Factors in Calculating Child Support Payments
Child support is a legal obligation that requires one parent to provide financial assistance to the other parent. Child support plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the children when their parents are separated or divorced, with the goal of providing the child with necessary resources and involving both parents in the child’s upbringing. In most cases, the amount of child support a parent will pay is based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines use the “income shares model,” which allows children to receive the equivalent level of financial support they would have received if their parents would have stayed together. Consequently, both parents are expected to uphold their financial responsibilities towards the child, irrespective of their living arrangements.
The guidelines consider factors such as:
Income: The income of both parents is a primary factor in determining child support. Typically, the higher-earning parent is expected to contribute a larger share towards supporting the child.
Other Children: If a parent has existing support obligations and responsibility for other children, it will be factored into the analysis.
Child Care Costs: The cost of raising a child is taken into account when calculating child support. Expenses such as housing, education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities are considered to ensure the child’s needs are adequately met.
Health Care Costs: Health insurance and other healthcare costs are another important factor considered.
Custodial Arrangements: The amount of time each parent spends with the child is an essential factor. It is often taken into consideration to adjust the child support amount, as the non-custodial parent incurs additional expenses during their time with the child.
Extraordinary Expenses: The guidelines list “other extraordinary expenses” as factors to be considered. This could be expenses related to special or private elementary or secondary schools to meet a child’s particular educational needs or expenses related to transporting the child.
While the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines form the basis for calculating child support in the majority of cases, there may be situations where a deviation from the guidelines is warranted. Parties can request a hearing and present verifiable evidence to support their case for a deviation. If you believe your circumstances require a deviation, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Once a child support order has been established, it is imperative for parents to fulfill their financial obligations by making timely payments. Failure to meet these obligations can result in accumulating arrears, additional financial burdens, and potentially even legal consequences, including the risk of imprisonment. Complying with child support orders goes beyond fulfilling a legal requirement; it is an essential component of responsible parenting.
By upholding their financial responsibilities, parents create a supportive environment that allows their child to thrive and ensures their future success. Child support contributes to the child’s overall well-being, emotional stability, and access to necessary resources. Should you have any questions regarding your child support order or obligations, seek guidance from an experienced attorney who can provide you with the information you need.