Raleigh Child Support Lawyer

Understanding Child Support in North Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide

As a parent, ensuring the well-being and financial stability of your child is of the utmost importance. In North Carolina, the child support system plays a crucial role in providing for the needs of children whose parents have separated or divorced. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, it's essential to understand the process and your rights under North Carolina law. Navigating child support issues can be stressful, but Tien Law Firm is here to provide comprehensive assistance tailored to your needs. 

How is Child Support Determined in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, child support is determined based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which take into account various factors, including:  

• The incomes of both parents  
• The number of children  
• The cost of health insurance and work-related childcare expenses  
• Any other financial obligations or special circumstances

The guidelines use a formula to calculate the appropriate amount of child support, ensuring a fair and consistent approach across the state.

The Process of Obtaining Child Support in North Carolina

To initiate a child support case in North Carolina, you can either file a petition with the court or apply for child support services through your local child support enforcement agency. The process typically involves the following steps:   
1. Establishing paternity (if necessary)   
2. Gathering financial information from both parents   
3. Calculating the appropriate child support amount based on the guidelines   
4. Obtaining a child support order from the court   
5. Enforcing the order if the non-custodial parent fails to pay

10 Common Issues with Child Support in North Carolina

1. Inaccurate income information: Disputes may arise over the accurate reporting of income, which can affect the child support calculation.   
2. Changes in financial circumstances: If a parent's income or expenses change significantly, they may need to modify the child support order.   
3. Difficulty enforcing the order: Some non-custodial parents may refuse to pay or find ways to avoid their child support obligations.   
4. Failure to account for special needs or expenses: The guidelines may not adequately address the unique needs or expenses of a child.   
5. Disputes over the allocation of healthcare and childcare costs: Parents may disagree on who is responsible for covering these expenses.   
6. Handling of tax-related benefits: The treatment of tax exemptions and credits can impact the child support calculation.   
7. Jurisdictional issues: If a parent moves to a different state, it may complicate the enforcement or modification of the child support order.   
8. Imputing income: The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, which can affect the child support amount.   
9. Handling of self-employment income: Accurately determining and accounting for self-employment income can be challenging.   
10. Disputes over extracurricular activities and other expenses: Parents may disagree on the appropriate level of support for various child-related expenses.

Contact Our Raleigh Child Support Lawyer

If you need assistance with any aspect of child support in North Carolina, don't hesitate to contact our Raleigh child support attorney. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of parents and seek for the children to receive the financial support they may need.

Call (888) 920-8180 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.