Child Support in North Carolina

Fayetteville NC Child Support Lawyers

When couples who have dependent children get a divorce in the state of North Carolina, they are going to have to address the issue of child support. In general the parent who does not have custody of the children is going to be required to make child support payments to the custodial parent. The state of North Carolina uses what is called the “income shares” model for determining the appropriate amount of child support for a given situation. This model is based on the supposition that the children of parents who are divorced are entitled to the same financial contribution to their well being that they would have received if their parents had remained married. This model also proceeds with the understanding that both parents are equally responsible for the child or children financially.

The way that this amount is determined is through the utilization of a set of uniform guidelines that are prescribed by the Conference of Chief District Judges pursuant to the North Carolina General Statutes, Section 50-13.4. The income of both parents is used to determine their relative contribution to the total amount set forth by the guidelines. As an example, suppose the guideline figure for supporting a single child was $500, and the mother had primary custody of this child. If the father made $3,000 per month, and the mother made $1,500 per month, the father would be earning 66.6% of the former couple’s overall combined income. So he would be required to pay 66.6% of the $500 mandated by the guidelines, which is $333.

It is important to remember that initial child support payment orders are not permanent. In the state of North Carolina, a motion to modify child support payment amounts can be filed when the income levels of the parties involve change significantly. If the new economic dynamic, when applied to the guidelines, would result in a change in the existing payment of 15% or more, a modification may be in order.

For assistance with any child support matter, contact a Fayetteville NC family lawyer for a free consultation.