Protecting your Interests

What is Child Support in North Carolina?

Child support in North Carolina, as in many other states in the United States, is a legal obligation that requires noncustodial parents to provide financial support to help cover the costs of raising their children. The primary goal of child support is to ensure that children receive adequate financial support and maintain a standard of living consistent with the parents’ resources.

Here are key points to understand about child support in North Carolina:

  • Child Support Guidelines: North Carolina uses child support guidelines established by state law to determine the amount of child support that should be paid. These guidelines consider several factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, childcare expenses, health insurance costs, and other relevant expenses.
  • Calculation of Child Support: Child support is typically calculated as a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s income. The guidelines set forth specific percentages based on the number of children, ranging from 5% for one child to 12% for five or more children. Deviations from these guidelines can occur in certain circumstances, such as shared custody arrangements or extraordinary expenses.
  • Income Considered: When calculating child support, both parents’ incomes are considered. This includes wages, salary, self-employment income, rental income, and various other forms of income. Deductions for taxes, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums are also factored in.
  • Child Care and Health Insurance: In addition to basic child support, parents may be required to share the costs of childcare and provide health insurance coverage for their children. These expenses are often allocated proportionally based on each parent’s income.
  • Enforcement of Child Support Orders: The North Carolina Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program is responsible for enforcing child support orders. Enforcement measures may include income withholding (garnishing wages), intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver’s licenses, and more.
  • Modifications: Child support orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in income, changes in childcare or health insurance expenses, or changes in custody arrangements.
  • Noncustodial Parent Responsibility: The noncustodial parent (the parent who does not have primary physical custody) is typically responsible for paying child support. However, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially.
  • Duration of Child Support: Child support orders typically continue until the child reaches the age of 18, graduates from high school, or becomes emancipated. In certain cases, such as for children with disabilities, child support may continue beyond age 18.
  • Custody and Visitation: Child support and custody/visitation arrangements are separate legal matters. A parent’s responsibility to pay child support is not contingent on visitation rights, and custodial parents cannot withhold visitation due to non-payment of child support.

It’s important to note that child support matters can be complex, and the specific circumstances of each case can vary widely. Parents seeking child support or facing child support obligations should consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in North Carolina to ensure their rights and responsibilities are understood and properly addressed within the legal framework.

Call or contact us online today to speak with an experienced attorney at the Law Offices of Austin Vandeveer. We look forward to working with you.