Child Support

What are the Rights of Unmarried Parents?

Published on: May 11, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is the amount of child support decided in North Carolina?”

The family dynamic has been changing over the last several decades. Today it is much more acceptable to give birth to children out of wedlock. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, approximately 40.5% of all live births in the United States in 2020 were to unmarried women. While there are many children born to single parents, there are many issues that may arise in regards to child care, custody, support, and visitation. Both parents need to understand their obligations, responsibilities and rights when it comes to their biological children.

How Much Child Support Will I Pay in North Carolina?

Published on: May 4, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

When parents divorce, they are generally both responsible for providing care for their children. Both parents have rights and responsibilities for their children until they become adults. There are a number of criteria that are used to calculate the amount of child support that each parent is to provide. North Carolina uses guidelines that calculate the amount of payments that parents must pay towards their child’s care. A helpful worksheet on the North Carolina Division of Social Services Child Support Services website can give you a better understanding of how calculations will be made.

Enforcing Child Support in North Carolina

Published on: September 1, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is the amount of child support decided in North Carolina?”

Deciding to have children is one of the biggest decisions a couple can make in life. For many couples, this decision comes some time after getting married. While some families continue to grow in relative happiness, other spouses suffer a variety of aggravating factors that ultimately leads them to begin considering divorce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in North Carolina

Published on: August 4, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

In life, there are times when we as adults need to figure out something new. For instance, spouses who decide to get a divorce may find themselves confused and lost as to how they actually go about the process. While there is no shortage of information available on the internet regarding divorce laws in North Carolina, with something this serious it is almost always better to consult with a local trusted divorce attorney.

Understanding Child Support in North Carolina

Published on: July 21, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are not covered by child support?”

For countless Americans throughout the United States, getting married and having a child are some of the most important milestones in their lives. While some marriages are built to last, others ultimately end in divorce. No matter the reasons leading to a couple’s decision to separate, one salient fact remains: When children are involved, the divorce case becomes much more complex.

What to Do if the Other Parent Stops Paying Child Support in North Carolina

Published on: May 19, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

How can I Reduce My Child Support Payments in North Carolina?

Published on: December 2, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

In most cases, a child support obligation accounts for a large percentage of the supporting parent’s income. However, when circumstances change over time, the supporting parent may be able to petition the court to reduce their child support payments. Involuntary loss of employment or decrease in income may qualify as a “substantial change in circumstances” to lower a child support obligation in North Carolina.

Can You be Found in Contempt for Not Paying Child Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Published on: April 29, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

For all of us, the COVID-19 pandemic came out of the blue unexpectedly. As a result, the entire nation is dealing with the economic impact of the pandemic. Skyrocketing unemployment, business closures, and government-mandated stay-at-home orders may affect obligor parents’ ability to make payments for the support of their children.

Can You Lower Your Child Support and Alimony Payments During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Published on: March 25, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is the amount of child support decided in North Carolina?”

As of March 30, North Carolina has over 1,300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease, while at least six people died from COVID-19 in the state, including one coronavirus-related death in Mecklenburg County.

Filing Taxes After Divorce in 2020: Alimony, Child Support, and Equitable Distribution

Published on: January 8, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Who pays for the children’s health insurance and co-pays?”

Taxes should be considered when dealing with any family law-related issues such as alimony, child support, or equitable distribution. Getting divorced in 2020 can cause many tax surprising consequences.