North Carolina Child Support Calculator
Calculate child support using North Carolina's official guidelines
Income Shares Model with Worksheets A, B, and C
Income Shares Model with Worksheets A, B, and C
How North Carolina Calculates Child Support
NC Child Support Guidelines Process
North Carolina uses the Income Shares Model, which combines both parents' incomes to determine the total support obligation based on what would have been spent on the children if the family remained intact.
Step 1: Determine Gross Income
Calculate each parent's gross monthly income from all sources including wages, self-employment, bonuses, and benefits.
Step 2: Apply Adjustments
Deduct pre-existing child support obligations, responsibility for other children, and health insurance premiums for the children.
Step 3: Calculate Combined Adjusted Income
Add both parents' adjusted gross incomes together.
Step 4: Look Up Basic Obligation
Use the NC Child Support Guidelines Schedule to find the basic support amount based on combined income and number of children.
Step 5: Add Work-Related Childcare
Add work-related childcare costs to the basic obligation.
Step 6: Allocate Between Parents
Each parent pays their proportionate share based on their percentage of combined income.
NC-Specific Rules
- Uses Income Shares Model (both parents contribute)
- Three worksheets based on custody arrangement
- Shared custody threshold: 123+ overnights per year
- Guidelines are presumptive - deviation requires findings
- Self-support reserve protects low-income obligors
- Support continues until age 18 (or high school graduation if before age 20)
Which Worksheet Applies?
Primary Custody (Worksheet A)
One parent has 243+ overnights per year. Standard guidelines apply.
Shared Custody (Worksheet B)
Each parent has 123+ overnights per year. Adjustments for duplicated expenses.
Split Custody (Worksheet C)
Each parent has primary custody of at least one child. Offset calculation applies.
Shared custody applies when each parent has 123 or more overnights per year (about 33% of the time). Worksheet B accounts for duplicated expenses when children spend significant time in both homes.
What Income Is Included?
Income Sources Counted
- Wages, salaries, and tips
- Self-employment income (gross less business expenses)
- Commissions and bonuses
- Severance pay
- Overtime pay
- Social Security disability/retirement
- Workers' compensation
- Unemployment benefits
- VA benefits
- Rental and investment income
- Alimony received
- Trust income
Adjustments to Income
- Pre-existing child support paid for other children
- Responsibility for other children in the home
- Health insurance premiums for the children
- Work-related childcare costs
- Extraordinary expenses (with court approval)
If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, NC courts may impute income based on their earning capacity.
Factors That Affect NC Child Support
Combined Adjusted Gross Income
Both parents' adjusted incomes combined determine the total support obligation from the guidelines schedule.
Number of Children
The basic support amount increases with each child per the NC Guidelines Schedule.
Custody Arrangement
Different worksheets apply based on whether custody is primary (Worksheet A), shared (B), or split (C).
Health Insurance
The cost of providing health insurance for the children is credited and shared proportionally.
Work-Related Childcare
Childcare costs necessary for employment are added to basic support and shared proportionally.
Extraordinary Expenses
Courts may consider extraordinary medical or educational expenses in setting support.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. North Carolina Child Support Guidelines are presumptive, meaning courts must follow them unless there are specific findings justifying deviation. For complex situations (high income, special needs children, significant assets), court orders may differ. Consult with a qualified North Carolina family law attorney for advice about your specific situation. Reference: N.C.G.S. 50-13.4.
Calculate Your North Carolina Child Support
Use our free calculator to estimate child support based on NC guidelines. Splitifi can help you track payments, document expenses, and plan custody schedules.