North Carolina Child Support Payments
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed May 18, 2018
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Although child support payments are received by the custodial parent or guardian, they are strictly intended to be used for the caretaking of the child named in the order. States consider the income of both parents and the expenses pertaining to the child when determining amounts, with an emphasis on the best interests of the child. Support orders typically may be modified to reflect changes in income and/or expenses.
If you've already applied for child support services in North Carolina, perhaps as part of the divorce process, you may still have questions about payment options, how payments are disbursed, and the duration of support. This article will address these questions and more.
North Carolina Child Support Payments: The Basics
If you're juggling the responsibilities of parenthood with a divorce, you probably don't have the time or energy to wade through dense legal texts. That's why we've provided the most important details of North Carolina child support payment processes and regulations in the table below, in plain English.
Statute |
North Carolina General Statutes: Section 50-13.4 |
Duration of Parental Child Support Obligation |
In North Carolina, parents are responsible for the financial support of their children until they reach the age of 18, unless:
|
What Child Support Covers |
Child support payments in North Carolina are intended to cover a child's basic needs, including:
Note: The court will base the support order on the combined income of both parents and the number of children before the court, which may result in an amount greater than the sum total of the expenses listed above. |
Child Support Payment Options |
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (Child Support Enforcement) provides a couple of options for paying child support, although most orders will require income withholding:
|
Receiving Child Support Payments |
In North Carolina, child support payments are sent by the state's Child Support Enforcement division via paper checks to the appropriate payee (typically the custodial parent). |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
North Carolina Child Support Payments: Related Resources
- North Carolina Child Support Guidelines
- North Carolina Child Support Enforcement
- North Carolina Child Custody Laws
Paying or Receiving Child Support? A North Carolina Attorney Can Help
Whether you're paying child support or receiving it, those payments are very important to the well-being of your child. It's important to get it right. If you have questions about child support payments or need legal advice, your best option is to consult with a North Carolina family law attorney specializing in such matters.
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