Child Support Attorney Charlotte, NC
Child Support Attorney Charlotte, NC | Hefferon Law, PLLC
Every child in North Carolina has the right to financial support from both parents. Child support is meant to make sure the costs of raising a child are shared fairly — based on what each parent earns and how much time each parent spends with the child.
Getting the amount right from the start matters. At Hefferon Law, PLLC, we make sure the support calculation reflects the full, accurate financial picture on both sides — and we help clients modify support when circumstances genuinely change.
North Carolina uses specific Child Support Guidelines to calculate support. The formula factors in:
Both parents' gross incomes — including wages, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and more
The custody schedule — specifically, how many overnights per year each parent has (see Child Custody)
Work-related childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child
Courts can deviate from the guideline amount if the standard calculation would be unjust in a particular case — but the guidelines are the starting point.
Income for child support is defined broadly under NC law. It includes not just salary and wages, but also bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, investment returns, rental income, retirement benefits, and more.
Courts can also assign income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or working less than they're capable of. If someone has reduced their income to lower their child support obligation, the court won't simply accept the lower number. We review the financial records carefully on both sides — including when the other parent is self-employed or has complex finances.
A child support order can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Under NC law, a change is presumed substantial when the new guideline amount would differ from the current order by 15% or more. Common reasons include a significant income change, a change in the custody schedule, or a change in childcare or healthcare costs.
One important note: support doesn't change automatically when your circumstances do. You have to return to court — or reach a written agreement — to formally modify the order. Paying less on your own without a modified order creates arrears.
North Carolina has serious enforcement tools when a parent fails to pay court-ordered support — including wage garnishment, tax refund intercept, license suspension, and contempt of court. If you're owed unpaid support, we can help you take action to collect what your child is owed.
The child custody schedule has a direct impact on the support calculation. The more overnights a parent has, the lower their support obligation — because they're bearing more of the direct costs. Getting both custody and support right at the same time matters.
Child Custody in Charlotte, NC
Fair Support for Every Child
If you have questions about your situation, we're ready to help. Call us at (704) 610-4795, email info@hefflawpllc.com, or fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch within one business day.
We serve clients throughout Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Union County, Cabarrus County, Stanly County, Gaston County, and surrounding communities.