How much is child support in NC for 1 kid? This is a common question among parents who are going through a divorce or separation in North Carolina. Child support is an essential aspect of ensuring the well-being and financial stability of a child after a parental split. Understanding the guidelines and factors that determine the amount of child support can help parents make informed decisions and navigate the legal process effectively.
Child support in North Carolina is primarily based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which take into account several factors to calculate the appropriate amount. The guidelines are designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need to maintain a standard of living similar to that of their parents. Here’s a closer look at how the amount of child support in NC for one kid is determined.
First and foremost, the primary consideration in determining child support is the combined gross income of both parents. This includes all forms of income, such as salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income. The income of each parent is calculated separately, and then combined to determine the total gross income for the family.
Once the combined gross income is determined, the guidelines provide a percentage of that income that should be allocated for child support. For one child, the standard percentage is 20%. However, this percentage can be adjusted based on additional factors, such as the child’s medical expenses, day care costs, and extraordinary educational expenses.
Other factors that can affect the amount of child support in NC for one kid include:
1.
Health Insurance: If the child has health insurance coverage, the cost of the premiums may be deducted from the parents’ combined income before calculating the child support amount.
2.
Day Care Expenses: If the child requires day care services, the cost of these services may also be considered in the calculation.
3.
Extraordinary Educational Expenses: If the child has special educational needs or requires private school tuition, these expenses may be taken into account.
4.
Income Shares Model: In some cases, the court may use the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. This model takes into account the percentage of income each parent contributes to the household and assigns a proportional share of child support to each parent.
It’s important to note that the guidelines are just a starting point for determining child support. The court has the discretion to deviate from the guidelines if it finds that applying them would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case.
In conclusion, the amount of child support in NC for one kid is primarily based on the combined gross income of both parents, with a standard percentage of 20%. However, various factors can influence the final amount, including health insurance, day care expenses, and extraordinary educational expenses. Consulting with a family law attorney can help parents understand the guidelines and factors that apply to their specific situation, ensuring that their child’s financial needs are met.
