North Carolina uses an income shares model with Worksheet A (sole custody, <123 overnights for non-custodial) and Worksheet B (shared custody, 123+ overnights each). Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses are added to the basic obligation.
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North Carolina calculates child support using the Income shares model on gross income established under N.C.G.S. § 50-13.4. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Basic obligation from NC Child Support Guidelines schedule based on combined gross income and children. Worksheet A or B applied based on custody arrangement.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, North Carolinarequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: N.C.G.S. § 50-13.4
Worksheet A: sole custody (non-custodial parent has <123 overnights/year).
Worksheet B: shared custody (each parent has 123+ overnights/year).
Health insurance and work-related childcare costs added to basic obligation.
Extraordinary expenses: special medical, travel, educational.
Courts may deviate based on best interests of the child.
NC uses two distinct worksheets depending on custody arrangement (123-overnight threshold).
NC public pensions (TSERS/LGERS) require specific court-approved DROs.
Answer a few questions about your income, custody, and children. Get your personalized estimate.
Residency Requirement
6 months residency (N.C.G.S. § 50-8)
Mandatory Waiting Period
1-year mandatory separation before filing (N.C.G.S. § 50-6)
No-Fault Ground
1-year separation
State Income Tax
Flat 4.5% (2026, reduced from 4.75% in 2025)
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North Carolina uses the Income shares model on gross income under N.C.G.S. § 50-13.4. North Carolina uses an income shares model with Worksheet A (sole custody, <123 overnights for non-custodial) and Worksheet B (shared custody, 123+ overnights each). Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses are added to the basic obligation.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Worksheet A: sole custody (non-custodial parent has <123 overnights/year).
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Basic obligation from NC Child Support Guidelines schedule based on combined gross income and children. Worksheet A or B applied based on custody arrangement.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on North Carolina's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free North CarolinaEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on North Carolina family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed North Carolina family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: N.C.G.S. § 50-13.4.