Georgia’s New Parenting Time Adjustment: What Parents Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2026, Georgia’s child support calculations will undergo a significant change with the introduction of a new parenting time adjustment. While the adjustment is not formally required until 2026, many Georgia courts have already begun considering it as a deviation in child support determinations. This change represents a major shift in how child support is calculated in the state and could have substantial implications for parents navigating custody and support arrangements.
Current Child Support Model: The “Intact Household” Assumption
Under Georgia’s existing child support statute, the base child support amount is derived from a formula that assumes the cost of raising children in an “intact” household—meaning, a household in which both parents reside together with the children. This calculation method operates under the premise that both parents contribute to child-rearing expenses as if they were still living in the same home.
The current model assumes that all primary costs, such as housing, utilities, food, and transportation, are centralized in a single household. It does not account for the fact that, in reality, the non-custodial parent typically incurs their own expenses when caring for the children during visitation or custody periods. This approach can often lead to inequitable results, particularly when the non-custodial parent spends a significant amount of time with the children.
The New Parenting Time Adjustment: Accounting for Non-Intact Households
The upcoming parenting time adjustment is designed to address these discrepancies. It acknowledges that the cost of raising children in non-intact households is often higher because certain expenses are duplicated between the two homes, but that the non-custodial parent may also bear a significant portion of those costs apart from their direct child support obligation. For example, both parents must maintain adequate housing, provide food, and cover transportation costs when the children are with them.
The adjustment aims to better reflect the reality of child-rearing expenses in shared parenting arrangements, particularly as more equal custody sharing arrangements become more popular. Under the new system, the child support worksheet will include a dedicated field for the amount of parenting time each parent has under the plan, which will adjust the base child support amount to account for the costs the non-custodial parent incurs when the children are in their care. The adjustment can reduce the non-custodial parent’s child support obligation proportionally based on the amount of time they spend with the children, as well as the associated expenses.
Implementation Before 2026
Although the adjustment will not be formally required until January 1, 2026, many Georgia judges have begun using it as a deviation in current child support determinations. Indeed, the Georgia Child Support Commission has published a tool on their website to help calculate the deviation before its formal implementation on the child support worksheet. This means that if you are involved in a child support case right now, your support obligation could be adjusted based on the amount of parenting time you have, even before the new worksheet becomes mandatory.
If you have a shared custody arrangement or substantial visitation time, you may be able to argue for a reduced support amount due to the costs associated with your parenting time. It’s important to be aware that courts may use the parenting time adjustment as a factor in reaching an equitable support amount under the current deviation rules. That said, until the change takes formal effect in 2026, its implementation as a deviation before then is entirely within the discretion of the trial court judge.
Preparing for the Change
If you anticipate a child support hearing or modification request before 2026, it is essential to gather evidence that demonstrates your parenting time and related expenses. Consider providing:
A parenting plan that outlines your regular schedule, including any additional visitation or holidays.
A log of actual parenting time, detailing the time you spend with the children, especially if it exceeds the terms of the formal parenting plan.
Receipts or records of expenses incurred during your parenting time, such as food, entertainment, extracurricular activities, and transportation costs.
Having these records can strengthen your case for a deviation based on parenting time, even before the official implementation of the adjustment in 2026.
Key Takeaways for Parents
Current child support calculations are based on an "intact household" assumption, which assumes that all costs are shared in a single home. The new adjustment acknowledges the reality of non-intact households, where expenses are more evenly spread across two homes.
The parenting time adjustment formally starts in 2026, but some judges are already applying it as a deviation.
Gather detailed records of your parenting time and associated expenses to make the strongest case for a deviation in your current support amount.
Seek legal advice to understand how the new adjustment might affect your case, both now and in the future.
At Resurgens Legal Counsel, we are committed to staying ahead of these changes to provide our clients with timely, accurate guidance. If you have questions about how the new parenting time adjustment could affect your support obligation or need assistance with a modification request, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Schedule a consultation today by calling (770) 765-7550 or directly through our website.