Charlotte Child Support Attorney

Helping Clients Navigate Child Support Laws in North Carolina

When you are going through a divorce or separation, one of the most important concerns you will have is how your children will be supported. North Carolina has specific laws and guidelines that determine how child support will be calculated. At Collins Family & Elder Law Group, our Charlotte child support lawyers can help you understand the law and how it applies to your situation, as well as help you ensure that the best interests of your children are upheld.

Call us today at (704) 289-3250 or online to schedule an initial consultation with our team.

How is Child Support Calculated in North Carolina?

Child support in North Carolina is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial support for their children following a separation or divorce. The primary goal is to ensure that the child's standard of living is maintained despite changes in the parents' relationship status.

The state follows a specific set of guidelines to determine the amount of child support. These guidelines consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the time each parent spends with the children.

North Carolina uses the "Income Shares Model," which estimates the amount of support that would have been available to the child if the parents lived together. The total support obligation is divided proportionally between the parents based on their income.

Here are the common factors the court takes into consideration when calculating child support:

• Gross Income of Both Parents: This includes all sources of income such as wages, salaries, bonuses, self-employment earnings, unemployment benefits, and social security benefits. The total gross income of each parent is used to determine their financial contribution to child support.
• Number of Children: The calculation considers how many children require support. More children typically mean a higher total support obligation.
• Custody and Visitation Arrangements: The amount of time each parent spends with the child is a crucial factor. Child support can be adjusted based on custody schedules and the number of overnights each parent has with the child.
• Child Care Costs: These are expenses related to necessary child care, such as daycare or after-school programs. The costs are included to ensure the custodial parent can work or attend school.
• Health Insurance Costs: The cost of the child’s health insurance, including premiums paid by either parent, is factored into the support amount. This ensures the child has necessary health coverage.
• Extraordinary Expenses: Special needs or extraordinary expenses, such as uncovered medical costs or educational expenses, are considered. These expenses ensure that all of the child's needs are met.
• Pre-existing Support Obligations: Any existing child support or alimony obligations a parent has from previous relationships are taken into account. This ensures a fair distribution of financial responsibility.
• Adjustments and Deviations: The court can make adjustments based on specific case circumstances, like particularly high incomes or agreements between the parents. This allows for flexibility to achieve a fair support order.

At Collins Family Law Group, we can review your situation and help you understand how the guidelines may apply to you. If you are the custodial parent, we can help you present evidence to the court to ensure that you receive the amount of child support to which you are entitled. If you are the noncustodial parent, we can help you present evidence to the court to ensure that you are not ordered to pay more than you can afford.

How We Can Help

Our firm is committed to helping our clients find the best solution for their families. We know how stressful child support matters can be, and we will be there to answer your questions and guide you through the process every step of the way. We will work to help you achieve your goals and protect your rights as a parent.

Our firm can help you with all matters related to child support, including:

• Calculating child support
• Modifying child support orders
• Enforcing child support orders
• Calculating child support arrears

Call us today at (704) 289-3250 to schedule an initial consultation.