Child & Spousal Support

Two Kinds of Support

Child support is money one parent pays to help cover the cost of raising their children. Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is money one spouse pays to help support the other for a period of time after a separation. They are calculated differently, and many families deal with only one of them. We will tell you which apply to your situation and roughly what to expect.

How Child Support Is Calculated

North Carolina uses guidelines to set child support. The calculation looks mainly at each parent's income, the number of overnights the children spend with each parent, and certain costs such as health insurance and child care. Because it follows a formula, child support is often more predictable than people fear. We run the numbers with you so there are no surprises.

• Each parent's income.
• The number of overnights with each parent.
• Health insurance for the children.
• Work-related child care costs.

How Spousal Support Is Decided

Spousal support is less of a formula and more of a judgment. A court looks at things like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and needs, and the standard of living during the marriage. Because there is more discretion involved, this is an area where careful preparation and clear presentation matter. We help you understand what is realistic, and we advocate for a fair result.

When Circumstances Change

Support is not always permanent. A job loss, a raise, a move, or a change in the children's needs can all be grounds to revisit a support order. If your situation has genuinely shifted, we can help you ask the court to adjust the amount, or respond if the other side is asking.