Child support is money paid from one parent to another parent for the reasonable needs of the child they share to help support and maintain the child’s financial needs. In North Carolina, child support guidelines determine the appropriate amount of child support in most cases. 

To calculate child support, there are three (3) child support worksheets: Worksheet A, Worksheet B, and Worksheet C.

Worksheet A is used when one parent has physical custody of the child for 243 or more overnights per year. Worksheet B is used when each parent has physical custody of the child for at least 123 overnights per parent in a year. Worksheet C is used when parents split physical custody with multiple children (i.e., one child lives with one parent and one child lives with the other parent). However, the guidelines cap when the parents have a combined gross monthly income of more than $30,000.00 per month. Instead, the Court will determine a reasonable child support amount based on the child’s needs for health and maintenance.

Child support worksheets consider each parent’s monthly gross income, number of overnights with the child, health insurance costs, existing child support obligations, the number of other children (not part of the case at hand), and specific extraordinary expenses (i.e., private school, travel to visit one parent, etc.). For example, let’s say parents have two children (under 18 years old) and Father makes $5,000.00 gross income per month and Mother makes $3,500.00 gross income per month. Father carries both children on health insurance for the cost of $75.00 per month. Both children attend public school and have no additional costs. Additionally, the parents have equal parenting time with both children. Using this example, child support would be calculated using Worksheet B because both parents share custody and do not have a combined gross monthly income of over $30,000.00.

Child support can be handled in a variety of ways. Most child support matters are settled outside of Court with involvement of attorneys especially since the child support amounts computed from the worksheets are presumed correct by the Courts. Once the financial documents of both parents are exchanged, then it is simply a matter of running the worksheet calculations. However, if there are disagreements on the appropriate child support amount or if there are difficulties on figuring out incomes (such as when one party has a business and income is not clear), the Court can have a hearing to determine the appropriate amount of child support. It is also important to remember that if you become voluntary unemployed or unemployed in an attempt to minimize child support, the Court can and likely will impute income, i.e. assign an amount of income that you should be earning for child support purposes even if you do not actually earn said amount on the date of the hearing or trial. Imputed income is determined on several factors including: education, work history, certifications, job opportunities, training, and earning levels in the community.

An attorney can facilitate the exchange of necessary financial documents, review financial information and help calculate child support to ensure all of the numbers are accurate. More importantly, an attorney will ensure proper utilization of the law and the North Carolina Child Support guidelines to help meet your child’s financial needs. 

Click here for the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines and Worksheets.

If you are undergoing a child support situation, our Modern Legal team is here to help. 

Please note: these educational materials are based on North Carolina law where my legal practice is based. While the insights may have wide applicability, readers should consult with an attorney regarding the specific laws in their state or country. 

Written by: Megan S. White