How to Get Child Support

In North Carolina, child support is mandated by a set of child support guidelines that determine the amount of support due based on a worksheet computation that considers the income and other support obligations of each parent. In order to begin a child support case in North Carolina, a parent may contact the Department of Social Services – Child Support Enforcement, which the Department of Social Services will begin the child support proceeding and pursue enforcement. If a parent chooses to pursue child support through the Department of Social Services, the department will file the necessary documents and will institute the proceeding itself. The attorney for the Department will present each case and the child support obligation will go through and be enforced by the Department of Social Services – Child Support Enforcement. There is a small fee, often $25, to begin the process with the Department of Social Services. There are local offices throughout the state and you should inquire about options for child support by the Department of Social Services at your respective local Child Support Enforcement office.

Alternatively, an individual parent may also pursue child support on his or her own by filing a case for child support in civil court. The parent may represent his or her self or may retain counsel to pursue a child support case.

As with all other civil proceedings, filings and service must be made in order to institute a case for child support. Child Support is not ordered instantaneously and the case can take months to be heard depending on the docket of the respective court system, service and other various considerations. If you have questions concerning your options for instituting a child support proceeding contact the attorneys at Mulligan Attorneys,.