Child Support Guidelines

In North Carolina, child support is determined pursuant to Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines are statutory and must be followed in each child support action unless grounds for deviation from the Child Support Guidelines exist. Child Support Guidelines calculate the child support payment for the paying parent pursuant to both parents’ incomes, the amount of dependents of each parent, health care, child care expenses of the respective parents, and the custodial time each parent spends with the minor child.



Child Support Guidelines create a formula for calculation of child support based on the various factors mentioned above. Child support is calculated on specific worksheets. The specific worksheet that a parent uses to determine the child support amount is determined by the custodial schedule between the parents of the minor child. The incomes, amount of dependents and other expenses of each parent are placed into the respective worksheet in order to calculate the appropriate child support payment. An Order for Child Support will then be entered by the court that requires payment of the amount established by the Child Support Guidelines.

In certain instances, deviation from the statutory Child Support Guidelines may be warranted based on specific facts surrounding the parents and the minor child. If it’s determined that the amount established by the Child Support Guidelines is not sufficient to meet the reasonable needs of the child, then a deviation from the Guidelines may be made. In exceptional circumstances when there is reason for deviation in order to meet the financial needs of the child, a deviation from these guidelines may be ordered.

To find out more about the calculations set up by the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines or to determine the route to begin child support payments, contact our family law attorneys at Mulligan Attorneys,.