Child Support

Child Support Attorney in Charlotte, NC

Navigating North Carolina’s Child Support Laws

You have probably had a lot of time to think about child custody and child support payments while going through your divorce. You might feel like you are being backed into a corner. All you want to do is what is best for your kid once your divorce is finalized, but now you’re left wondering if you will even be able to afford to survive. There’s a lot of buzz about how child support payments rake most fathers over the coals. What should be going to your child’s upbringing is instead supplying your ex with a lavish lifestyle.

You need a Charlotte child support lawyer who fights for men’s rights. You need the Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC,

In North Carolina, child support guidelines dictate financial obligations for noncustodial parents based on their income and the number of overnights spent with their child. The Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides legal counsel on child support matters tailored to your family’s needs.

Our services encompass:

  • Calculation of child support payments
  • Evaluation of special circumstances
  • Assistance with child support modifications
  • Enforcement of child support orders

For guidance on child support issues in Charlotte, NC, contact the Law Office of Jana K Jones, PLLC, at 704-275-0951.

What is Child Support?

North Carolina child support payments are court-ordered financial support made by parents to help cover the costs of raising their children. Both parents have a legal duty to support their child, and payments are calculated based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines consider the following:

  • The gross income of both parents
  • The custody arrangement
  • Costs of childcare, health insurance, and extraordinary expenses

Establishing paternity is essential for determining child support obligations in North Carolina. Child support is intended to meet your child’s basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, education, and medical care. A child support order remains in effect until your child turns 18 or is still in high school, whichever is later.

How Does the Court Determine Child Support Payments?

North Carolina child support laws consider many factors when determining child support payments. As previously mentioned, the monthly income of both parents will be examined, which includes wages, bonuses, rental income, and other sources of consistent income. The court will also consider the custody agreement: Do both parents share custody? Who is the custodial parent?

Child support is calculated per child using standardized guidelines. More children involved in the separation mean higher child support payments. If one parent is already making child support payments for a child from a different relationship, it can affect how much they are ordered to pay. Daycare and babysitting costs that are required so the custodial parent can work will be reviewed. The portion a parent pays for their child’s health insurance is factored into the final payment order.

The court will also consider the child’s special needs, such as whether they have extra costs for special education, medical care, or other exceptional circumstances. The court is most concerned with the child’s best interests, and a child support payment order will reflect the child’s specific needs.

Using these guidelines, family law attorneys can calculate the estimated payments a parent will owe to the other parent.

What is the Income Shares Model?

The state of North Carolina believes that child support is based on a shared parental obligation, and the child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if their parents still lived together.

The process works like this:

  • Both parents’ gross incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation.
  • Each parent’s percentage of the total income determines their share of the support.
  • The custodial parent is assumed to spend their share directly on their child’s needs.
  • The noncustodial parent pays their share to the custodial parent through formal support payments.
  • Adjustments to each parent’s share are made for childcare costs, health insurance, and extraordinary expenses.

This model is designed to ensure that both parents are contributing fairly to the child’s financial well-being based on their ability to pay.

Can Child Support Obligations Be Modified?

Child support obligations can be modified but only under certain conditions. A parent must be able to show that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original order.

Significant changes can include:

  • Job loss or a significant change in income
  • Changes in custody or parenting time
  • Major changes to the child’s medical, educational, or other needs

If the current order is at least three years old, and the new calculation differs by 15% or more, that alone can justify a review.

A request for modification must be filed with the court. You and your former partner will not be able to alter the amount informally or by verbal agreement. A court-approved modification protects both parents.

Until the court approves a modification, the existing order remains enforceable. That means the parent paying child support must continue doing so.

Life changes can necessitate adjustments to existing child support orders. If significant income changes occur for either parent, we can guide you through the modification process to ensure appropriate support arrangements for your children.

At the Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, we prioritize the well-being of your children and work diligently to protect your rights and interests in child support matters. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case and explore legal options for child support in Charlotte.

Has Your Former Spouse Stopped Paying Their Child Support?

You have several legal options if your ex stops paying the court-ordered child support or their payments are inconsistent and erratic. First, call 704-275-0951 to speak with the Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, to initiate the process of getting your ex to pay their fair share.

When your ex fails to meet the child support obligations, you can do the following:

  • File a motion for contempt – Formally ask the court to hold the non-paying parent in contempt for violating a court order. This can land them with fines, wage garnishment, and even jail time.
  • Request income withholding – The court can order the parent’s employer to deduct child support directly from their paycheck.
  • Use Child Support Enforcement Services (CSE) – North Carolina’s CSE agency can help you locate your former spouse when they fail to meet their child support obligations, enforce payment, and even intercept tax refunds and lottery winnings.
  • Driver’s license suspension – A non-paying parent’s driver’s license can be suspended until they catch up on their payments.
  • Seize assets – In certain circumstances, bank accounts and property can be garnished or seized to compensate for the disparity.
  • Credit strike – Non-payment can be reported to the credit bureaus, negatively impacting the non-paying parent’s credit score.

Failure to pay child support is a big deal in North Carolina, but you have to act quickly and work with the legal system. Don’t retaliate by withholding visitation, custody, and visitation rights, which are separate legal issues from child support under the law. Child support obligations are enforceable, even across state lines, due to federal laws.

What Makes a Great Child Support Attorney?

Choosing the right attorney makes all the difference in child support cases. When you are looking for an attorney to represent your best interests, you should look for:

  • Experience with North Carolina family law
  • Understanding of custody and financial issues
  • Strong negotiation and litigation skills
  • Clear client communication
  • Someone who’s primary concern is you!

Our clients consistently walk away satisfied with their results. We are happy to work with your former spouse, but we are ready to play hardball when civil conversation fails. Whether you need help negotiating fair child support terms, enforcing child support obligations, or modifying child support orders after significant changes in circumstances, we can help.

Can We Help You Understand Child Support?

Public opinion often influences discussions about child support fairness. Whether you are trying to protect yourself from a predatory ex-spouse or you are trying to hold them accountable for their financial support, having legal guidance can make all the difference. When navigating your child support case, you will be required to meet deadlines and properly complete legal documents. Legal proceedings can become intense and intimidating. There is no such thing as a “minor mistake” when it comes to child support proceedings.

Our firm understands the nuances of child support laws and assists clients in:

  • Understanding child support calculations
  • Seeking modifications due to income changes
  • Providing legal representation in court proceedings
  • Seeking payment enforcement when a parent stops paying child support

The Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, stands for father’s rights, and our primary concern is the well-being of your child and your financial security. Don’t attempt to take on your child support case alone. Call 704-275-0951 to schedule your consultation today.