North Carolina Child Support Calculator (2026)
In North Carolina, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.
Source: NC Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4
Calculate Your North Carolina Child Support
Free estimate — official North Carolina guidelines
Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income
How Much Is Child Support in North Carolina?
If you make $60,000 a year in North Carolina, child support for 1 child is estimated at $720 per month ($8,640 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).
$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $670/month for 1 child.
North Carolina Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $583/mo | $881/mo | $1,056/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $659/mo | $992/mo | $1,184/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $720/mo | $1,079/mo | $1,284/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $771/mo | $1,146/mo | $1,351/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $849/mo | $1,255/mo | $1,473/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $974/mo | $1,441/mo | $1,690/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,097/mo | $1,607/mo | $1,866/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in North Carolina
Factors That Affect Child Support in North Carolina
Technical details and legal basis
North Carolina uses the Income Shares model (NC Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.
Important Notes for North Carolina
- • North Carolina uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
- • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
- • Adjustments are made for work-related child care costs, health insurance premiums for the children, and extraordinary expenses.
- • North Carolina courts may deviate from guidelines if applying them would not meet the reasonable needs of the child or would be unjust.
Example Calculation
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.
Step 1: Combined income: $8,000
Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%
Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.
Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).
Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.
Key Facts: Child Support in North Carolina
- North Carolina uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined gross income.
- The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from $50/month at $1,300 combined income to $3,246/month at $40,000 combined monthly income (2023 schedule).
- Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
- North Carolina uses separate worksheets for primary custody (Worksheet A), shared custody (Worksheet B), and split custody (Worksheet C).
- Adjustments are made for health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary expenses for the children.
North Carolina Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in North Carolina?
What income is used for child support in North Carolina?
How does shared custody affect child support in North Carolina?
What is the maximum child support in North Carolina?
How long does child support last in North Carolina?
About This Calculator
Uses the official NC Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4 (2023 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.
Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by North Carolina courts. Full disclaimer.
Methodology: Income Shares model per NC Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4.