Georgia’s 2026 Child Support Changes: What Parents Need to Know

FAYETTEVILLE, Georgia — Lunn Law LLC, a Georgia-based law firm focused on family law, estate planning, and probate matters, is helping parents understand changes to Georgia’s child support guidelines that took effect on January 1, 2026. The updated framework introduces a parenting-time adjustment, a low-income adjustment, and revised child support worksheets that may affect how support is calculated in new divorce, custody, and modification cases.

For parents who pay or receive child support, these changes may raise questions about monthly payments, parenting schedules, and whether an existing support order should be reviewed. The new formula accounts for court-ordered parenting time, including the number of overnights a parent has with a child. However, the adjustment does not guarantee that a parent’s support obligation will decrease. The final calculation depends on several factors, including each parent’s income and the applicable guidelines.

“Changes to child support guidelines can leave parents wondering what their financial responsibilities will look like moving forward,” said Tiffany Lunn-White, Managing Attorney at Lunn Law LLC. “Understanding how the updated formula applies to your family is an important step toward making informed decisions. Every family’s circumstances are different, and parents should take the time to understand their options before making changes to their existing arrangements.”

Parents should also understand that the new guidelines do not automatically change existing child support orders. A parent who believes their current order no longer reflects their circumstances may need to pursue a formal modification through the appropriate legal process. Until a court approves a change, parents should continue following the terms of their existing orders.

The 2026 changes put specific numbers behind two areas of Georgia child support calculations. The new Parenting Time Adjustment measures court-ordered parenting time using an annual average of parenting days and applies a formula using each parent’s number of days raised to the 2.5 power. The new Low-Income Adjustment applies a statutory table beginning at $1,500 or less in monthly adjusted gross income, with percentages ranging from 19% for one child to 28% for six children, and the table extends to as high as $3,950 in monthly adjusted gross income depending on the number of children. Georgia’s official child support calculator was updated to Version 2.1 on January 2, 2026, to incorporate both adjustments.

Before seeking a modification, parents may benefit from gathering financial records, reviewing their current child support order, and confirming the parenting schedule established by the court. Income, parenting time, and other relevant expenses can all affect the calculation. Georgia’s official child support calculator, maintained by the Georgia Child Support Commission, can help parents and legal professionals estimate a presumptive support amount using the updated guidelines.

Lunn Law LLC works with individuals and families throughout Metro Atlanta, helping clients navigate family law matters with personalized guidance and a focus on practical solutions. The firm encourages parents with questions about the 2026 child support changes to seek reliable information and understand how the updated guidelines may apply to their individual circumstances.

About Lunn Law LLC

Lunn Law LLC is a Georgia-based legal practice dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate important life transitions with experienced, compassionate advocacy. The firm represents clients throughout Metro Atlanta in a broad range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and related issues, as well as estate planning and probate services. Led by Managing Attorney Tiffany Lunn-White, the team combines decades of legal experience with a client-centered approach focused on clarity, strategy, and seeking strong case resolutions. Lunn Law is known for its personalized service, thoughtful communication, and commitment to protecting what matters most for each client.