In North Carolina, so long as the parties have a combined annual gross income of $300,000.00 or less, there is a presumption that support will be paid in accordance with the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines.

The particular worksheet that is used to determine child support is generally based on the number of overnights each child spends with each parent.

The guidelines set by the Conference of Chief District Court Judges are updated at least once every four years.

In the event the parties have a combined annual gross income of more than $300,000.00, support is to be determined based upon the reasonable needs of the child for health, education, and maintenance, based upon, among other things, the accustomed standard of living of the child and the parents. In cases where the combined gross income is more than $300,000.00, the guidelines note that the schedule of basic support may be of assistance to the court in determining a minimal level of support. Read more about the NC Child Support Guidelines.