Child custody battles are never easy, but things can get even more complicated when the custody arrangement is joint equal.
One of the most common questions parents ask in such situations is who pays child support?
In this post, we will address this question and provide some clarity on the subject. We will also explain how the child support system works in North Carolina and what factors the court considers when determining child support. If you need more help, contact one of our child support lawyers.
When it comes to joint equal custody, the issue of child support can be a bit tricky.
According to Ron Payne, CEO and managing partner at Apple Payne Law in Kernersville, North Carolina, child support is based on two key considerations:
If you have joint equal child custody and make the same amount of money, then the likelihood is that nobody will have to pay child support. However, there is another consideration that is equally important, and that is who is paying the bills. Child care and health insurance are two bills that are often overlooked.
For example, if one parent pays $500 a month in health care, and the other pays $500 a month in child support and makes the same amount of money, then the expenses are being split pretty evenly. In such cases, it is unlikely that anyone will owe anyone any money, or the amount will be so little that it is not worth paying a lawyer.
However, if one parent makes less money but is paying for health insurance, and the other parent makes a lot of money and is paying for daycare, then the court will apply a formula based on the North Carolina child support guidelines.
The North Carolina child support guidelines ensure that child support payments are fair and reasonable for both parents.
The guidelines consider various factors, including the number of children involved, the income of both parents and the expenses associated with raising the child. The guidelines are designed to ensure that the child’s needs are met and that both parents contribute to the child’s upbringing in a fair and equitable manner.
Child support can be complicated, but ensuring that both parents contribute fairly to the child’s upbringing is essential. The North Carolina child support guidelines provide a formula for calculating child support payments, which takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and other relevant factors.
It is important to note that the court has the final say on child support payments.
Worksheets are available to make the calculations, and calculators are also available online. However, if you are unsure about the numbers you are coming up with or want to make sure that the calculations are done correctly, it is advisable to consult an experienced family law attorney.
The team at Apple Payne Law is here to help you navigate this complex and often emotional process.
Navigating child custody and support issues can be stressful and overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. The team at Apple Payne Law is here to help you every step of the way. We offer low-cost consultations to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your children’s future.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Ronald D. Payne II is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Apple Payne Law, a North Carolina law firm he founded in 2018. With more than 11 years of experience practicing law, he is dedicated to representing clients in a wide range of legal matters, including business law, estate planning, family law, probate, and traffic law.
Ronald received his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being awarded the 2020 Client’s Choice Award by Avvo and multiple Rising Star awards from Super Lawyers.
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