Going through your divorce proceedings is an emotionally challenging experience. While you try your best to adapt to the new changes in your life, you must also understand how the state’s child support processes work.
In this blog, we will tackle three frequently asked questions about this topic.
How are child support costs determined by the court?
The amount of your child support is based on the North Carolina child support guidelines. Since every family’s needs and circumstances are diverse in general, the organization established three different versions of these guidelines.
- Worksheet A: Primary custody
- Worksheet B: Joint custody
- Worksheet C: Split custody
The court will use these guidelines to calculate your child support order. They will base it on you and your spouse’s respective incomes, medical insurance costs and your children’s post-divorce living arrangements.
How does income withholding work?
After the court determines your child support amount and signs your child support order, the North Carolina Child Support Services (NCCSS) sends a “notice of wage withholding” to the paying parent’s employer.
This employer will be responsible for the timely deductions of the paying parent’s child support costs through their employment wages.
What types of income can be withheld by the NCCSS?
The state’s income withholding law permits the withholding of most types of income. Five examples of this include:
- Salary and wages
- Workers’ compensation benefits
- Unemployment compensation
- Veterans benefits
- Retirement benefits
On the other hand, any type of benefits from public assistance programs are exempt from income withholding.
Take it one step at a time
As you slowly finalize your divorce, you must also familiarize yourself with North Carolina’s child support processes so you can protect your rights and safeguard your children’s physical and emotional well-being.