Raleigh Child Support Lawyers

What Are the Expectations for Child Support in Raleigh and Wake County?

Child support refers to both parents’ legal obligation to financially support their children. These responsibilities extend beyond basic necessities like food and housing. Child support may also cover health insurance, educational costs, childcare, and other expenses that arise as your child grows.

Parents are not always required to contribute equal amounts. Instead, support obligations are based on the child’s needs and each parent’s financial circumstances.

North Carolina family courts rely on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines to calculate support amounts. In most cases, the parent with primary physical custody receives child support from the other parent. Child support worksheets are used to determine how much support should be paid or requested once an order is entered.

If your child’s other parent is demanding unreasonable payments, refusing to provide financial support, or violating an existing order, a Raleigh-area child support attorney at Breeden Law Office can help protect your child’s rights.

What Factors Does the Court Consider When Determining Child Support?

When determining how much child support should be paid, North Carolina courts consider multiple factors, including:

• The child’s healthcare and medical expenses
• Daycare or childcare costs
• Educational expenses
• The cost of food, clothing, and housing
• Each parent’s income and financial obligations
• Whether either parent has remarried
• Whether either parent has other children
• Existing child support obligations for other children

In shared custody arrangements, child support may not always be necessary if both parents contribute equally. However, if there is a significant income imbalance or one parent fails to contribute appropriately, child support may still be ordered.

Is Child Support Mandatory in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina law, parents are legally required to support their children financially unless parental rights have been formally terminated. This obligation generally continues until the child turns 18.

Only a child’s biological or adoptive parents are responsible for paying child support. Stepparents and other non-parents do not have this obligation.

Parents who are not U.S. citizens are still required to pay child support if their child resides in the United States. If you are unsure how these rules apply to your situation, a child support lawyer serving Raleigh can review your case and explain your responsibilities.

Can I Change Child Support Amounts?

Although child support is mandatory, orders can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons to seek a child support modification in Wake County include:

• Job loss or termination
• Reduced work hours
• A promotion or significant raise
• Serious injury or illness
• The birth of additional children

In most cases, North Carolina courts require at least a 15 percent change in the amount of child support owed or 3 years has passed since the entry of the current order before considering a modification. However, if your attorney can demonstrate that your circumstances have changed significantly enough to make the current order unreasonable, the court may approve a modification.

Once a child support order is entered or modified, there is generally a three-year waiting period before another modification can be requested.

Is There a Penalty for Not Paying Child Support in Wake County?

Failure to pay court-ordered child support is more common than many parents expect. If the other parent refuses to comply with a valid order, legal enforcement options are available.

You may file a Motion for Order to Show Cause for Failure to Comply with a Child Support Order, asking the court to hold the non-paying parent in contempt. Penalties for contempt of court may include wage garnishment, fines, or even jail time.

If a parent is temporarily unable to pay due to job loss or other legitimate hardship, they may request a modification rather than risk contempt proceedings.