North Carolina Child Support Calculator

How NC's Income Shares Model Works

To estimate your child support, North Carolina combines both your and the other parent's gross incomes to determine a basic support amount from a state schedule. This amount is then divided between you based on your percentage of the combined income. Governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4, the final figure is adjusted for costs like health insurance, childcare, and parenting time.

Understanding Shared Custody (Worksheet B)

In North Carolina, when a child spends at least 123 nights per year with each parent, a different formula (Worksheet B) is used which increases the basic obligation by 50% to account for duplicated expenses. This shared physical custody arrangement, governed by the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, significantly adjusts the final support amount to reflect the substantial time each parent has the child.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

North Carolina Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4
Shared Custody Threshold 123 Overnights
Age Support Ends Age 18, or 20 if still in high school.
Modification Standard 15% Change in Support Amount or Substantial Change

North Carolina Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in NC?

Child support in North Carolina ends when a child turns 18, but it continues until high school graduation if they are still enrolled, not to extend past age 20. This is mandated by North Carolina General Statute § 50-13.4(c), after which the legal duty to provide support terminates unless parents have a separate written agreement.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in NC?

A court can 'impute' income to an unemployed or underemployed parent based on their potential earning capacity if their actions are deemed to be in bad faith. North Carolina courts will examine the parent's recent work history, skills, and local job opportunities to assign a potential income for calculation purposes.

How do I modify a child support order in NC?

You can modify a child support order by showing a 'substantial change in circumstances,' which is automatically presumed if the new calculation results in at least a 15% change from the existing order. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.7, a parent must file a Motion to Modify with the court to begin the process.

Does NC child support cover college expenses?

No, North Carolina law does not require a parent to pay for college expenses as part of a child support order. Support for post-secondary education can only be enforced if the parents have voluntarily entered into a legally binding written agreement, such as a separation agreement, to cover these costs.

How does NC handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation and are divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. These expenses are treated as mandatory add-ons to the basic support calculated under the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines.