Child support is a seen by the Courts as a vital financial obligation by parents to ensure children receive the resources they need for their upbringing, education, and well-being. Despite parents not being together anymore, child support ensures both parents are still supporting the minor children between them financially. In North Carolina, the law establishes specific guidelines to determine the amount of child support payments, how they can be paid, and the process for modifying support when circumstances change. If you are navigating the complexities of child support in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know.
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What are North Carolina’s Child Support Guidelines
In North Carolina, child support is governed by the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which are designed to establish fair and consistent support amounts. These guidelines take into account several factors, including the parents’ income, the number of children, and any other relevant circumstances such as childcare costs, health insurance, or special needs. The purpose is to ensure that child support obligations are set in a way that fairly reflects both parents’ financial situations while focusing on the best interests of the child.
The Child Support Guidelines provide a presumptive amount of support based on the parents’ combined gross income and the number of children in need of support. However, the court can deviate from the guidelines if there is a good reason to do so, such as special needs or other extraordinary circumstances.
How to Stop Child Support Payments
Once child support is established, payments will continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, there are certain instances where child support may stop or be modified:
- Child Reaches Legal Age: Child support obligations generally end when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later.
- Substantial Change in Circumstances: If the parent paying child support experiences a significant change in financial circumstances (such as job loss or a drastic change in income), they may request a modification of the support order. However, they must be able to show the Court they did not intentionally lose or quit their job in order to avoid a child support obligation.
- Emancipation: If the child becomes emancipated (e.g., marries, joins the military, or moves out and becomes financially independent), child support payments may cease.
To officially stop or modify child support, a motion must be filed with the court, which will then review the request and determine whether any adjustments are warranted.
How Child Support Can Be Paid
Child support can be paid in a variety of ways, including:
- Direct Payments: Parents can arrange for direct payments to the custodial parent. These can be made via checks, bank transfers, or other agreed-upon methods. However, keeping clear records of payments is crucial to avoid disputes. Even if you are using CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, or similar apps, keep records!
- Through Paycheck Deductions: In many cases, child support is deducted directly from the non-custodial parents’ paycheck. This ensures that payments are made regularly and on time. Employers are required by law to comply with child support orders by withholding the appropriate amount from the employee’s wages.
Using paycheck deductions is often the most effective way to ensure consistent payments, but parents can also work out direct payments if both parties agree.
Conclusion
Understanding child support obligations in North Carolina is essential for both parents involved in the care of a child. The Child Support Guidelines provide a clear framework for determining support, while offering options for payment and modification if circumstances change. If you are facing child support issues or need assistance with modifying a support order, it is wise to consult with a legal professional. To discuss your child support case further, schedule a consultation with Ley Law today. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. Call us today at 252-612-0007.
LeAnne Goss Author
LeAnne M. Goss is an Associate Attorney at Ley Law, dedicated to Family Law, Juvenile Law, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Court (DSS court), as well as Appellate Law. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies focused on Humanities and earned her Juris Doctor from Campbell Law School in 2023.
