Joint Custody Isn’t Always Financially Equal
Many parents assume that if they share custody, child support won’t apply. It seems logical—after all, both parents are equally involved, right?
Not exactly.
In Georgia, joint custody does not automatically cancel out child support. In fact, support obligations often come down to finances, not just parenting time.
Understanding Joint Custody in Georgia
There are two types of custody: legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives). When parents share physical custody, it’s often called joint custody, but that doesn’t mean the parenting time is split 50/50.
Even if time is shared equally, other factors matter—especially income.
How Child Support Is Calculated
Georgia uses the “Income Shares Model” to determine support. This model estimates how much parents would typically spend on a child if they lived together, then splits that amount proportionally based on each parent’s income.
Here’s what goes into the calculation:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income
- Number of children involved
- Health insurance and daycare costs
- Parenting time, if significantly unequal
- Any prior support obligations
Even with joint custody, if one parent earns significantly more than the other, they may still owe support.
Example: Equal Time, Unequal Income
Let’s say you and your co-parent have a 50/50 split, but:
- Parent A earns $120,000/year
- Parent B earns $45,000/year
Even though the children spend equal time with both, Parent A will likely owe some support because they have the greater ability to contribute financially.
💡 Parenting time affects support—but income is the bigger factor.
Can We Agree to Waive Child Support?
Sometimes. If both parties agree and the court finds the arrangement fair, judges may approve a deviation from the standard guidelines. But be careful—judges have the final say, and if the waiver seems unfair to the child, the court may reject it.
Common reasons for deviation:
- Each parent directly covers their share of the child’s needs
- One parent pays for school or medical expenses in full
- The parenting plan truly splits time and costs evenly
What If Things Change Later?
Support agreements can be modified if circumstances change—like a new job, relocation, or significant shift in parenting time. Either parent can file for a modification through the court.
Don’t rely on informal agreements or verbal promises. Support needs to be court-approved to be enforceable.
Final Thoughts
Joint custody isn’t a free pass to skip child support. Georgia law looks at the bigger picture: who has the resources to support the child, and what’s in the child’s best interest.
Whether you’re negotiating a new custody agreement or modifying an old one, understanding how support works will help you avoid surprises and keep things fair—for both parents and children.
Need Help Navigating Child Support and Custody?
At Catherine Verdery Ryan, we help families across Augusta, Richmond, Columbia, Burke, and nearby counties make sense of Georgia’s custody and child support laws. Whether you’re seeking a new arrangement or modifying an existing order, we’re here to guide you through it—clearly, fairly, and with your child’s future in mind.
Schedule a consultation today to protect your peace of mind.