North Carolina Child Support Calculator

North Carolina uses the income shares model. North Carolina uses the Income Shares Model. Both parents' incomes are combined to determine the total child support obligation, which is then allocated proportionally based on each parent's share of combined income. Three worksheets exist: Worksheet A (primary custody -- one parent has child 243+ nights/year), Worksheet B (shared custody -- each parent has child 123+ nights/year), and Worksheet C (split custody -- each parent has primary custody of at least one child). Guidelines were last revised January 1, 2023.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in North Carolina generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in North Carolina can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

North Carolina has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.