How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Georgia

6 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Georgia

Georgia superior courts hear divorce and custody in each of its 159 counties. The Division of Child Support Services under DHS handles enforcement. Atlanta anchors the state; Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Athens round out major metros. Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia Legal Services Program are the two primary civil legal aid organizations, with specific fathers' rights and child support help available.

6 Resources

1. GA Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) — Free

Georgia's statewide agency for establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders. Apply online at childsupport.georgia.gov or visit a local DCSS office. Services include paternity establishment, locating absent parents, wage garnishment, license suspension enforcement, and modification reviews. Available to both custodial and noncustodial parents. Bring ID, proof of income, and birth certificate when visiting an office.

1-877-423-4746 · Statewide – call for nearest office · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm (offices Tue–Thu 9am–3pm) · Visit Website

2. DCSS Main Office – Atlanta — Free

Central DCSS office for case questions, paternity establishment, order setup, and enforcement. Open Tuesday through Thursday 9am–3pm for walk-ins; Monday and Friday by appointment. Bring photo ID, proof of income, Social Security card, and the child's birth certificate. Staff can help you understand your case status, request a modification review, or set up direct payment. Call 1-877-423-4746 before visiting to confirm current hours.

1-877-423-4746 · 2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE, Suite 316, Atlanta, GA 30334 · Tue–Thu 9am–3pm (Mon/Fri by appt) · Visit Website

3. GA Child Support Calculator — Free

Official Georgia online child support calculator based on the income shares model. Use to estimate payments before going to court or requesting a modification. Inputs include both parents' gross monthly incomes, health insurance costs, work-related childcare, and parenting time. The calculator produces a worksheet you can print and bring to court or mediation. Free to use at csc.georgiacourts.gov anytime, no account needed.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. DCSS Fulton County Office — Free

Local DCSS office for Fulton County residents. Handles paternity establishment, order setup, modification requests, and enforcement actions. Walk-in hours are Tuesday through Thursday 9am–3pm; Monday and Friday by appointment. Located at 60 Forsyth St NW in downtown Atlanta near MARTA access. Bring photo ID, proof of income, Social Security card, and the child's birth certificate for intake or case review appointments.

404-463-5600 · 60 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 · Tue–Thu 9am–3pm (Mon/Fri by appt) · Visit Website

5. DCSS Gwinnett County Office — Free

Child support services for Gwinnett County including paternity establishment, modification petitions, and payment processing. Walk-in hours are Tuesday through Thursday 9am–3pm. Located at 690 Tipton Way in Lawrenceville. Noncustodial parents can request a modification review if income has changed significantly. Bring photo ID, proof of income, Social Security card, and the child's birth certificate. Call 770-995-2790 before visiting.

770-995-2790 · 690 Tipton Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 · Tue–Thu 9am–3pm · Visit Website

6. GA DCSS On the Go App — Free

Free mobile app to check case status, view payment history, and manage your Georgia child support account on iOS and Android. Log in with your existing DCSS account credentials to see payment records, upcoming due dates, and case updates. Useful for noncustodial parents who want to track payments and avoid disputes. Available at no charge from the App Store and Google Play. Companion to the online portal at childsupport.georgia.gov.

Mobile app – iOS and Android · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.