Child Support Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

Child support after separation.

North Carolina Child Support Calculations

In most cases, child support is calculated based upon the incomes of the parents, the number of children, and the physical custodial schedule of the children. For parents with a combined income of less than $250,000, North Carolina employs a child support guideline. Essentially, the guidelines are a calculator for child support. For parents who make a combined income in excess of $250,000, child support is calculated based upon the actual expenditures for the child(ren). There are often adjustments to the calculation of child support. These are the travel expenses, extraordinary expenses, the cost of daycare or a nanny, and the cost of insurance. Our dedicated family law lawyer will ensure that our clients are paying or receiving the proper amount of child support.

In the average child support case, the calculation is based upon the following factors:

  • The gross monthly income of each parent;
  • The monthly cost of work-related child care; and
  • The monthly cost of health insurance benefits for the children. Health insurance benefits include vision and dental insurance.

The court may also consider extraordinary expenses which are defined in the Guidelines as including:

  1. Uninsured medical expenses in excess of $100.00 per year;
  2. Medical expenses for costs that are reasonably necessary for orthodontia, dental treatments, asthma treatments, physical therapy and any uninsured chronic health problems;
  3. Expense for attending any special or private elementary or secondary school to meet the particular educational needs of a child; or
  4. Transportation expenses for the child to travel between the parents’ homes.

It is customary that the court will order the parties to share uninsured medical and dental expenses in the same proportions as their respective incomes. If you are anticipating orthodontic expenses, be certain to bring this to your attorney’s attention. So you are not fighting over the meaning of “dental expenses” when you are seeking help from the other parent in paying for orthodontic expenses.

Calculating Child Support Based on Family Needs

The Judge will determine the appropriate amount of child support. This is when the Guidelines are not applicable or if there is a deviation from the Guidelines. That is based on the individual needs of the family. Factors that are considered are the accustomed standard of living for the family and the reasonable needs of each parent. Thereafter, the Judge will consider the incomes and earning abilities of the parents. The Judge will also consider the respective abilities to contribute to the needs of the child, taking into consideration their own needs for support. This process results in an outcome that is not reasonably predictable, which is what lead to the creation of the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. Prior to the Guidelines, this was the process by which all child support cases were determined.

In most cases, child support is payable until the child reaches 18 years of age and has graduated from high school, whichever is the last to occur.

With regard to private school education, the Guidelines do not require parents to contribute toward the cost of the same unless the child has a special educational need which cannot be met in a public school system.

In addition, the court cannot order a parent to contribute to a child’s college education.

Costs such as college education expenses for the children and private school tuition costs may be dealt with through a private contract. It is important to note that this requires an agreement by BOTH PARTIES. This is to obligate them to these terms in a contract.

Child Custody and Tax Laws

The tax laws provide that the parent with child custody is entitled to the dependency exemption of the child in connection with income tax returns unless the custodial parent waives such right. Our state courts have the discretion to require a custodial parent to give up the dependency exemption and to award it to the other parent. This is also relevant to deducting child care expenses. The party claiming the child is the one who claims the related child care expenses related to that child. Be sure to consult with your tax preparer or CPA with regard to these considerations.

Our Raleigh Child Support Lawyers Are Here For You

We understand how difficult divorce can be especially when there is tension over child support payments. Let the dedicated Raleigh family law attorneys at Younce, Vtipil Baznik & Banks P.A. help you and your children. Contact us today for a consultation with our experienced lawyers.