In North Carolina, child support is determined based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines take into account both parents’ income, the number of children being supported, the custodial arrangements of the children, and other relevant information. Generally, child support in North Carolina can be calculated in the following manner:

1. Determine the custodial arrangements for the minor child or children in need of support. You may share joint physical and/or legal custody of your children or obtain sole custody.
2. Determine which worksheet you are on. Once you have determined what the custodial arrangement is for your children, you now need to go to the appropriate worksheet. You can visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website for the interactive worksheets. Worksheet A is for families that include a primary/secondary custodial arrangement. Worksheet B is for families that share joint custody of the children. Worksheet C is for families that split joint custody, which means one parent has primary of one or more children and the other parent has primary of one or more children.
3. Determine the income for each parent. Once you have determined the worksheet you are on, you now need to begin plugging in numbers. This begins by inserting each party’s gross income. You can do this by calculating the hourly rate plus any overtime or additional pay, or by figuring out the monthly income from your regular salary. You will need to input income for both parents in the appropriate column.
4. Determine if there are any credits for each of you. Once you have determined the relative income for each parent, now you can begin applying any credits. Credits may include, pre-existing child support payments for either party, other children that are yours and live with you primarily, work related child care costs (i.e., daycare), insurance premiums for the children, and any extraordinary expenses either parent pays for the children.
5. Determine the monthly child support award. Once all credits have been properly identified and listed in the appropriate column, now it’s time to compute the award. The online child support worksheet has a button to compute such award and let you know what the approximate award may be. The amount calculated is the monthly award based upon the information provided in the worksheet.

It is important to note that child support calculations can be complex, and the specific circumstances of each case can impact the final calculation. If you are seeking child support, or if you are being asked to pay child support, it is important to meet with an attorney for guidance. A North Carolina child support attorney will be able to examine your information and help determine the appropriate amount of child support for your family. Speaking with an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in child support payments.