North Carolina Child Support Calculator

At what age does child support end in NC?

In North Carolina, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still in high school at age 18, support continues until they graduate, cease to make progress towards graduation, or turn 20, whichever occurs first.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can 'impute' income to them. This means the calculation will be based on their potential earnings, considering their work history, skills, and local job opportunities. Income is not typically imputed if the unemployment is in good faith.

How do I modify a child support order in NC?

You can request a modification if there has been a 'substantial change in circumstances' since the last order was entered. A new calculation that results in a 15% or greater change in the child support amount is legally presumed to be a substantial change.

Does NC child support cover college expenses?

No, a court cannot order a parent to pay for college expenses in North Carolina. The legal obligation for child support ends at age 18 (or high school graduation/age 20). Parents may, however, create a separate, legally binding agreement to cover college costs.

How does NC handle health insurance and childcare costs?

These are treated as additional expenses. The cost of health insurance premiums for the child and any reasonable, work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation. These extra costs are then divided between the parents based on their percentage of the combined income.