A child support modification may be possible when your current order no longer fits your child’s needs or your family’s financial situation. In Georgia, child support is based on state guidelines, so a parent usually needs more than a private agreement or a verbal understanding to change what the order requires.

If your income, parenting schedule, childcare costs, or health insurance situation has changed, Rowsey & Stelter, Attorneys at Law in Roswell can help you understand whether asking for a child support modification may make sense.

When Can Child Support Modification Be Considered?

Georgia’s Child Support Guidelines are tied to O.C.G.A. § 19-6-15, and the calculation can involve income, parenting time, insurance, childcare expenses, and other facts. Because every case depends on the details, a child support modification is not automatic just because one parent wants a different amount.

You may need to review your order if a major change affects the current support arrangement. Common examples include:

• A job loss, raise, new job, or major income change
• A change in parenting time or the child’s living situation
• New childcare, health insurance, or medical expenses
• A child’s needs change as they get older
• One parent is no longer following the existing order.

A family law attorney can review your current order, the facts behind the change, and whether filing for child support modification may be appropriate.

Why Informal Agreements Can Cause Problems

Parents sometimes agree to change payments on their own, especially when money gets tight or parenting schedules shift. That may feel practical in the moment, but the existing court order can still matter.

Even if both parents agree to a lower amount by text message, the original order may still control until it is formally modified. If the order says one amount and a parent pays less without a formal change, unpaid support may continue to build.

What Are the Limits of a DCSS Review?

The Georgia Division of Child Support Services explains that a support review may result in the amount going up, going down, or staying the same. DCSS also states that past-due support does not get modified, and that custody or visitation issues cannot be addressed during the Georgia DCSS review and modification process.

That distinction matters. If your support concern is tied to custody, visitation, parenting time, or enforcement problems, you may need private legal guidance instead of relying only on an agency review. A DCSS attorney does not represent either parent.

FAQ About Child Support Modification

Can child support modification lower or raise my payment?

Yes, a review may lead to a lower payment, a higher payment, or no change at all. The result depends on the facts, the guidelines, and the court or agency process.

Can DCSS change custody or visitation during a child support review?

No. DCSS says it cannot address custody or visitation issues when reviewing child support. If those issues are part of the problem, speak with a private family law attorney.

Talk With a Roswell Family Law Attorney

If your current order no longer fits your situation, Rowsey & Stelter, Attorneys at Law, can help you review your options for a child support agreement or modification. Our family law attorneys at Rowsey & Stelter work with clients in Roswell, North Fulton, and the greater Atlanta area on child support, custody, parenting plans, and related family law matters. Call today to schedule a consultation about child support modification in Georgia.