Child Support

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Child Support Attorney In Durham, North Carolina

Reaching An Agreement With Your Divorced Spouse

In North Carolina, child support is primarily determined by a standardized calculation outlined in state statutes. This calculation is based on a formula known as the "Income Shares Model," which considers both parents' combined income and allocates financial responsibility accordingly. While this formula aims to establish a fair distribution of support obligations, it leaves limited room for negotiation regarding each parent’s responsibilities. Despite this, it is essential to work with knowledgeable legal counsel to ensure the calculation is accurate, as errors can lead to one parent bearing an unfairly high financial burden.

Call Richardson Law Firm PLLC at 984-600-6673 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.

How Child Support is Calculated

The state’s child support guidelines consider a range of factors to ensure a support amount that aligns with the child’s best interests, including:

  • Income of Both Parents: The calculation begins with the combined gross income of both parents, accounting for wages, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and other financial resources. The formula seeks to ensure that the child benefits from both parents’ financial resources as they would have in a combined household.
  • Child’s Specific Needs: The child support calculation may account for essential expenses such as health insurance, educational costs, daycare, and any extraordinary medical needs. Each parent’s contribution is then adjusted to meet the child’s specific needs.
  • Parenting and Custody Arrangements: If one parent has primary physical custody or the parents share joint custody, the arrangement can impact the final support amount. Courts may consider the number of overnight stays each parent has with the child, as this affects daily expenses and can lead to an adjustment in the support calculation.

Modifying & Enforcing Child Support Orders

Life circumstances are always subject to change, and child support orders may need to be modified if there is a substantial shift in either parent’s financial or personal situation. Modifications may be requested if one parent experiences a significant income change, incurs unexpected medical expenses, or if there is a change in the custody arrangement. Richardson Law Firm can guide you through the modification process, ensuring that any adjustments to the support order are fair and reflect the current reality.


If one parent fails to fulfill their child support obligations, it can create significant financial stress for the custodial parent and the child. North Carolina provides several enforcement mechanisms, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and license suspension, to ensure compliance. Our firm assists clients in pursuing these enforcement options to ensure that children receive the support they are entitled to.


If you are facing child support challenges in Durham, North Carolina—whether it’s establishing a new order, seeking a modification, or enforcing an existing one—Richardson Law Firm is here to provide the knowledgeable support you need. 

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Have Questions?

Call Richardson Law Firm PLLC at 984-600-6673 today to speak to an attorney.

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