§ 19-11-122.Governing law and procedure for responding Georgia tribunal
Chapter 11. Enforcement of Duty of Support · Article 3. Uniform Interstate Family Support Act · Part 3. Civil Provisions · Last amended 2013 · Last verified October 9, 2026
Full Text of § 19-11-122
Plain-English Summary
When a support case arrives from another state or country, a Georgia tribunal doesn’t switch to foreign rules. This section says that, except where the interstate support act provides otherwise, a responding Georgia tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law that governs similar cases started in Georgia, and may use every power and remedy available in those cases.
Paragraph (2) addresses money. The responding Georgia tribunal shall determine the duty of support and the amount payable under Georgia law and Georgia’s support guidelines. Georgia’s child support guidelines appear in Code Section 19-6-15. A parent living in another state is measured by the same yardstick as a parent living in Georgia.
The opening words, “Except as otherwise provided in this article,” matter. The act sets several exceptions. When a Georgia tribunal enforces a registered order from another state, Code Section 19-11-163 says the issuing state’s law governs the nature, extent, amount and duration of current payments and the computation of arrears, while Georgia’s procedures and remedies govern collection. When Georgia modifies another state’s child support order, Code Section 19-11-170(c) and (d) bar changes to any aspect the issuing state wouldn’t allow, including duration, which the law of the state that issued the initial controlling order governs.
Code Section 19-11-124 lists the specific remedies a responding Georgia tribunal can order. The section was amended in 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
If Georgia handles a child support case from another state, whose guidelines apply?
Georgia’s, unless the act provides otherwise. Paragraph (2) says a responding Georgia tribunal shall determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with Georgia law and Georgia’s support guidelines. Georgia’s child support guidelines are in Code Section 19-6-15.
Does a parent who lives out of state get different treatment in a Georgia support case?
No. Paragraph (1) says a responding Georgia tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law generally applicable to similar proceedings originating in Georgia, and may exercise all the powers and provide all the remedies available in those proceedings. The case is handled like a Georgia case, except where the act says otherwise.
Are there times a Georgia court applies another state’s law in a support case?
Yes. For a registered order from another state, Code Section 19-11-163 says the issuing state’s law governs the amount and duration of current payments and the computation of arrears. When modifying another state’s child support order, Code Section 19-11-170(d) says the law of the state that issued the initial controlling order governs duration.
Can a responding Georgia court hold an out-of-state parent in contempt?
Yes. Paragraph (1) lets a responding Georgia tribunal exercise all powers and provide all remedies available in similar Georgia proceedings. Code Section 19-11-124(b)(5) specifically allows it to enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both, to the extent not prohibited by other law.
Does the Georgia tribunal decide whether support is owed, or only how much?
Both. Paragraph (2) says a responding Georgia tribunal shall determine the duty of support and the amount payable in accordance with Georgia law and Georgia’s support guidelines. Whether a duty exists and what it comes to are decided under the same rules as in a Georgia case.
Amendment History
Laws 1997, p. 1613, § 33; Laws 2013, Act 224, § 1, eff. July 1, 2013.