Crystal Wright | January 6, 2026 | Child support
In Georgia, biological or legal parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. When one parent remarries, it is common to question whether that change affects an existing child support order.
While remarriage alone does not automatically modify child support, certain related changes may influence how support is calculated or whether a modification is appropriate.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Georgia
Georgia courts use a complex financial calculation to determine the amount of child support that should be ordered in a particular case. It begins by adding up the gross income of both parents, which includes:
- Salary or hourly wages
- Bonuses
- Overtime
- Unemployment income
- Workers’ compensation income
- Self-employment income
- Tips
- Commissions
- Social Security benefits
The court calculates each parent’s adjusted gross income by subtracting allowable deductions, then combines those amounts to determine the parents’ total income.
The court uses the Georgia Child Support Table to calculate a presumptive support obligation based on income and number of children, with each parent responsible for a proportional share under the income shares model.
Additional amounts can be added to the base child support obligation, depending on the circumstances.
Factors That Affect Georgia Child Support Orders
Georgia’s child support guidelines are designed to account for more than just each parent’s income. Courts consider a range of financial and practical factors to determine a support amount that is fair and appropriate for the child’s needs.
Various factors go into the calculation of child support in Georgia, including the following:
- The incomes of both parents
- The tax status of each parent
- Childcare costs
- Health insurance costs
- Extraordinary needs of the children
- Parenting time
Ultimately, the judge has the final discretion as to the amount of child support to award.
How Remarriage Could Affect Child Support
A new spouse’s income is generally not included when calculating child support in Georgia. Child support obligations are based on the legal parents’ financial circumstances, not those of a step-parent.
That said, remarriage can sometimes lead to indirect changes that may justify a child support modification. For example, remarriage may:
- Change a parent’s household expenses
- Affect tax filing status or tax withholdings
- Result in additional biological or adopted children
If these changes substantially affect a parent’s ability to pay or need for support, a court may consider whether a modification of the existing order is appropriate. However, a modification is not automatic and typically requires a showing of a significant change in circumstances.
When a Child Support Modification May Be Requested
A child support order in Georgia may be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the current order was entered. Situations that may support a modification request include:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Changes in custody or parenting time
- The birth or adoption of additional legal dependents
- Changes in childcare or health insurance costs
A parent seeking a modification must file a request with the court and submit updated financial information for review.
Contact an Atlanta Family Lawyer for Legal Assistance
Remarriage does not automatically change a child support order in Georgia, but it can create financial or family changes that may affect whether a modification is appropriate. To learn more about how remarriage might affect child support or other family law matters, contact Crystal Wright Law, LLC.
We have extensive experience handling complex family matters and can evaluate your situation to determine whether your child support situation might change based on the new marriage. Call us today for a confidential case evaluation.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, contact our legal team at Crystal Wright Law and schedule your consultation today.
We have offices in Atlanta and Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Crystal Wright Law – Atlanta Office
1718-1720 Peachtree St NW, Suite 920, Atlanta, GA 30309
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