2025 Georgia Child Support Law Changes: What Recipients and Payees Need to Know

Changes Impacting Child Support Recipients (Custodial Parents)

Updated Child Support Guidelines: Higher Payments for Some

Georgia has revised its Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) table, which directly affects how much support custodial parents can receive. The new BCSO guidelines account for updated cost-of-living factors and may result in higher payments, particularly for those with higher combined parental incomes. Recipients should review the updated BCSO table to understand how these changes could impact their case.

Low-Income Payees: How This May Affect Your Support Payments

One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a Low-Income Adjustment Table that aims to balance the financial responsibilities for payees with limited income. For custodial parents, this adjustment may mean changes in the support amount received, as the system now considers the payee’s ability to pay more comprehensively. This update provides more equitable outcomes but could reduce payments in some cases.

Parenting Time Adjustments: A Potential Reduction in Support Coming in the Future

Starting in 2026, Georgia will implement mandatory parenting time adjustments. This new provision will calculate child support based on the amount of parenting time each parent has with the child. For custodial parents, this means that if the noncustodial parent increases their parenting time, it could result in a reduction of child support payments. Understanding how parenting time schedules impact support calculations will be essential for recipients moving forward.

To stay informed and ensure your child support arrangements comply with these updates, consult with an experienced family law attorney . At FBA Law, we are here to guide you through the complexities of Georgia’s child support laws and advocate for your rights.

Updates Affecting Child Support Payees (Noncustodial Parents)

Income Adjustments for Low-Income Parents

Recent changes to Georgia’s child support laws introduce a new Low-Income Adjustment Table, aimed at making support obligations more manageable for parents with limited financial resources. Under the revised guidelines, parents earning between $1,550.00 and $3,950.00 per month ($18,600.00 – $47,400.00 annually) could receive adjustments to their child support calculations.*

These adjustments ensure that parents with lower incomes are not burdened with child support payments that could push them into financial instability. Instead, obligations will now better reflect a payee’s ability to contribute while still prioritizing the child’s best interests. Courts will now take a more nuanced approach to calculating payments, ensuring that noncustodial parents can still afford essential living expenses while meeting their responsibilities.

Parenting Time and Support Adjustments

A major shift in Georgia’s child support calculations is the mandatory parenting time adjustment, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Previously, courts had discretion when factoring in how much time a noncustodial parent spent with their child. Under the new law, parenting time must be considered in all child support determinations. Some Courts are already moving towards implementing this adjustment prior to the mandatory implementation date.

This means that noncustodial parents who have significant or nearly equal parenting time under a shared custody arrangement may see a reduction in their support obligations. The law recognizes that active parenting time comes with financial contributions, such as housing, food, transportation, and other child-related expenses.

Key Takeaways

• Low-income parents earning between $1,550.00 and $3,950.00 per month will have adjusted support obligations, ensuring fairness and financial stability.
• Starting in 2026, parenting time adjustments will be mandatory, potentially reducing payments for noncustodial parents who have significant custody time.
• These changes create a more balanced child support system, recognizing both financial realities and the contributions of involved parents.

Preparing for the Changes in 2025 and Beyond

As new Georgia child support  laws take effect, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand their rights and responsibilities. Consulting a family law attorney can provide clarity and guidance, ensuring you’re fully prepared for these changes. At FBA Law Firm, we’re here to help you navigate the new regulations and protect your family’s future with expert legal support.