Child Support Services (CSS) are available to anyone who wants or needs help in collecting child support through a network of state and locally run offices and is managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “Child support is a parent’s court-ordered payment obligation to assist with the costs associated with raising a child,” says Thomas Bumgardner, attorney with the Bumgardner Law Firm. “And these court-ordered obligations continue in North Carolina until the child turns 18 years of age.”
Child Support Process in NC
“When a parent is obligated by North Carolina law to begin child support payments, there is a process of information that the parent(s) will need to know,” adds Bumgardner. “And the law is very clear on the process for filing for child care support and the laws governing the process.”
- How to begin child support – one of the ways that a parent can begin the child support process is to initiate an agreement between the two parents and then ask a judge to approve what’s called a VSA (Voluntary Support Agreement). A divorce can also stipulate child support payment arrangements.
- Going to court to get child support – if the civil and voluntary way does not work, you can go to court and obtain child support through a civil court action. You can see the full line of NC child support services and the process for child support enforcement here.
- How much will you pay in child support? – there are several factors that figure in to calculate how much child support you will need to pay. If you are applying for sole custody, use this online calculator to help you determine your payment amount.
“The most significant factors affecting how much child support you will pay include monthly income, daycare expenses, the cost of medical insurance and the living arrangements for the child,” says Bumgardner. “In North Carolina, both parents are responsible for child support.”
“Child support cases in North Carolina are complicated and the welfare of the child or children are the top priorities for the state and the judge,” said Bumgardner.
We can assist you with your NC child support and child enforcement proceedings. Please contact Thomas Bumgardner with the Bumgardner Law Firm at (704) 870-4779 or submit our contact form.