Child support payments are not a punishment. It is a parent’s responsibility to take care of and support their child. Yet, determining child support payments can be a complex pain point, regardless of whether parents are unmarried or seeking a divorce.
There is a child support calculator for your convenience
The process of calculating child support in North Carolina is actually quite straightforward – especially when compared to other states. The state provides specific worksheets where you can enter details to determine child support payments. These include, but are not limited to:
- Health insurance costs
- The number of children for which you may pay child support
- Child care expenses
As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, it will help to have your documents and records organized beforehand when making this calculation. That way, you can have estimates of these costs prepared to help you get an accurate picture of the child support payments.
But your child’s needs always come first
Naturally, what your child needs is the most important factor when calculating child support. After all, the worksheets and calculator may not factor in critical details that affect your child’s life. You must also consider your child’s:
- Everyday needs
- Educational costs
- Health care costs
- Personal needs
For example, if your child has disabilities or additional health care needs, the sum determined by the calculator may not accurately depict the financial support your child needs. You and your child’s other parent must carefully consider your child’s individual, holistic needs to ensure the child support payments actually accomplish their goal.
It will also be important to consistently evaluate your child’s needs. As they change, it might be necessary for you and your child’s other parent to revisit and revise your agreement and the payments to match them.