Paying Child Support in North Carolina

North Carolina child support guidelines are based on the national  Income Shares Model for calculating child support. The monthly support amount is determined by dividing proportionally each parent’s income. These two support amounts are then offset to establish which parent will pay the other parent for support of the child. 

Payments ordered for the support of a minor child should be in such amount as to meet the reasonable needs of the child for health, education, and maintenance, but should also have due regard to the estates, earnings, conditions, accustomed standard of living of the family, the child care and homemaker contributions of each party, and other facts of the particular case.

Support payments ordered for a minor child will be made on a monthly basis, due and payable on the first day of each month. The requirement that orders be established on a monthly basis should not affect the availability of garnishment of disposable earnings for the parent ordered to pay.

The court will determine the amount of child support payments by applying the presumptive guidelines. Nevertheless, upon request of any party, the court may hear evidence, and from that evidence, find the facts relating to the reasonable needs of the child for support and the relative ability of each parent to provide support. If, after considering the evidence, the court finds that the application of the guidelines would not meet or would exceed the reasonable needs of the child considering the relative ability of each parent to provide support, or would otherwise be unjust or inappropriate, the court may vary from the guidelines.

If the court orders an amount other than the amount determined by application of the presumptive guidelines, the court can make findings as to the criteria that justify varying from the guidelines and the basis for the amount ordered.

So, if you are located in areas like Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or High Point, North Carolina, and you are facing a divorce with children, paying child support can be a very complicated and legal matter. It would not be wise to go to court without some knowledge of the legal system you face. If you don’t know what is appropriate for your fair share of contributions toward paying child support, then contact us right now at and we will help you find a divorce lawyer in your area that understands family law practice and can help you find the answers to all your legal questions.