Crystal Wright | December 3, 2025 | Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia
Divorce and child custody disputes can be emotionally draining for parents and children alike. One of the most important aspects of any Georgia custody case is determining parenting time, which refers to the schedule that outlines how much time each parent spends with their child.
To make this process more consistent and transparent, the state has introduced a new parenting time formula tool, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. This resource helps calculate each parent’s share of physical custody, which can also affect child support.
If you’re involved in a custody or child support case in Georgia, it’s important to learn about what this tool does and how it may influence your case.
What Is the Parenting Time Formula Tool?
The new parenting time formula tool was designed to bring greater fairness and accuracy to the determination of child support and custody arrangements. It allows parents to calculate the number of days each spends with their child during the year based on a specific custody schedule.
The resulting calculation is directly incorporated into the child support guidelines under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, enabling courts to determine the amount of financial support each parent must provide. In short, the tool eliminates guesswork from the process and makes custody arrangements easier to understand for everyone involved.
How the Tool Works
The parenting time formula tool uses a standardized approach to count overnight stays and daytime visits. By entering details from your custody schedule, the tool can automatically calculate the number of days each parent has with the child over a 12-month period.
For example, if a child spends 220 nights per year with one parent and 145 nights with the other, those numbers are entered into the tool. The formula then produces a parenting time percentage that can be used to adjust child support obligations.
Why Georgia Created the Parenting Time Formula Tool
Georgia’s child support laws were updated to reflect a more balanced view of parenting responsibilities. Before this tool existed, courts often had to rely on manual calculations or general estimates of parenting time. This led to confusion and, at times, unfair results.
The goal of the new formula is to:
- Improve consistency across Georgia family courts
- Reduce disputes between parents about how much time each spends with their child
- Provide a transparent system that supports shared parenting arrangements
By using a single statewide tool, the Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) hopes to streamline custody calculations and make court orders easier to enforce.
How It Impacts Custody and Child Support
The parenting time formula tool primarily affects child support calculations. In Georgia, child support is determined by several factors, including income and childcare expenses. However, the amount of time each parent spends with the child can also affect the final number.
When both parents share significant time with the child, the court may lower the amount of support owed by the noncustodial parent in favor of the custodial parent. This approach acknowledges that both parents contribute directly to the child’s care and daily expenses.
At the same time, courts still prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions. The tool doesn’t replace judicial discretion. Rather, it simply provides more accurate data to support fair rulings.
Contact Our Atlanta Family Law Attorney at Crystal Wright Law, LLC for a Free Consultation
Georgia’s new parenting time formula tool is a step toward fairness in custody and child support decisions. Still, every family’s situation is unique in the end.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, contact our legal team at Crystal Wright Law and schedule your consultation today, call us at 404-594-2143.
We have offices in Atlanta and Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Crystal Wright Law – Atlanta Office
1718-1720 Peachtree St NW, Suite 920, Atlanta, GA 30309
(404)-594-2143
24/7
Crystal Wright Law – Lawrenceville Office
440 S. Perry Street, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(404)-649-5554
24/7
