How North Carolina Calculates Child Support
North Carolina uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares
Income-shares schedule based on combined parental income and number of children; prorated by each parent’s share of income; adjusted by parenting time (as applicable) and add-ons (childcare/insurance/medical) per state rule.
Income Basis & Definitions
gross
Selects the base-support amount from the schedule/table.
Source: Guidelines: Worksheets A/B/C and scheduleParent A gross income used by guideline.
Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)Parent B gross income used by guideline.
Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)Parenting Time Handling
Calculator selects custody model/worksheet (sole/shared/split/joint) and applies corresponding formula.
Source: Custody/worksheet applicability and parenting-time adjustmentParenting time entered as overnights or time-share variable used by the worksheet.
Source: Parenting time input field(s) / adjustmentDeductions & Adjustments
Adjustments/credits for other dependents or court-ordered support for other children (state-specific).
Source: Other children / preexisting support adjustmentIf the guideline adjusts for spousal support (paid/received), capture amount.
Source: Spousal support (alimony/maintenance) adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Work-related childcare costs added and allocated between parents.
Source: Childcare add-onChild’s health insurance premium share and uninsured/unreimbursed medical allocation.
Source: Medical support (insurance + uninsured medical)Caps, Minimums & Deviations
If guideline table caps at an income level, above-cap support is typically discretionary with findings.
Source: Maximum schedule income / above-cap handlingDeviation allowed for enumerated factors; requires findings (court-determined).
Source: Deviation factors / findings