How Do Courts Calculate Child Support Payments?

When courts in Raleigh, NC determine child support amounts, they look at the income of both parents and the needs of the child in making this decision. A child support attorney can help you make a strong case for the amount of support that’s appropriate in your situation.

How Raleigh, NC Courts Determine Child Support Amounts

Factors Considered

The court will first factor in some key elements, starting with the combined income of the parents. This combined income is essentially the starting point that sets the family’s standard of living and determines what’s available to the child or children. After that, the court will look at the gross monthly income of the individual parents. This includes all income from all sources, and if the court believes one of the parents is underemployed and could be doing more, it will calculate using earning potential rather than actual earnings.

Next, the court will look at the custody arrangements. Health insurance will also be considered, so if one parent has a job that covers the child in this respect, that will count towards their support obligations. The court will then look at the child’s needs, and especially if they have any unusual expenses for medical needs or the cost of a private school. Finally, the court will consider whether either parent has other support obligations, such as other children or elderly relatives to support.

Choosing the Appropriate Worksheet

Once the basics have been set in place, the court will choose one of three worksheets to determine support. Worksheet A is for situations where one parent has primary custody, meaning that the child lives with them 242 nights or more per year. Worksheet B is for when custody is shared and the child spends at least 123 nights each year with both parents, and Worksheet C is for split custody, where there are multiple children living with different parents.

Dealing With Low and High Income

The courts will also consider special situations where the family has a particularly low or high income. For those with an adjusted gross income of less than the federal poverty level, there’s a minimum support requirement of $50 per month. For those making more than the federal poverty minimum but still low income, there’s a Schedule of Basic Support Obligations that adjusts incrementally depending on the precise amount of money the parent makes each month.

When the parents have a particularly high combined income, the court determines what is reasonable given the child’s needs and the accustomed standard of living that the family has had up until this point. They will then order support in line with these realities rather than a strict percentage of income.

Learn More With a Child Support Attorney

Talk to a lawyer to find out what to expect and how to make a strong case for the level of support that’s appropriate for your family. Contact Gantt Family Law today in Raleigh, NC to request a consultation. We also serve families in Durham, Apex, Sanford, and North Raleigh.

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