Free Tools/NC Child Support Calculator

Free Legal Tool

NC Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments using North Carolina's income shares model based on both parents' income, custody schedule, and childcare costs

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How It Works

Enter Both Parents' Income

Input each parent's monthly gross income before taxes. NC uses gross income as the starting point for child support calculations.

Specify Number of Children

Enter the number of children covered by the support order. NC uses a graduated schedule with different amounts for each child count.

Add Custody and Cost Details

Enter overnight visits per year, plus any work-related childcare and health insurance costs for the children. These determine which schedule applies and affect the total obligation.

Get Your Estimate

Receive an estimated monthly child support payment based on the NC Child Support Guidelines, including a full breakdown of the calculation.

Why Use This Calculator?

Get a quick estimate based on NC law before consulting an attorney.

NC Guidelines

Uses the same income shares formula NC courts apply under NC General Statutes Section 50-13.4.

All Custody Schedules

Supports Schedule A (primary custody) and Schedule B (shared custody) calculations automatically.

Childcare & Insurance

Includes work-related childcare and health insurance costs in the calculation, just like the NC guidelines require.

Calculate Your Child Support Estimate

Enter your details below to estimate child support payments under North Carolina law.

Income Information

Custodial Parent's Monthly Gross Income

Parent with primary custody (243+ overnights/year)

Non-Custodial Parent's Monthly Gross Income

Parent paying support (fewer overnights/year)

Children & Custody

Number of Children

Non-Custodial Parent's Overnight Visits Per Year

Under 123: Schedule A (primary). 123-242: Schedule B (shared). 243+: primary custody reversed.

Additional Monthly Costs

Work-Related Childcare Costs (monthly)

Health Insurance for Child (monthly)

NC Custody Schedules Explained

Which schedule applies depends on the number of overnights per year

Schedule A

Primary Custody

0-122 overnights

One parent has primary physical custody (243+ overnights). The non-custodial parent pays their proportional share of the total support obligation.

Schedule B

Shared Custody

123-242 overnights

Both parents have significant time with the child. Each parent's obligation is calculated, multiplied by 1.5, and adjusted by parenting time percentages.

Schedule C

Split Custody

Varies

Each parent has primary custody of at least one child. Support is calculated separately for each child and then offset between parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Carolina child support

How is child support calculated in North Carolina?

North Carolina uses the income shares model under NC General Statutes Section 50-13.4. Both parents' gross monthly incomes are combined to determine a basic support obligation from the NC guidelines schedule. That obligation is split proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. Additional costs like childcare and health insurance are added to the basic obligation before splitting.

What is the difference between Schedule A, B, and C in NC?

Schedule A applies when one parent has primary physical custody (243+ overnights per year). Schedule B applies to shared custody arrangements where each parent has 123-242 overnights. Schedule C applies to split custody, where each parent has primary custody of at least one child. Each schedule uses a different calculation method to determine the support amount.

What counts as gross income in North Carolina child support?

Gross income in NC includes income from all sources: wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, Social Security, unemployment, disability, and alimony received. Pre-existing child support obligations for other children and responsibility for other children in the home can be deducted before the calculation.

How does shared custody affect child support in NC?

When each parent has between 123 and 242 overnights per year, NC uses Schedule B (shared custody). Under shared custody, each parent's obligation is calculated, multiplied by 1.5, and then adjusted based on the percentage of time the child spends with each parent. The parent with the higher adjusted obligation pays the difference to the other parent.

Can NC child support be modified?

Yes, either parent can request a modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the last order. This includes significant income changes, changes in custody or parenting time, changes in the child's needs, or changes in childcare or medical costs. NC also allows review every 3 years to see if the current order deviates from the guidelines by 15% or more.

How long does child support last in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not past age 20. Support may continue beyond 18 if the child has a physical or mental disability. NC courts do not have authority to order parents to pay for college expenses as part of child support.

Are childcare and health insurance included in NC child support?

Yes. Work-related childcare costs and the cost of health insurance for the child are added to the basic support obligation before splitting it between parents. The parent who pays these costs directly may receive a credit. These additions can significantly affect the final support amount, so they should be included in any calculation.

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