Child Support in North Carolina
State-specific overview · Family Law
North Carolina uses income shares model; support ends at age 18 unless the child is still in high school.
How North Carolina treats Child Support
North Carolina applies the income shares formula, requiring both parents to contribute based on their proportionate share of combined income. The state considers custody arrangements and overnight stays when calculating each parent's obligation. If a child remains enrolled in high school after turning 18, support continues until graduation or age 20, whichever comes first. Modifications require a substantial and material change in circumstances or a three-year passage of time since the last order.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.