Child Support

What is The Process for Child Support Modification in North Carolina?

Published on: August 19, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

When parents divorce, they must provide for their children, at least until they reach age 18. Typically, parents share legal custody to make decisions on behalf of their children. Often, the children reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visits. The non-custodial parent generally pays child support. In North Carolina, courts always put an emphasis on the best interests of the child. Therefore, there may be some instances in which a review and modification of child support may be possible.

Child Support Can Be Reviewed Every Three Years

The law recognizes that there may be some changes that are necessary for child support payments. Parents are allowed to request a review for modification every three years. Parents are not required to provide proof of substantial changes in circumstances in order to seek a modification as long as it has been longer than three years since the original child support order or the last court-ordered modification. Either parent may request a modification of child support.

Tips and Tools for Better Co-Parenting After Divorce

Published on: December 24, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips and Tools for Better Co-Parenting After Divorce

When parents divorce, it causes inevitable changes to the family dynamic. Parents need to learn how to work together to provide the best parenting they can for their children, both during the separation period and after the divorce is final. Parents must find ways to unite to help their children adjust to the new normal and thrive as they grow. You can successfully co-parent with some useful tips and resources.

Co-Parenting Strategies

How Can I Get Temporary Child Support in North Carolina?

Published on: November 26, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Get Temporary Child Support in North Carolina?

As a parent, when you and your spouse separate and intend to divorce, you need to make sure that your children have the funds necessary for their continuing care. In North Carolina, spouses must live apart for a period of at least one year before they can get divorced. Once the divorce is complete, children typically reside primarily with one parent while the other provides child support payments. Parents need to consider how they will handle their children’s expenses during the separation period.

What is Temporary Child Support?

When Does Child Support End?

Published on: March 5, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

When Does Child Support End?

Child support is money paid by one parent to the other for the needs of their child. In most cases, a child resides primarily with one parent and has visitation with the other. The non-custodial parent is generally required to pay support to cover the basic needs of the child. These needs include such things as food, clothing, housing, and other essential living expenses. Child support is generally separate from medical insurance and treatment costs, and extra costs such as those associated with sports, activities, and camps.

https://youtu.be/J7kwS-ST8-g

Can a Parent Get Full Child Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: November 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Get Full Child Custody in North Carolina?

As a parent, your child is your top priority. You want to make sure that your child gets the love, care, and support to grow and thrive. There are two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the ability to make decisions on behalf of a child. Physical custody refers to where the child resides. In many cases, parents share custody of their children. Sometimes, a parent wants to seek full custody of their child. An experienced family law attorney assists parents with custody matters.

Child Custody Options

Child Support in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Published on: October 30, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Child Support in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Both parents are required to contribute to rearing their children. When parents divorce, the children typically reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. The non-custodial parent typically provides support to assist with the financial needs of the child. It is helpful to understand some of the basics of child support in North Carolina.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce

Published on: October 23, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce

Divorce is not always easy, and it can be especially difficult for children. Children may feel uneasy and afraid because of the drastic changes that are happening in their lives. It is best to take steps to help your children deal with the changes as they adjust to the new life circumstances. Helping your children cope with the divorce gives them the support they need for a healthy adjustment.

Explain Changes

Who Pays for College After Divorce?

Published on: June 12, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Who Pays for College After Divorce?

Divorce involves a lot of compromises, and you must make decisions about how you will divide up your assets and property. Even more important are decisions regarding your children. Typically in North Carolina, both parents are equally responsible for their children, and both are able to make legal decisions such as those regarding school, health care, and religion, among others. Children usually reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has visitation and pays child support. Parents may wonder who will pay for their children’s college costs when they are divorced.

Child Support Guidelines

Summer Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Published on: June 5, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Summer Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Summer is a fun time for kids, but it can be stressful for parents. The daily routine changes and that can leave families feeling off-kilter. You want to make sure that your kids have a great summer, and at the same time, you still want to have control over the schedule. Here are some tips for co-parenting that can help you get through summer vacation.

https://youtu.be/iEvYXykifbE?si=zbu91IElgtVsMFmQ

What is the Process to Modify a Child Support Order in North Carolina?

Published on: March 13, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Process to Modify a Child Support Order in North Carolina?

Both parents are required to provide for their children. Generally, when parents divorce, a child resides primarily with one parent and has regular visits with the other parent. The non-custodial parent typically pays child support, which is money provided for their portion of the care of the child. Once a parent is required by court order to pay child support, the only way to change it is through child support modification.

When Can a Parent Ask for Modification of Child Support?