Question 1

How is child support calculated in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

In North Carolina, child support is usually calculated under the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The court or the parties use one of several guideline worksheets to determine a basic support amount, taking into account each parent’s gross monthly income, the child’s health insurance costs, work-related childcare expenses, and the number of overnights the child spends with each parent.

Question 2

What are Worksheets A, B, and C in North Carolina child support cases?

Accepted Answer

Worksheets A, B, and C are forms used with the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. Generally, Worksheet A is used when one parent has primary physical custody, Worksheet B is used when parents share physical custody, and Worksheet C is used in certain split custody situations where there are multiple children and each parent has primary custody of at least one child. The choice of worksheet can significantly affect the support amount.

Question 3

Do both parents have a duty to support their child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under North Carolina law, both parents have a legal duty to support their child. The child support guidelines are designed to allocate that responsibility between the parents based on their incomes, the custody arrangement, and certain child-related expenses, so that the child receives appropriate financial support from both sides.

Question 4

What information is needed to calculate child support?

Accepted Answer

To calculate child support under the guidelines, you generally need accurate information about each parent’s gross monthly income, the cost of the child’s health insurance, work-related childcare expenses, and details about the parenting schedule and number of overnights. In some cases, extraordinary expenses related to the child may also be considered.

Question 5

What if I believe the other parent is hiding or understating income?

Accepted Answer

If you believe the other parent is not accurately reporting income, it is important to raise that concern and provide any documentation you have, such as pay records, bank statements, or business information. In appropriate cases, a court may look beyond the numbers on a paystub and, when warranted, can impute income based on work history, qualifications, and earning capacity. An attorney can help you gather the right information and present your concerns to the court.

Question 6

Can a child support amount be changed later?

Accepted Answer

Child support orders can sometimes be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, a new custody arrangement, or major changes in childcare or medical expenses. Whether a modification is appropriate depends on the specific facts of your case and how long it has been since the last order was entered.

Question 7

Why should I talk to a child support attorney at Brazil Law Group?

Accepted Answer

Child support calculations can become complicated when there is self-employment income, changing work hours, shared custody arrangements, or disputed expenses. A child support attorney at Brazil Law Group can help you understand how the guidelines apply to your situation, ensure that financial information is accurately presented, and advocate for a support amount that is consistent with the guidelines and your child’s needs.