Co-Parenting Expense Rules in Georgia (2026)

If you are a divorced or separated co-parent in Georgia, understanding how the state calculates child support and allocates shared expenses can mean the difference between a smooth co-parenting arrangement and years of costly disputes. Georgia uses an income-shares model that considers both parents' earnings when determining support -- a significant departure from the flat percentage-of-income approach the state used before 2007. Here is a comprehensive guide to how Georgia law handles child-related expenses, what each parent is responsible for, and how to navigate the system.

How Georgia Handles Shared Child Expenses

Georgia overhauled its child support framework in 2007 when the legislature replaced the old percentage-of-income model with the income-shares model under OCGA 19-6-15. The prior system calculated support based solely on the noncustodial parent's income -- a method widely criticized for ignoring the custodial parent's financial contribution and producing inconsistent results.

The income-shares model is built on a fundamentally different premise: both parents have a financial obligation to their children, and each parent's share of that obligation is proportional to their income. The model estimates what parents at a given combined income level would typically spend on their children if the household were intact, and then divides that amount between the two parents based on each one's percentage of the total income.

Here is how the process works at a high level:

1. Calculate each parent's gross monthly income -- wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and most other income sources.
2. Combine both incomes to get the total gross monthly income.
3. Look up the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) in the statutory table based on the combined income and number of children.
4. Determine each parent's pro rata share -- if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, Parent A is responsible for 60% of the BCSO.
5. Add mandatory expenses -- health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, and uninsured health care costs -- and divide them proportionally.
6. Apply any applicable deviations -- the court can adjust the final number up or down based on specific circumstances listed in the statute.

This approach produces a more equitable result than the old flat-percentage system because it reflects what the child would have received if both parents lived together and pooled their resources.

What Basic Child Support Covers

The Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) is the starting point for every Georgia child support calculation. It is determined by a table embedded in OCGA 19-6-15 that maps combined parental gross income to a presumptive support amount for one through six children. The table covers combined monthly incomes from $800 to $30,000.

The BCSO Table

The BCSO table is extensive and specific. Here are some representative values for context:

These figures are updated periodically and published within the statute itself. The full table is available in OCGA 19-6-15(o) and through the Georgia Child Support Commission's online resources.

What the BCSO is designed to cover

The Basic Child Support Obligation covers the ordinary, day-to-day costs of raising a child, including:

• Housing (the child's share of rent or mortgage, utilities, and maintenance)
• Food and groceries
• Clothing
• Basic transportation
• Entertainment and recreation
• Ordinary educational expenses (public school supplies, fees)
• Personal care items and incidentals

The BCSO does not cover health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, or uninsured medical expenses. Those are handled as separate add-ons through the worksheet schedules, which is a critical distinction. Many co-parents assume that the basic support number is supposed to cover everything -- it is not. The add-ons can significantly increase the total obligation.

Mandatory Add-Ons: Schedule E Expenses

Georgia's child support worksheet includes five schedules (Schedule A through Schedule E). Schedule E addresses the mandatory additional expenses that must be included in every child support calculation on top of the BCSO. Under OCGA 19-6-15(h), these expenses are:

1. Health insurance premiums attributable to the child
2. Work-related childcare costs
3. Uninsured health care expenses (which include medical, dental, orthodontic, optometric, psychological, and other health-related costs not paid by insurance)

These are not optional. The court is required to address all three categories in every child support order. Each expense is added to the BCSO and then divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted gross incomes.

How Schedule E works

For each mandatory add-on, the worksheet adds the annual cost, converts it to a monthly figure, and allocates it proportionally. The parent who actually pays the expense (for example, the parent whose employer-sponsored plan covers the child) receives a credit, and the other parent's obligation is adjusted accordingly.

Here is the conceptual formula:

Total Child Support Obligation = BCSO + Health Insurance Premium (child's share) + Work-Related Childcare + Uninsured Health Care

Each parent's share is then:

Parent's Obligation = Total Obligation x (Parent's Gross Income / Combined Gross Income)

The noncustodial parent's share of the total obligation, minus any credits for expenses they pay directly, becomes the monthly child support payment.

Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

Georgia law places significant emphasis on ensuring that children have health insurance coverage and that both parents share the cost of medical care.

Health insurance premiums

Under OCGA 19-6-15(h)(2), the cost of health insurance for the child is a mandatory component of the child support calculation. The relevant amount is only the portion of the premium attributable to the child -- not the full family plan premium. If a parent pays $500 per month for a family plan and the marginal cost of adding the child is $150 per month, only the $150 is included in the worksheet.

The court will determine which parent can provide coverage at the most reasonable cost. Typically, the parent with access to employer-sponsored group insurance at a lower cost will be ordered to maintain the coverage. However, if neither parent has affordable access to group coverage, the court may order one parent to obtain individual coverage for the child or factor in the cost of marketplace coverage.

Uninsured health care expenses

This category encompasses everything insurance does not pay: copays, deductibles, coinsurance, prescription costs, dental work, orthodontia, vision care, mental health services, and any other health-related expense. Under OCGA 19-6-15(h)(4), uninsured health care expenses are included as a mandatory add-on.

In practice, courts handle uninsured medical expenses in one of two ways:

1. A set monthly amount added to the worksheet. The Georgia Child Support Commission publishes guidelines suggesting that courts include a presumed amount (often $250 per year per child) for anticipated uninsured medical costs when the actual amount is unknown at the time of the order.

2. A proportional split of actual expenses as they arise. Many orders include language requiring both parents to split uninsured medical expenses in proportion to their incomes (for example, 63/37 based on income percentages). The parent who pays the expense submits documentation to the other parent, who then reimburses their share within a specified timeframe -- typically 30 days.

The best practice is to have your order address both -- a base amount built into the monthly obligation for routine costs, plus a proportional split provision for unexpected or large expenses like surgery, braces, or therapy.

Documentation requirements

Georgia courts expect parents to substantiate medical expenses with proper documentation. This includes:

• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements from the insurance carrier
• Itemized bills from the provider showing the total charge, insurance payment, and remaining balance
• Pharmacy receipts for prescription medications
• Written notice to the other parent within a reasonable time (many orders specify 30 days)

Failing to provide adequate documentation can undermine a parent's claim for reimbursement. Conversely, refusing to pay a properly documented medical expense can lead to contempt proceedings.

Work-Related Childcare

Under OCGA 19-6-15(h)(3), work-related childcare is a mandatory add-on to the child support calculation. This includes daycare, after-school programs, summer camps, and any other childcare arrangement that is necessary because both parents are working or seeking employment.

Requirements for inclusion

To be included in the child support calculation, childcare must be:

• Reasonable in cost -- the court will evaluate whether the childcare arrangement is consistent with what families in similar financial circumstances would pay. A $3,000-per-month Montessori program may not be considered reasonable if both parents earn modest incomes.
• Necessary for employment -- the childcare must be directly related to a parent's work schedule. A nanny hired for Saturday nights so a parent can socialize is not work-related childcare.
• Actually incurred -- the court will not include hypothetical or projected childcare costs that are not actually being paid.

Seasonal variations

Childcare costs often fluctuate throughout the year. A parent might pay $1,200 per month for daycare during the school year but $2,000 per month during summer when the child needs full-time care. Georgia's worksheet accommodates this by allowing parents to calculate the annual total of childcare costs and divide by 12 to produce a monthly average.

For example, if school-year childcare costs $1,200 per month for 9 months ($10,800) and summer care costs $2,000 per month for 3 months ($6,000), the annual total is $16,800, and the monthly average for the worksheet is $1,400.

When childcare ends

Childcare obligations typically phase out as children grow older and become self-sufficient. The court will not continue to include childcare costs once the child no longer requires supervision. If a significant change in childcare needs occurs -- for example, a child starts attending school full-time -- either parent can seek a modification of the support order.

Discretionary Deviations Under OCGA 19-6-15(i)

Georgia's income-shares model produces a presumptive child support amount, but courts have the authority to deviate from that amount under OCGA 19-6-15(i). A deviation is an upward or downward adjustment based on specific factors that make the presumptive amount inadequate or excessive for a particular family.

Deviations are not automatic. The parent requesting a deviation must present evidence justifying it, and the court must make written findings explaining why the deviation serves the best interests of the child. Under OCGA 19-6-15(i)(2), the court must consider:

• The best interests of the child
• The financial resources and needs of both parents
• The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the family had remained intact

Common deviation categories

OCGA 19-6-15(i)(2)(B) lists specific factors that can justify a deviation. Here are the most relevant ones for co-parents tracking shared expenses:

Extracurricular activities

Costs for sports teams, music lessons, dance classes, art programs, and similar activities are not included in the BCSO. If these expenses are significant, either parent can request that the court include them as a deviation. The court will evaluate whether the activities are consistent with the child's interests and the family's financial situation.

For example, if a child has been in competitive gymnastics for several years at a cost of $400 per month, a court might deviate upward to include this expense in the support calculation. But if one parent unilaterally enrolls the child in an expensive program without the other parent's input, the court may be less inclined to order a deviation.

Special expenses

This includes costs for a child with special needs, such as tutoring for learning disabilities, therapy for behavioral or emotional challenges, or specialized equipment. Courts are generally receptive to deviations for documented special needs.

Travel costs for visitation

When parents live far apart, the cost of transporting the child for parenting time can be substantial. Under OCGA 19-6-15(i)(2)(B)(vi), the court can deviate to account for these travel expenses. This is especially relevant when one parent has relocated to another part of the state or country.

Extraordinary educational expenses

Private school tuition, specialized tutoring, college preparatory programs, and other educational costs beyond public school can be addressed through a deviation. Courts will consider:

• Whether the child was enrolled in private school before the separation
• Whether both parents agreed to private education
• Whether the child has educational needs that cannot be met by public schools
• The financial ability of both parents to contribute

If the child attended private school during the marriage and both parents had agreed to it, a court is more likely to order a deviation to continue that arrangement. But a unilateral decision by one parent to enroll the child in private school after separation, without the other parent's agreement, may not result in a deviation.

Parenting time adjustment

OCGA 19-6-15(i)(2)(B)(ix) allows a deviation based on the amount of parenting time each parent exercises. If the noncustodial parent has the child for a significant portion of the year (typically defined as more than the standard visitation), the court can deviate downward to reflect the fact that the noncustodial parent is directly bearing more of the child's day-to-day costs. This is sometimes called the "extended parenting time" deviation.

The threshold and amount of the deviation are within the court's discretion. Courts will examine the actual parenting schedule, not just what the order says. If a parent is supposed to have 90 overnight visits per year but actually exercises only 50, the deviation will be based on actual practice.

Extraordinary medical expenses

For children with chronic conditions, disabilities, or ongoing medical needs that exceed what the standard uninsured health care calculation covers, a deviation can account for these extraordinary costs. This might include regular therapy sessions, specialized medical equipment, or recurring prescription costs.

Low-Income and High-Income Adjustments

Georgia's child support framework includes specific provisions for parents at both ends of the income spectrum.

Low-income provisions

Under OCGA 19-6-15(f)(5), the noncustodial parent must be left with a minimum amount of income for self-support. Georgia's child support guidelines include a self-support reserve -- if applying the standard calculation would reduce the noncustodial parent's income below the federal poverty level, the court can adjust the obligation downward.

However, Georgia also establishes a minimum child support order of $100 per month under OCGA 19-6-15(f)(5)(A). Even if a parent's income is extremely low, the court will generally order at least this minimum amount unless the parent is incarcerated, disabled, or otherwise truly unable to earn any income.

For parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court has the authority to impute income under OCGA 19-6-15(f)(4). This means the court can calculate support based on what the parent could earn rather than what they actually earn. Factors considered include the parent's education, work history, skills, job market conditions, and earning capacity. A parent who quits a well-paying job to avoid support obligations will find that the court simply calculates support as if they were still earning their prior income.

High-income provisions

The BCSO table in OCGA 19-6-15(o) covers combined monthly gross incomes up to $30,000 (or $360,000 per year combined). For families with combined incomes that exceed the table's maximum, OCGA 19-6-15(f)(6) gives the court discretion to determine the appropriate support amount.

In practice, for high-income cases, courts typically:

1. Apply the table maximum as a floor -- the support amount will be at least what the table produces at $30,000 combined monthly income.
2. Consider the child's actual needs and standard of living to determine whether additional support above the table maximum is appropriate.
3. Evaluate the specific circumstances -- a child who attended private school, traveled extensively, and participated in expensive activities during the marriage may need support above the table amount to maintain a comparable standard of living.

The court is not required to extrapolate the table formula to higher income levels. Instead, it exercises discretion based on the evidence presented. This is one area where having a family law attorney is especially important, as the outcome depends heavily on how well each parent's case is presented.

The Child Support Worksheet: Schedules A Through E

Georgia requires the use of a standardized Child Support Worksheet in every case. The worksheet is not optional -- OCGA 19-6-15(m) requires it to be filed with the court as part of any order establishing or modifying child support. The worksheet consists of the main calculation form and five supporting schedules.

Schedule A: Gross Income

Schedule A documents each parent's gross income from all sources. Georgia defines gross income broadly under OCGA 19-6-15(f)(1) to include:

• Salary and wages
• Commissions, bonuses, and tips
• Self-employment income (gross receipts minus ordinary business expenses)
• Rental income
• Interest and dividend income
• Trust and retirement income
• Social Security benefits
• Unemployment and workers' compensation benefits
• Alimony received from other relationships
• Gifts and prizes received on a regular basis

Certain sources are excluded from gross income, including means-tested public assistance (TANF, SNAP, SSI) and child support received for other children.

Schedule B: Adjusted Income

Schedule B adjusts each parent's gross income by subtracting specific deductions allowed under OCGA 19-6-15(f)(2):

• Self-employment taxes (the employer-equivalent portion of FICA)
• Preexisting child support orders that are actually being paid
• Maintenance (alimony) payments for a prior relationship that are actually being paid

These deductions produce each parent's adjusted gross income, which is the figure used to determine each parent's proportional share of the total obligation.

Schedule C: Adjusted Support Obligation

Schedule C does not exist as a separate form in current practice -- the adjustment calculations are built into the main worksheet. Some older references to the Georgia worksheet include a Schedule C, but the current version integrates those calculations.

Schedule D: Deviations

Schedule D is where the court documents any deviations from the presumptive support amount. Each deviation must be itemized, the dollar amount specified, and the justification explained. Common entries on Schedule D include:

• Parenting time adjustment (extended time with noncustodial parent)
• Extraordinary travel expenses for visitation
• Extracurricular activities
• Private school tuition
• Special needs expenses
• Split parenting arrangements (different children living with different parents)
• Life insurance to secure the support obligation

Schedule E: Additional Expenses

Schedule E captures the mandatory add-on expenses discussed earlier:

• Line 1: Health insurance premium attributable to the child
• Line 2: Work-related childcare costs (annualized and divided by 12)
• Line 3: Uninsured health care expenses (estimated or actual)

Each expense is listed with the amount and which parent pays it. The worksheet then allocates each expense proportionally based on income and adjusts each parent's final obligation accordingly.

Practical Calculation Example

Let us walk through a complete Georgia child support calculation for a family with two children, using realistic income figures.

The facts

• Parent A (noncustodial parent): Gross monthly income of $5,833 ($70,000/year)
• Parent B (custodial parent): Gross monthly income of $3,333 ($40,000/year)
• Two children, ages 8 and 11
• Parent A pays $200/month for the children's share of employer health insurance
• Work-related after-school care costs $600/month, paid by Parent B
• Estimated uninsured health care expenses: $42/month ($500/year)

Step 1: Determine combined gross income and pro rata shares

Step 2: Look up the BCSO

From the BCSO table in OCGA 19-6-15(o), for a combined monthly gross income of approximately $9,166 with 2 children, the Basic Child Support Obligation is approximately $1,621 per month. (The actual table uses interpolation for amounts between the listed figures.)

Step 3: Calculate each parent's share of the BCSO

• Parent A's share: $1,621 x 63.6% = $1,031
• Parent B's share: $1,621 x 36.4% = $590

Step 4: Add Schedule E expenses

Step 5: Calculate total obligation

• Parent A's total obligation: $1,031 (BCSO share) + $536 (add-ons share) = $1,567
• Parent B's total obligation: $590 (BCSO share) + $306 (add-ons share) = $896

Step 6: Apply credits for direct payments

Parent A already pays $200/month directly for health insurance, so Parent A receives a $200 credit:

• Parent A's adjusted obligation: $1,567 - $200 = $1,367

Parent B already pays $600/month directly for childcare, so Parent B receives a $600 credit:

• Parent B's adjusted obligation: $896 - $600 = $296

Step 7: Determine the transfer payment

Since Parent A is the noncustodial parent, Parent A's final child support payment is:

Parent A pays Parent B: $1,367 per month

This covers Parent A's share of the BCSO plus their share of the add-on expenses, minus the credit for health insurance that Parent A pays directly. Parent B's obligation ($296) is presumed to be met through the direct care and expenses they provide while the children are in their custody, plus the childcare they pay directly.

What this means in practice

Out of a combined support obligation of approximately $2,463 per month:

• Parent A contributes $1,567 (63.6%): $1,367 in support payments + $200 in direct health insurance payments
• Parent B contributes $896 (36.4%): directly through childcare, housing, food, and daily expenses while the children are in their care

This proportional sharing is the core principle of Georgia's income-shares model. Neither parent bears a disproportionate share of the financial burden relative to their earning capacity.

Modifying a Georgia Child Support Order

Life circumstances change, and Georgia law provides a mechanism for modifying child support when they do. Under OCGA 19-6-19, either parent can petition the court for a modification of the existing support order.

Grounds for modification

Georgia requires a showing of a material change in income or financial status or the needs of the child since the last order was entered. Specifically, OCGA 19-6-15(k)(1) provides that a modification may be sought if:

1. A new worksheet calculation produces a support amount that differs from the existing order by a significant amount. The Georgia Child Support Commission has recommended that a difference of approximately 15% or more constitutes a significant deviation, though this is not a rigid statutory threshold.

2. There has been a substantial change in the financial status of either parent -- such as job loss, significant raise, disability, or incarceration.

3. The needs of the child have changed -- such as a new medical condition, change in educational needs, or change in the custodial arrangement.

The two-year provision

Under OCGA 19-6-15(k)(1), a parent can seek a modification without showing a specific change in circumstances if two years have passed since the current order was entered or last modified AND a new worksheet calculation would produce a different result. This provision recognizes that income levels, childcare costs, and insurance premiums change over time even without a dramatic life event.

This is an important tool for co-parents. If your order is more than two years old and either parent's income has changed, health insurance costs have shifted, or childcare needs have evolved, you likely have a path to modification by simply running a new worksheet and showing the difference.

What counts as a material change

Georgia courts have recognized the following as sufficient grounds for modification:

• Job loss or involuntary income reduction -- if a parent loses their job through no fault of their own, the court may reduce support temporarily or permanently based on the new income level
• Significant income increase -- either parent receiving a substantial raise, promotion, or new income source
• Change in custody or parenting time -- if the child begins spending significantly more time with the noncustodial parent
• Change in health insurance availability or cost -- if the parent providing insurance loses coverage or premiums increase dramatically
• Child's new medical or educational needs -- the onset of a medical condition, disability, or need for specialized education
• Childcare costs starting or ending -- such as a child reaching an age where after-school care is no longer needed
• Emancipation or aging out of one of the children covered by the order

Voluntary unemployment or underemployment

A critical point: Georgia courts will not reward a parent who deliberately reduces their income to lower support obligations. Under OCGA 19-6-15(f)(4), if the court finds that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, it can impute income based on the parent's:

• Employment potential and probable earnings
• Recent work history and occupational qualifications
• Prevailing job opportunities in the community
• Any history of deliberately suppressing income

A parent who quits a $90,000 job to "find themselves" will likely have $90,000 in annual income imputed to them for child support purposes.

How to seek a modification

The process for modifying child support in Georgia involves:

1. Filing a petition with the Superior Court that issued the original order (or the court with current jurisdiction)
2. Completing a new Child Support Worksheet with current income figures and expenses
3. Serving the other parent with the petition and worksheet
4. Attending a hearing where both parents present evidence of their current financial circumstances

Either parent can file -- you do not need the other parent's agreement to seek a modification. However, if both parents agree on the modification, they can submit a consent order to the court for approval, which avoids the need for a contested hearing.

Documentation Best Practices for Georgia Co-Parents

Georgia's worksheet-driven system means that documentation is not just helpful -- it is essential. Every number on the worksheet needs to be supported by evidence.

What to track and how

Practical tips

1. Submit medical expenses promptly. If your order requires reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses, send the documentation to your co-parent as soon as you receive it. Delays create disputes.

2. Keep a running log. Courts prefer organized, chronological records over a pile of random receipts. An expense-tracking tool like CoParentSplit makes this significantly easier than managing spreadsheets or shoe boxes of receipts.

3. Preserve electronic communications. Georgia courts accept text messages and emails as evidence. If you and your co-parent discuss an expense over text and reach an agreement, that text thread could become evidence in a future dispute. Save it.

4. Do not mix personal and child expenses. When possible, keep child-related purchases separate so there is no ambiguity about what was spent on the child versus personal items.

5. Request documentation from your co-parent in writing. If you need proof of income or expenses from the other parent for a worksheet recalculation, put the request in writing so there is a record of what you asked for and when.

Key Statutes and Resources

Understanding Georgia child support law starts with knowing the relevant statutes and where to find reliable information.

Georgia Code (OCGA)

• OCGA 19-6-15 -- Child Support -- The primary child support statute covering the income-shares model, BCSO table, gross income definitions, mandatory add-ons, deviations, worksheet requirements, and high/low income provisions. This is the single most important statute for Georgia co-parents.

• OCGA 19-6-19 -- Modification of Support -- Governs when and how child support orders can be modified, including the material change standard and consent modification procedures.

• OCGA 19-6-15(i) -- Deviations -- The specific subsection listing permissible deviations from the presumptive support amount, including extracurriculars, travel costs, special expenses, and parenting time adjustments.

• OCGA 19-6-15(f) -- Income Definitions -- Defines gross income, adjusted income, imputed income for voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents, and the self-support reserve.

State Resources

• Georgia Child Support Commission -- The state agency responsible for administering child support guidelines, publishing the BCSO table, providing the official child support calculator, and offering training and educational materials for parents, attorneys, and judges.

• Georgia Child Support Calculator -- The official online calculator that walks you through the worksheet process. You can input both parents' incomes, insurance costs, childcare, and other expenses to generate a presumptive support amount.

• Georgia Legal Aid -- Free legal information and resources for Georgia residents who cannot afford an attorney. Includes guides to child support, custody, and modification procedures.

• Georgia Courts Self-Help Resources -- Court forms, filing instructions, and procedural guides for parents representing themselves in family court.

Additional Resources

• Georgia Child Support Worksheet and Schedules -- Downloadable blank worksheets (Schedules A through E) and instructions for completing them. Essential if you are preparing for court or running your own calculations.

• Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) -- Part of the Georgia Department of Human Services. Handles child support enforcement, payment processing, interstate cases, and location services. If your co-parent is not paying, DCSS can assist with enforcement through wage garnishment, license suspension, and other remedies.

• Georgia Bar Association -- Family Law Section -- A resource for finding qualified family law attorneys in Georgia. If your case involves high income, complex deviations, or contentious disputes, consulting an attorney familiar with Georgia's child support guidelines is strongly recommended.