How Child Support is Calculated in North Carolina
North Carolina uses an Income Shares model under the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, last revised in 2023. The guidelines provide three worksheets: Worksheet A (sole custody), B (joint physical custody with each parent having 123+ overnights), and C (split custody where each parent has primary custody of at least one child).
Estimated Monthly Child Support in North Carolina
Below are sample calculations using our North Carolina formula. These figures assume the higher-earning parent pays support and exclude childcare or insurance add-ons.
| Your Income | Other Parent | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000/mo | $3,000/mo | ~$720 | ~$1,260 | ~$1,692 |
| $4,000/mo | $2,500/mo | ~$880 | ~$1,540 | ~$2,068 |
| $6,000/mo | $3,000/mo | ~$1,200 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,820 |
What Can Increase or Decrease Payments in North Carolina?
- Each parent's gross monthly income from all sources
- The number of children covered by the order
- Health insurance premiums paid for the children
- Work-related childcare and daycare expenses
- How much overnight parenting time each parent has
- Any extraordinary medical, educational, or special-needs costs
How to File for Child Support in North Carolina
- Open a case with North Carolina's Department of Child Support Services (or the equivalent state agency).
- Provide proof of both parents' income — pay stubs, tax returns, or a financial affidavit.
- Submit a parenting plan or custody order showing each parent's overnight time.
- Attend a hearing or administrative review where a judge or referee finalizes the order.
Frequently Asked Questions — North Carolina Child Support
When does North Carolina use Worksheet B (shared custody)?
Worksheet B applies when each parent has at least 123 overnights per year — roughly 34% of the year — with the child.
What is North Carolina's self-support reserve?
North Carolina includes a low-income adjustment that ensures the paying parent retains a minimum self-support amount before guideline support is calculated.
Are college costs covered in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina law does not require parents to pay child support past age 18 (or 20 if still in high school), and college expenses are not part of guideline support.
When does North Carolina child support end?
At age 18, or upon high school graduation up to age 20, whichever comes first.