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State Guide · North Carolina
Child Support in North Carolina: How It's Calculated, Modified & Enforced
A plain-English guide to North Carolina child support — the guideline model, how the number is computed, the modification and enforcement process, and where to find the official worksheet.
Direct answer
Worksheet A for primary custody (CP has 243+ overnights/year); Worksheet B for shared custody (each parent has 123+ overnights); Worksheet C for split custody (each parent has primary custody of at least one child).
North Carolina uses the Income Shares model under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4, based on each parent's GROSS monthly income (with pre-existing child-support orders subtracted to reach adjusted gross). The Conference of Chief District Court Judges publishes the Guidelines and a Schedule of Basic Support Obligations, reviewed at least every four years. Three worksheets apply by custody: Worksheet A (primary custody, CP has ≥243 overnights), Worksheet B (shared custody, each parent ≥123 overnights), and Worksheet C (split custody, each parent has primary custody of at least one child). The schedule covers combined income up to $40,000/month; above that the court decides case-by-case. The minimum obligation is $50/month.
Open the North Carolina child support calculator to see your own number under the current guideline: North Carolina calculator.
How a support order is established in North Carolina
Apply for Child Support Services through NC Child Support Services (online at ncchildsupport.ncdhhs.gov, by mail, or at a local office); a $25 application fee generally applies (reduced to $10 below 100% federal poverty).
Establish paternity if needed (Affidavit of Parentage or court-ordered genetic testing).
Both parents provide income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns); the agency or court determines each parent\'s gross/adjusted income.
Select the correct worksheet (A, B, or C) based on overnights and run it against the Schedule of Basic Support Obligations.
Obtain a court order (through the county District Court) that sets the base amount plus health insurance and work-related childcare, allocated proportionally.
Request modification later upon a substantial change in circumstances (e.g., income, custody, or child-needs change).
Worked examples
Illustrative example — basic split (Worksheet A) — Parents\' combined adjusted gross monthly income is $1,700 with one child. The NCP earns $1,000 (about 58.8%) and the CP earns $700 (about 41.2%). The CP has primary custody (≥243 overnights), so Worksheet A applies. From the NC Schedule of Basic Support Obligations, combined adjusted income of $1,700 with one child is $309/month. The NCP pays 58.8% of that: 0.588 × $309 ≈ $182/month, plus their proportional share of add-ons. The guideline amount is the presumptive obligation; each parent\'s share equals their share of combined income.
Illustrative example — add-on expenses split proportionally — Same two parents ($1,700 combined, 1 child). The child\'s health insurance is $150/month and work-related childcare is $300/month. Base $309 + $150 insurance + $300 childcare = $759 total. The NCP (58.8%) owes 0.588 × $759 ≈ $446; the CP (41.2%) owes about $313, credited for amounts they pay directly. The NCP\'s cash payment to the CP is reduced by any insurance/childcare the NCP pays directly. Health insurance and work-related childcare are added to the base and divided between parents in the same income proportions.
Modifying or enforcing an order
Orders in North Carolina can be modified when there is a substantial change in income, custody, or circumstances. Use the modification eligibility check and the cross-state comparison tool to see how a move would change the outcome. Enforcement runs through the state agency and can include income withholding and contempt proceedings.
Official sources
NC Child Support Services (NCDHHS) — https://ncchildsupport.ncdhhs.gov/
NC DHHS — Child Support Enforcement — http://dhhs.nc.gov/divisions/social-services/child-support-enforcement
Which worksheet applies to my case?
Worksheet A for primary custody (CP has 243+ overnights/year); Worksheet B for shared custody (each parent has 123+ overnights); Worksheet C for split custody (each parent has primary custody of at least one child).
What income counts in North Carolina?
Gross income before taxes — wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment, rent, interest, dividends, pensions, Social Security, workers\' comp, and unemployment. Pre-existing court-ordered child support for other children is subtracted.
When can a judge deviate from the guidelines?
Only with written findings that the guideline amount would not meet the child\'s reasonable needs or would be unjust or inappropriate. The guideline amount is a rebuttable presumption.
At what age does support end?
Age 18 (or high school graduation if later). The guidelines apply when combined income is $480,000/year or less; above that the court uses the child\'s actual needs and standard of living.
Can child support be modified?
Yes, upon a substantial change in circumstances such as a meaningful income change, a shift in overnights, or a change in the child\'s needs.
North Carolina child support calculator
Estimate for North Carolina
North Carolina uses the Income Shares model.
Enter the paying parent’s gross (pre-tax) monthly income.
North Carolina Child Support Worksheet — Planning Estimate
Generated September 22, 2026 · Model: Income Shares · Income basis: gross · Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4
This is an informal planning estimate, not a court worksheet and not legal advice. Confirm the current guideline with the state child-support agency or a licensed family-law attorney.
Estimated monthly support$1,001.11per month
Official schedule: North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, Schedule of Basic Support Obligations (eff 2023-01-01) (2023)
Annual estimate$12,013.32
Effective rate20%
MethodIncome Shares: combined income → official North Carolina schedule → split by income share (+ add-ons, parenting-time credit)
View calculation breakdown
Combined parental income
$9,000
Total basic obligation (schedule)
$1,802
Obligor income share
55.6%
Obligor basic obligation
$1,001
Estimated monthly support
$1,001
How the basic obligation splits between parents
56%
44%
Paying parent: $1,001 Other parent: $801
Each parent pays their proportional share of the combined basic obligation.
Estimated monthly support by number of children
At the incomes you entered, for 2 children.
This article is general education, not legal or tax advice. For your exact number, open your state calculator.
Not legal or financial advice. This estimate follows the state’s statutory guideline formula but cannot capture every factor a court considers (health insurance, childcare, prior orders, deviations, imputed income).
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