In most states the parents of a minor child may agree to the amount of child support, and courts encourage the parents to do so. But the court will generally review the agreed amount of child support and determine whether it is in the best interest of the child before signing a child support order. And if the parents later agree to change the amount of or need for child support, they should return to court and get a signed order that reflects the agreed or changed amount, as only the court may change the legal obligation under a child support order.
In Georgia, similar to many states, parents of a minor child are encouraged to reach an agreement on the amount of child support. However, any agreement made between the parents must be reviewed and approved by the court to ensure that it meets the child's best interests. The court uses Georgia's child support guidelines to determine if the agreed amount is appropriate. If parents wish to modify the child support amount at a later date, they must petition the court for a modification. The court will then review the circumstances and decide whether to approve the new amount. It's important to note that until the court signs a new order, the original child support order remains in effect and legally binding. Therefore, any informal agreements between parents to change the support amount are not enforceable until a court has reviewed and approved the modification.