Understanding NC Child Support Laws

Get the Right Information

One of the toughest things a child will ever have to deal with is a divorce. While older kids may seem as though they are most affected by it, no matter how young a child is, he or she will feel the impact. This is especially true when there is a dispute over custody or visitation rights. Parents almost certainly want to do what is best for their children, but often that is not exactly clear to them.

Even when parents can come to an agreement over custody, there are other areas that need to be addressed, with money perhaps being the biggest. Under NC child support laws, both parents are obligated to make sure their children get the financial support they need.

If you are going through a divorce and have children, you probably have a lot of questions, and it is important to get as much information as you can on these NC child support laws.

The Basics on NC Child Support Laws

Child support is paid by the non-custodial parent, which is the person who does not have legal or physical custody of the child. Though in some instances, even if there is shared custody, one person will still be considered the non-custodial parent.

When it comes to child support, there are often disputes about the amount that needs to be paid. In most cases, this is decided by the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which will determine the needs of the child with regard to education, healthcare, and other necessities. The actual amount of money paid will hinge on several factors, including the income of the parents and the specific needs of the child.

The ultimate goal is to come up with a sum that covers everything and is reasonable for those involved. There are many facets of NC child support laws, and things can become tricky if a parent is unemployed or underemployed. At this point, the court may base child support on potential income. Even if that parent is not earning that income, it will be assumed that he or she should be earning it. To make this ruling, the court has to find that the parent is acting in bad faith, meaning that they have willingly put themselves in that situation. For example, if a parent quits a job without good reason, the court will look at this unfavorably.

Calculating Child Support

To determine how much child support should be in each case, NC child support laws require that several records are examined by a court, including pay stubs, tax returns, and any other relevant financial documents. It is very important that everything is presented accurately, so the court can get all of the information it needs to make a fair ruling.

When it comes to child custody and support, it always pays to seek guidance from a legal professional. NC child support laws are complicated, and to make sure you are treated fairly, get in touch with Emblem Legal. Whether you have legal custody of your children or not, we will explain all of the NC child support laws and help you in any way we can. You need to have a legal professional working with you to be sure that your financial interests are treated fairly.