Child Support Calculator
North Carolina 2026
North Carolina uses the Income Shares model — both parents’ gross incomes are combined. Updated for 2026 — covers 50/50 custody, arrears, modifications and North Carolina child support laws.
* Estimate using official North Carolina income shares formula. Courts may deviate based on special circumstances. Consult a North Carolina family law attorney for your specific situation.
🌲 How North Carolina Calculates Child Support
* 50/50 custody calculations are complex. This is an approximation. Consult a North Carolina family law attorney for exact figures.
* North Carolina applies 8% annual interest to unpaid child support. There is generally no statute of limitations on child support debt.
* Qualification estimate only. Consult a North Carolina family law attorney before filing.
FORMULA How North Carolina Calculates Child Support
North Carolina General Statutes Section 50-13.4 governs child support. North Carolina uses Income Shares with published Child Support Schedule tables updated by the Conference of Chief District Court Judges.
AGE When Does Child Support End in North Carolina?
Child support in North Carolina ends when the child turns 18 — Support ends at 18 or high school graduation. Support also ends upon the child’s death, marriage or emancipation. Important: In most cases support does not stop automatically — you need a court order. Stopping payments without a court order creates arrears even after the child reaches the cutoff age.
INTEREST Arrears Interest in North Carolina
North Carolina charges 8% annual interest on unpaid child support arrears. There is generally no statute of limitations on child support debt.
ENFORCEMENT North Carolina Child Support Enforcement
North Carolina has broad enforcement powers including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, driver’s license suspension, professional license suspension, passport denial, and credit bureau reporting. Criminal charges may apply for significant or long-term non-payment.
MODIFY Modifying Child Support in North Carolina
Child support can be modified in North Carolina when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances — typically a significant income change, job loss, new children from another relationship, or change in custody. Most states also allow a periodic review every 3 years. File a petition with the court — private agreements to change support are not legally enforceable.
* Click Mark as Paid to track payments. Always keep payment receipts.