A clear guideline based process, protection of your child’s financial needs, and legal advocacy to ensure support is fair, accurate, and enforceable.
Child support in North Carolina is determined by the Child Support Guidelines, but the calculation is not always as simple as it appears. Income disputes, childcare expenses, insurance coverage, parenting schedules, work changes, and extraordinary expenses can all affect the final number. Whether you are seeking support, defending against an inaccurate claim, or requesting a modification, we help you understand your rights and make sure the final support arrangement reflects your child’s real needs.
Speak with a Raleigh child support attorney today.
How Child Support Works in North Carolina
North Carolina uses the Child Support Guidelines to calculate support in most cases. The calculation considers:
- Each parent’s income
- Childcare costs
- Health insurance and medical expenses
- The number of overnights each parent has
- Other children each parent supports
- Extraordinary expenses (education, special needs, therapies, travel, etc.)
The Guidelines produce a standard figure that courts presume to be appropriate. However, judges can deviate from the Guidelines when the standard calculation would be unjust or inappropriate.
Child support is usually paid monthly and continues until the child turns 18, finishes high school, or reaches age 20, whichever comes first. Certain special needs cases may extend support.
The Child Support Process Step by Step
1. Establishing Parentage
For unmarried parents, paternity must be confirmed before support is established. This can occur voluntarily or through a court process.
2. Exchanging Financial Information
Both parents must disclose income and relevant expenses. Accurate financial documentation is essential to a correct calculation.
3. Applying the Guidelines
The calculation depends on the child’s physical custody schedule and each parent’s financial responsibility for the child’s direct needs.
4. Negotiation or Mediation
Many parents agree to a support amount once accurate numbers are exchanged. Mediation or attorney negotiations help clarify disputes.
5. Court Hearing (If Needed)
If parents cannot agree or if there are income disputes, a judge will hear evidence and set the amount. Courts rely heavily on documentation.
6. Entry of a Support Order
The order outlines the amount, due dates, payment method, and terms for medical coverage and extraordinary expenses.
7. Enforcement and Modification
Support orders can be enforced when payments are not made and modified when circumstances change significantly.
Factors That Influence Child Support
Income Determination
This is often the most contested issue. Courts consider wages, self employment income, bonuses, commissions, and overtime, business ownership income, rental or investment income, and voluntary underemployment or unemployment.
If a parent is not working to their earning capacity, courts can assign an income level based on work history and ability.
Parenting Time
Overnights matter. The number of nights a child spends with each parent determines which Worksheet applies (A, B, or C).
Health Insurance and Medical Costs
Courts divide these costs proportionally based on income.
Childcare
Work related childcare expenses are included in the calculation.
Extraordinary Expenses
Tutoring, therapy, private school, travel, or special needs care may be added or handled separately.
When the Guidelines Do Not Fit
Judges can deviate from the Guidelines in cases involving:
- High income parents
- Significant travel expenses
- Children with special needs
- Unusual medical or educational costs
- Large disparities in living standards
- Situations where the guideline amount would be unfair or harmful
Deviation cases require strong documentation and clear legal argument.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
If a parent fails to pay support, a variety of enforcement tools are available:
- Wage withholding
- Judgments for arrears
- Contempt proceedings
- License suspensions
- Tax refund intercepts
- Bank account levies
We help clients determine the most effective approach and pursue enforcement quickly.
Modifying a Child Support Order
Support can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- A significant income increase or decrease
- Job loss or job change
- Major changes in childcare or insurance expenses
- A change in custody or parenting time
- New extraordinary expenses
Remarriage does not automatically change support, but related financial impacts may matter.
Courts expect clear proof of the change. We help organize the documentation and present the case efficiently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Child Support Cases
- Failing to disclose all income or expenses
- Relying on informal agreements instead of enforceable orders
- Not updating support when circumstances change
- Paying support in cash without documentation
- Confusing custody disputes with support obligations
- Assuming the Guidelines are always straightforward
- Using support disputes to argue parenting issues
Accurate documentation and timely legal advice prevent most of these problems.
How Kurtz & Blum Helps
Parents choose our firm because they want a grounded, process driven approach to child support. We provide:
- Accurate guideline calculations
- Clear analysis of income and expenses
- Strategies for high income or deviation cases
- Experienced negotiation and mediation support
- Strong representation in court when disputes arise
- Guidance on enforcement and modifications
We help ensure that child support reflects reality, protects your child’s needs, and remains fair and enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does child support last?
Until the child turns 18 or finishes high school, whichever is later, but not beyond age 20 in most cases.
Do both parents have to provide financial information?
Yes. Accurate income disclosure is required by law.
Can child support be set below the guideline amount?
Yes, but only when deviation is justified and supported by evidence.
What if the other parent refuses to work?
Courts can impute income based on ability and work history.
Can child support be changed later?
Yes, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances.
Does shared custody eliminate child support?
Not necessarily. It depends on income differences and expenses.
Talk With a Raleigh Child Support Attorney
If you need help establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support, the right guidance early in the process protects your rights and ensures your child is supported. We help parents cut through confusion and reach a fair, accurate support arrangement.
Schedule a consultation with Kurtz & Blum today.
