CHILD SUPPORT

Calculating the correct amount of child support to be paid in your case is crucial.  Horack Talley family law attorneys are experienced in determining what would be the appropriate amount of child support for your child or children.

In North Carolina, the amount of child support to be paid by one parent to the other parent is calculated pursuant to the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines formula (“Guidelines formula”) in the majority of cases.  The amount of child support calculated pursuant to the Guidelines formula is presumed to be fair and will be deemed to be the child support obligation in most cases. 

Under the Guidelines formula, the gross incomes of the parties are used to determine a basic amount.  Then, the costs of work-related child care and medical (and dental) insurance coverage for the children are added, to arrive at a total obligation.  Usually this total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to their respective gross incomes.  Under limited circumstances, extraordinary expenses such as private school tuition may also be factored into the child support award.

Sometimes the Guidelines formula is not applicable in a particular case.  For example, the facts of your case may justify a “deviation” from the Guidelines.  A deviation may be justified where the amount of child support calculated under the Guidelines formula will not meet the reasonable needs of the children or that the amount of child support would otherwise be unjust or inappropriate.  In other cases, the combined incomes of the parties exceed the maximum amount set forth in the Guideline Chart.  Horack Talley family law attorneys advise you as to whether the Guidelines apply to your situation, and will help estimate the amount of support to be paid if the Guidelines do not apply.

Child support is subject to modification over time, due to the occurrence of changes in circumstances of the parties and/or the children.  Horack Talley family law attorneys will determine whether you are entitled to a modification of child support and if so, how to go about getting child support modified.

Horack Talley family law attorneys are well-versed in the child support laws. At Horack Talley, our attorneys will assist you in making that computation as well as preparing an agreement or court order that will provide for the payment and enforcement of child support obligations.  We will review and analyze the facts of your case to arrive at the appropriate amount of child support that should be paid in your case.