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Attorneys at Raleigh Divorce Law Firm

Child Support FAQ

Every divorcing couple with minor children must craft a child support plan. A divorce cannot be finalized without such a plan. However, it involves complex documents and matters, and trying to figure out what you should do on your own is likely going to be difficult.

At , we are child support attorneys for people in North Carolina. You have more than enough questions, so we want to answer all that we can. Below are a few answers to help you right now.

What is child support?

Under North Carolina law, both parents have an obligation to financially support their children. Typically, child support is paid from one parent with a higher income to one with a lesser income. However, many factors are considered when determining these agreements.

How is child support calculated?

Child support is calculated based on a standardized equation that looks at the following factors:

  • Both parents’ income
  • The child’s needs
  • Health care costs
  • Child care costs
  • Educational costs
  • The living situation

The equation sets support based on the answers. You are permitted to argue how much a certain factor should weigh in the calculation, and we can discuss that together in relation to your overall divorce strategy.

Can child support orders be modified?

Yes. If your financial situation changes, then you can petition the court to update and revise your child support orders. This is also necessary when your child becomes an adult, but you cannot unilaterally stop child support payments without an official notice from the court.

What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?

A parent who fails to pay child support can be pursued through the legal system. A court may hold the nonpaying parent in contempt or order a wage garnishment. The court may take even more drastic steps and intercept tax refunds.

Is child support taxable?

Child support is not taxable income. Nor is it something you can deduct on your tax return.

How long does a parent need to pay child support?

In North Carolina, child support is generally required until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond age 20. However, it is possible to get child support to last longer if the child has special needs, but this needs to be a direct agreement.

What does child support cover?

Child support should cover all the reasonable needs of a child, including the following:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Shelter
  • Educational expenses
  • Medical expenses
  • Extracurricular activities

The court sees these as the basics of life for a child, and, as mentioned above, both parents have the obligation to contribute.

Can both parents be required to pay child support?

It is rare for both parents to pay child support. However, changing circumstances can result in one parent paying child support in the beginning and the other paying child support later.

What should I do if my financial situation changes?

If your financial situation changes, then you may need to pursue a modification. We can assist you with that, as we frequently work in child support and custody cases. Reach out to us today to learn more about our firm and our work with families going through divorce.

We are lawyers who want to answer your questions and make sure that you know your options going forward. Call us at 919-926-1943 or send us an email using this online form.