Georgia’s child support system underwent a massive shift on January 1, 2026. Senate Bill 454 changed how the state calculates monthly payments for families. These updates aim to make support more predictable and fair for every parent and child involved.
Counting overnights matters more than ever
One of the biggest changes is the mandatory parenting time adjustment. Previously, judges had the choice to lower support if a parent spent more time with the child. Now, the updated child support law requires a credit if a parent has at least 90 overnights per year. In other words:
- Parents with 90 to 130 overnights typically see a 10 percent reduction in their base obligation.
- Those with 131 to 165 overnights may see a 15 percent reduction.
- Parents with 166 or more overnights could qualify for a reduction of 20 percent or more.
These specific tiers help remove the guesswork from the legal process for families across the state.
Higher income caps and low-income shields
The new rules also change how the state treats different income levels. The combined monthly income limit on the support table grew from $30,000 to $40,000. This provides a clear standard for high-earning households that did not exist before.
At the same time, the law now protects parents with very low wages through a self-support reserve. This reserve ensures that parents can still afford their own basic needs while meeting their legal obligations.
Updating your current support order
These changes do not happen on their own for existing cases. If you have an order from before 2026, you must file a formal request for a modification to use the new formula. A court will generally look for a change of at least $25 or 15 percent to grant the request. Taking this step is the only way to align an old order with the current state standards. It is a big change.
Legal changes can be complicated and have an impact on individuals they may not anticipate, so legal guidance in these matters is crucial. Ensuring your child support order is accurate allows you to focus on the well-being of your children.