscape is evolving, with reforms reshaping the way child support, custody and financial responsibilities are handled. These changes, already in effect or set to unfold in the coming years, are designed to ensure fairness and clarity – especially for high-net-worth families facing divorce and custody battles. As the state modernizes its approach, understanding how these reforms impact your financial obligations, custody arrangements and long-term planning is critical. These updates are not only about fairness but also about securing your family’s financial future in a more balanced and transparent system.
Support for Dependent Adult Children (Effective July 1, 2024)
Of the reforms that took effect in July 2024, one of the most notable is the extension of child support obligations for dependent adult children. With this change, parents will be required to continue providing financial support for adult children who are unable to support themselves due to physical or mental incapacity if those support obligations began before the child reached the age of majority.
For families with children who have disabilities or other special needs, this reform ensures that parents can continue to provide for their adult children, even after they turn 18. This reflects Georgia’s recognition of the ongoing financial needs of these vulnerable children who may require long-term care and support. Parents should be prepared for the possibility of child support obligations extending into their children’s adulthood if they are unable to live independently.
Updated Child Support Guidelines (Effective July 1, 2024)
Georgia’s child support guidelines were also revised in July 2024 to increase the amount of support across nearly all income levels. The Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) Table has been adjusted to better reflect modern-day living expenses, particularly for higher-income families. The update now includes income ranges for combined monthly incomes of $30,000 to $40,000, which previously required special requests for adjustments.
For higher-income earners, this means that child support obligations will be more in line with actual financial responsibilities in that the revisions provide a more accurate assessment of the costs associated with raising children. Parents in these income brackets should expect to see an increase in child support payments. For lower- and middle-income families, these changes also help create a more structured and equitable framework for child support, providing clarity and consistency in support amounts.
Low Income Child Support Adjustment (Effective January 1, 2026)
A key reform scheduled to take effect in 2026 is the introduction of the low income adjustment for child support calculations. This new provision ensures that parents with limited financial means aren’t unfairly burdened with child support obligations that are not in line with their ability to pay. The reform makes the child support process more accessible for low-income parents, offering them relief from excessive payments without having to navigate expensive or lengthy legal battles.
Adjusting Child Support Based on Parenting Time (Effective January 1, 2026)
Child support calculations will also be adjusted to account for the amount of time each parent has with the child, starting in January 2026. This change is particularly relevant for families with shared custody arrangements. The goal is to create a more accurate and equitable calculation of child support that better reflects the actual time each parent spends caring for the child.
For parents who share custody of their children, this change ensures that child support obligations are more aligned with each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life. If you spend a significant amount of time with your child, this reform will help ensure that your financial contribution is fairly considered, reducing the burden on one parent who may otherwise be paying excessive support.
How These Changes Impact Georgia Families
These recent legal reforms reflect Georgia’s ongoing effort to create a more balanced and equitable family law system. Here’s what families need to keep in mind:
- If you have a dependent adult child with special needs, be aware that your child support obligations may continue beyond the age of 18. This reform provides for long-term care and financial support for vulnerable children who require ongoing assistance.
- Prepare for adjusted child support payments. For higher-income families, the revised guidelines will likely result in an increase. Families should prepare for these changes, especially if their financial situation falls within the newly revised income brackets.
- If you have limited financial means, the low-income adjustment (coming in 2026) will provide relief by reducing your child support obligations, making the process fairer and more manageable.
- Parents with shared custody should prepare for child support adjustments based on the time spent with the child.
Understanding these changes and their implications can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to complex matters like child support, custody and financial obligations. Our experienced team of family law attorneys is here to guide you, ensuring that your rights and your children’s best interests are protected.
about the author
John L. Collar Jr.
Founding Shareholder
John Collar is a founding shareholder at Boyd Collar Nolen Tuggle & Roddenbery. He represents clients in high-net-worth divorce cases and complex custody matters.