How to change child support in Georgia

The rule for changing support, the forms, and a ready letter to the agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. In court, you need a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status or in the child's needs.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
DCSS Review & Modification of Support Order

When you can ask for a change in Georgia

In court, you need a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status or in the child's needs. A parent can't file a new modification petition within 2 years of the final order on their last one, unless it is about parenting time not used or extra parenting time used, or an involuntary loss of income. Either parent can ask DCSS for a review 3 years after the order took effect, or sooner with a substantial change in circumstances.

Law: O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(k); O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(k); 19-11-12

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Georgia's rule: In court, you need a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status or in the child's needs. A parent can't file a new modification petition within 2 years of the final order on their last one, unless it is about parenting time not used or extra parenting time used, or an involuntary loss of income. Either parent can ask DCSS for a review 3 years after the order took effect, or sooner with a substantial change in circumstances.

Law: O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(k); O.C.G.A. 19-6-15(k); 19-11-12

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Georgia: Send a written review request to the DCSS office handling your case; DCSS may recommend a higher, lower or same amount and can add health insurance. Or file a petition to modify in superior court under the same rules as a divorce case. Past-due support is not changed.

How a change is made in Georgia

Send a written review request to the DCSS office handling your case; DCSS may recommend a higher, lower or same amount and can add health insurance. Or file a petition to modify in superior court under the same rules as a divorce case. Past-due support is not changed.

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

New rules in Georgia

Senate Bill 454 brought a new Basic Child Support Obligation Table, used in the calculator from July 1, 2024 (the first update since 2006), with the table extended to $40,000 combined monthly income. It also added a credit for VA disability benefits. From January 1, 2026, a formula Parenting Time Adjustment and an automatic Low-Income Adjustment replaced the old parenting-time and low-income deviations.

Jail, prison and support

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Steps to change support in Georgia

  1. Get the order

    Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.

  2. See if a change is allowed

    Georgia's rule: In court, you need a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status or in the child's needs.

  3. Gather proof

    Pay stubs, a job loss letter or proof of new costs show what changed.

  4. File the request

    Ask for a review with Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) (1-877-423-4746) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Georgia

Questions about changing support in Georgia

What counts as a reason to change support in Georgia?

In court, you need a substantial change in either parent's income and financial status or in the child's needs. A parent can't file a new modification petition within 2 years of the final order on their last one, unless it is about parenting time not used or extra parenting time used, or an involuntary loss of income. Either parent can ask DCSS for a review 3 years after the order took effect, or sooner with a substantial change in circumstances.

How do I request a review in Georgia?

Send a written review request to the DCSS office handling your case; DCSS may recommend a higher, lower or same amount and can add health insurance. Or file a petition to modify in superior court under the same rules as a divorce case. Past-due support is not changed.

More for Georgia

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources