Source: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all
Timestamp: 2017-10-21 23:18:54
Document Index: 106946437

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§50', '§50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 5', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 5', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 52', '§ 50', '§ 50']

WomensLaw.org | North Carolina: Child Support |
http://www.womenslaw.org//laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14681
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14680
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14682
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14683
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14684
Yes. Your personal information (such as your address) can be available to the other people involved in the case unless you can prove to the judge that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be unreasonably put at risk if this identifying information is not kept confidential. The judge can hold a hearing ex parte (without the other party present) when making this decision. Also, if there is an existing order from another case that says that your identifying the information cannot be disclosed, that could apply to the child support case as well.*
* NCGS § 52C-3-311
Yes. Your personal information (such as your address) can be available to the other people involved in the case unless you can prove to the judge that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be unreasonably put at risk if this identifying information is not kept confidential. The judge can hold a hearing ex parte (without the other party present) when making this decision. Also, if there is an existing order from another case that says that your identifying the information cannot be disclosed, that could apply to the child support case as well.* * NCGS § 52C-3-311
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14687
back to topDo I have to pay court fees if I file a child support case?
The person who files for support does not have to pay any filing fees.* The judge may order the non-custodial parent (the one ordered to pay support) to pay filing fees, your reasonable attorney’s fees, necessary travel fees for your witnesses, etc.**
* NCGS § 52C-3-312(a)
** NCGS § 52C-3-312(b)
The person who files for support does not have to pay any filing fees.* The judge may order the non-custodial parent (the one ordered to pay support) to pay filing fees, your reasonable attorney’s fees, necessary travel fees for your witnesses, etc.** * NCGS § 52C-3-312(a) ** NCGS § 52C-3-312(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14688
back to topHow soon after I file can I get support?
The judge can issue a temporary support order after you file your petition while you are awaiting the hearing on child support.* The date of the hearing may depend on many factors but could take between a few weeks and a few months to be scheduled.
* NCGS § 50-13.5(d)(2)
The judge can issue a temporary support order after you file your petition while you are awaiting the hearing on child support.* The date of the hearing may depend on many factors but could take between a few weeks and a few months to be scheduled. * NCGS § 50-13.5(d)(2)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14690
back to topWhere does the court proceeding for support take place?
Generally, the court hearing for child support takes place in the county where the child lives or is physically present or in a county where one of the parents live.* There are some exceptions, so you may want to consult an attorney for more information about your case. You can find legal referrals on our NC Finding a Lawyer page.
* NCGS § 50-13.5(f)
Generally, the court hearing for child support takes place in the county where the child lives or is physically present or in a county where one of the parents live.* There are some exceptions, so you may want to consult an attorney for more information about your case. You can find legal referrals on our NC Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=FindingaLawyer&state_code=NC] page. * NCGS § 50-13.5(f)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14689
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14705
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14695
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14692
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-15968
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14694
back to topWhen minor(s) have a child, how long do the minor’s parents (the child’s grandparents) have to help support the child?
If both parents are under 18 (and unemancipated) at the time of the child's conception, their parents (the child’s grandparents) share primary responsibility for supporting the child. This responsibility lasts until both minor unemancipated parents become age 18 or are emancipated.* For example, if a 17 year-old and a 15 year-old have a baby, both sets of grandparents are responsible for the baby's support for 3 years - until the 15 year old turns 18 (or until s/he is emancipated). This is to make sure that all four grandparents (or as many as there are alive) have to support the baby until BOTH of the baby’s parents are 18 or emancipated. A court will determine the amount that the child’s grandparents must pay to help support the child.* If only one parent was under 18 (and unemancipated) at the time of the child's conception and the other parent was over 18, the over-18 parent has primary responsibility to support the child for his/her share and the grandparents of the under-18 (unemancipated) parent shares primary responsibility for his/her share of the child support. However, if the over-18 parent does not pay, and owes past-due child support (called "arrearages"), all of the grandparents are liable for arrearages (past-due support) until the minor parent reaches the age of 18 or becomes emancipated.* * NCGS § 50-13.4(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14702
back to topIf I care for a child who is not biologically mine and s/he has a baby, am I responsible to help support the baby?
Possibly. Any person, agency, organization or institution that stands in loco parentis (“in place of a parent”) of a minor unemancipated child who has a baby may be secondarily liable for the support of the minor child if the judge orders this (after considering many factors). The minor parent(s), however, still have a duty to support their child.*
Possibly. Any person, agency, organization or institution that stands in loco parentis (“in place of a parent”) of a minor unemancipated child who has a baby may be secondarily liable for the support of the minor child if the judge orders this (after considering many factors). The minor parent(s), however, still have a duty to support their child.* * NCGS § 50-13.4(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14703
back to topCan I get my child's medical expenses included in the order?
Yes. The court may order a parent to provide medical support for the child or the parents can make a written agreement as to who will provide this support. "Medical support" generally means doctor, hospital, dental and other health-care related expenses.* Note: The judge can specify that the parent has to maintain health insurance for the benefit of the child when health insurance is available at a "reasonable cost." The cost is considered "reasonable" if the coverage for the child is not more than 5% of the parent's gross income. This 5% could cover either the cost of:
adding the child to the parent's existing coverage;
if the parent has to get new coverage, it could be the difference between the cost of a "self-only" plan and family coverage.**
Additionally, the judge may require one or both parties to maintain dental insurance for the child.**
* NCGS § 50-13.11(a)
** NCGS § 50-13.11(a1)
Yes. The court may order a parent to provide medical support for the child or the parents can make a written agreement as to who will provide this support. "Medical support" generally means doctor, hospital, dental and other health-care related expenses.* Note: The judge can specify that the parent has to maintain health insurance for the benefit of the child when health insurance is available at a "reasonable cost." The cost is considered "reasonable" if the coverage for the child is not more than 5% of the parent's gross income. This 5% could cover either the cost of: * adding the child to the parent's existing coverage; * buying coverage only for the child; or * if the parent has to get new coverage, it could be the difference between the cost of a "self-only" plan and family coverage.** Additionally, the judge may require one or both parties to maintain dental insurance for the child.** * NCGS § 50-13.11(a) ** NCGS § 50-13.11(a1)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14706
back to topIf the other parent provides health insurance for my child, will I be kept informed of changes to the insurance?
Yes. The parent ordered to provide health insurance is supposed to provide written notice of any change in the insurance coverage to the other parent. Also, the employer or insurance company that provides the insurance coverage is supposed to give you whatever information you need about the coverage if you request it in writing.* When a noncustodial parent ordered to provide health insurance changes jobs, s/he is supposed to tell the new employer to enroll your child in the new health insurance plan.**
* NCGS § 50-13.11(b),(c)
** NCGS § 50-13.11(f)
Yes. The parent ordered to provide health insurance is supposed to provide written notice of any change in the insurance coverage to the other parent. Also, the employer or insurance company that provides the insurance coverage is supposed to give you whatever information you need about the coverage if you request it in writing.* When a noncustodial parent ordered to provide health insurance changes jobs, s/he is supposed to tell the new employer to enroll your child in the new health insurance plan.** * NCGS § 50-13.11(b),(c) ** NCGS § 50-13.11(f)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14707
back to topCan I sign off for my minor child’s insurance coverage papers even though I am not the parent paying for the coverage?
Yes. When a court order or agreement for health insurance is in effect, the signature of either parent is enough for the insurer to process an insurance claim for your child.*
* NCGS § 50-13.11(d)
Yes. When a court order or agreement for health insurance is in effect, the signature of either parent is enough for the insurer to process an insurance claim for your child.* * NCGS § 50-13.11(d)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14708
back to topWhat happens if the other parent violates the order and doesn’t keep up my child’s health insurance?
If the parent who is ordered to provide health insurance does not keep the insurance coverage for the child, then s/he is responsible for any health, hospital, or dental expenses that would have been covered by insurance if there were proper coverage.*
* NCGS §50-13.11(e)
If the parent who is ordered to provide health insurance does not keep the insurance coverage for the child, then s/he is responsible for any health, hospital, or dental expenses that would have been covered by insurance if there were proper coverage.* * NCGS §50-13.11(e)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14709
back to topCan a child support order be changed or even stopped after the court orders it?
Possibly. If either party can prove that there has been a change in circumstances since the order was issued, it’s possible that the order may be changed by a judge.* Even if the order was issued in another state, if the court in North Carolina gets jurisdiction (power) over the case, the judge can enter a new order for support which changes the other state’s order.** To find out how a court in NC can get jurisdiction over your order from another state, please talk to a lawyer. For free and paid legal referrals, go to our NC Finding a Lawyer page.
* NCGS § 50-13.7(a)
** NCGS § 50-13.7(b)
Possibly. If either party can prove that there has been a change in circumstances [/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=14710#content-14712] since the order was issued, it’s possible that the order may be changed by a judge.* Even if the order was issued in another state, if the court in North Carolina gets jurisdiction (power) over the case, the judge can enter a new order for support which changes the other state’s order.** To find out how a court in NC can get jurisdiction over your order from another state, please talk to a lawyer. For free and paid legal referrals, go to our NC Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=FindingaLawyer&state_code=NC] page. * NCGS § 50-13.7(a) ** NCGS § 50-13.7(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14711
back to topWhat does a “change in circumstances” mean?
A change in circumstances means a change in the child’s situation that affects the welfare of the child;* in other words, does the child need more or less money to be properly supported? Possible examples may include situations where the child needs special help with tutoring or the child have a special talent and takes lessons. There are a lot of reasons that a child might need more or less support over time. You might want to talk about your case with your local child support enforcement agency or with a lawyer.
* See NCGS § 50-13.7
A change in circumstances means a change in the child’s situation that affects the welfare of the child;* in other words, does the child need more or less money to be properly supported? Possible examples may include situations where the child needs special help with tutoring or the child have a special talent and takes lessons. There are a lot of reasons that a child might need more or less support over time. You might want to talk about your case with your local child support enforcement agency [http://www.ncdhhs.gov/government/cse.htm] or with a lawyer. * See NCGS § 50-13.7
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14712
back to topCan a child support order from another state be modified in North Carolina?
Sometimes, but only under certain conditions, which are found in section 52C-6-611 [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6982#statute-top] of the law on our NC Statutes page. The legal requirements are complex, however, and you may want to talk to an attorney who can advise you as to whether or not you can modify the order based on the facts of your case.
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14721
back to topIn what ways may the court order child support to be paid?
The court may order that child support be paid: * in a lump sum payment; * by periodic payments, which means payments are weekly or monthly; and/or * by giving personal property of the parent paying support to the parent receiving support.* Note: If the paying parent has fallen behind in payment (known as child support "arrears") and the parent who has to pay is the sole owner of certain land or real estate, the court may order the land or real estate to be given to the other party if the value of the real estate is not more than the arrearages (the back support owed).* * NCGS § 50-13.4(e)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14714
back to topI don’t think the non-custodial parent will pay me the child support s/he owes. Can his/her income be withheld right away to collect the money for child support?
Yes, if the child support order was entered on or after January 1, 1994, the court does not have to wait for the person ordered to pay child support to miss a payment before ordering income withholding* (also known as "assignment of wages"). Although often times, a judge will include income withholding in the order automatically, you may want to ask for income withholding in the original order to make sure the judge considers and includes this provision.
* NCGS § 50-13.4(d1)
Yes, if the child support order was entered on or after January 1, 1994, the court does not have to wait for the person ordered to pay child support to miss a payment before ordering income withholding* (also known as "assignment of wages"). Although often times, a judge will include income withholding in the order automatically, you may want to ask for income withholding in the original order to make sure the judge considers and includes this provision. * NCGS § 50-13.4(d1)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14715
back to topIf the paying parent fails to pay support, what can be done to enforce the child support order?
order the paying parent to post a bond (leave a sum of money with the clerk of superior court) that could be given to the parent receiving child support if the support isn't paid;
order the paying parent to have his/her employer deduct the money from his/her wages, income or salary and have it sent directly to the parent receiving child support. This is known as an “assignment of wages” or "income withholding;"
"attach" the paying parent’s assets, which basically means that the parent receiving support becomes a creditor and gets a lien against the paying parent’s assets. The parent can enforce the lien just as any creditor could. (A lien is a legal claim upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt). Note: The child can also become a creditor against the paying parent if the parent fraudulently gives away property or assets in order to hide them from being used to pay off his/her child support arrears;
appoint a "receiver," which is a person the judge chooses to control the paying parent’s money and property and see that the support is paid;
hold the paying parent in civil contempt for failing to make payments (if you file a petition for contempt) and the judge can sentence the parent to the punishments available for criminal contempt,* which is a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to 30 days (or up to 120 days if the sentence is suspended as long as the parent pays), or both;** and/or
suspend the paying parent’s license(s) after s/he becomes one month behind in support.***
* NCGS § 50-13.4(f)
** NCGS § 5A-12(a)(3)
*** NCGS § 50-13.12(b)
Below are several things that a court can do to enforce a child support order but other ways may be available as well. To figure out what may likely happen in your case, you may want to talk to a lawyer. The judge can do one or more of the following: * order the paying parent to post a bond (leave a sum of money with the clerk of superior court) that could be given to the parent receiving child support if the support isn't paid; * order the paying parent to have his/her employer deduct the money from his/her wages, income or salary and have it sent directly to the parent receiving child support. This is known as an “assignment of wages” or "income withholding;" * order the paying parent to give to the parent receiving support certain personal property and/or land/real estate; * have the paying parent arrested and be required to post bail in an amount set by the judge; * "attach" the paying parent’s assets, which basically means that the parent receiving support becomes a creditor and gets a lien against the paying parent’s assets. The parent can enforce the lien just as any creditor could. (A lien is a legal claim upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt). Note: The child can also become a creditor against the paying parent if the parent fraudulently gives away property or assets in order to hide them from being used to pay off his/her child support arrears; * issue an injunction to order the paying parent to do something or to not do something. For example, the paying parent may be ordered not to sell certain property or remove money from bank accounts, etc.; * appoint a "receiver," which is a person the judge chooses to control the paying parent’s money and property and see that the support is paid; * hold the paying parent in civil contempt for failing to make payments (if you file a petition for contempt) and the judge can sentence the parent to the punishments available for criminal contempt,* which is a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to 30 days (or up to 120 days if the sentence is suspended as long as the parent pays), or both;** and/or * suspend the paying parent’s license(s) after s/he becomes one month behind in support.*** You can talk to a lawyer or your local child support enforcement agency [http://www.ncdhhs.gov/government/cse.htm] about all the ways you can collect past due child support. For legal referrals, go to our NC Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_type.php?type_name=FindingaLawyer] page. * NCGS § 50-13.4(f) ** NCGS § 5A-12(a)(3) *** NCGS § 50-13.12(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14716
back to topMy license was suspended because I fell behind in my child support. How can I get my license back?
If you lose your license for failing to pay support, you can file a petition in district court to get your license back. The judge can give you back your license as long as you fully pay off the past-due support over time and you keep up with your current child support payments.*
* NCGS § 50-13.12(d)
If you lose your license for failing to pay support, you can file a petition in district court to get your license back. The judge can give you back your license as long as you fully pay off the past-due support over time and you keep up with your current child support payments.* * NCGS § 50-13.12(d)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14717
back to topI have a child support order from another state but now I live in North Carolina. Can I enforce it in North Carolina?
To enforce an order administratively, you would have to send certain documents to your local child support enforcement agency and they can attempt to enforce it as they would enforce a North Carolina order.* However, the paying parent has the right to object to this. If s/he does, then the agency would have to register the order in court.**
You also have the option to register the order in court to enforce it. (To see what types of documents are necessary for registering an out-of-state order in a NC court, please see our NC Statutes page, section 52C-6-602). The other parent has 20 days after receiving the notice of the registration of the order to object. An objection would be made by filing papers in court to request a hearing if s/he thinks the child support order is not valid or that the order should not be enforced in North Carolina. If s/he asks for a hearing, the judge has to set the case for hearing and notify all of the parties the date, time and place for the hearing.*** If the other parent does not request a hearing within 20 days, the order becomes registered, or confirmed, as it is called.****
* NCGS § 52C-5-507(a)
** NCGS § 52C-5-507(b)
*** NCGS § 52C-6-602(a),(c)
**** NCGS § 52C-6-602(b)
Generally, there may be two ways to enforce an out-of-state support order: administratively, which means through the child support enforcement agency or through the court. To enforce an order administratively, you would have to send certain documents to your local child support enforcement agency [http://www.ncdhhs.gov/government/cse.htm]and they can attempt to enforce it as they would enforce a North Carolina order.* However, the paying parent has the right to object to this. If s/he does, then the agency would have to register the order in court.** You also have the option to register the order in court to enforce it. (To see what types of documents are necessary for registering an out-of-state order in a NC court, please see our NC Statutes page, section 52C-6-602 [/statutes_detail.php?statute_id=6978#statute-top]). The other parent has 20 days after receiving the notice of the registration of the order to object. An objection would be made by filing papers in court to request a hearing if s/he thinks the child support order is not valid or that the order should not be enforced in North Carolina. If s/he asks for a hearing, the judge has to set the case for hearing and notify all of the parties the date, time and place for the hearing.*** If the other parent does not request a hearing within 20 days, the order becomes registered, or confirmed, as it is called.**** You might want to talk with a lawyer or the child support enforcement agency [http://www.ncdhhs.gov/government/cse.htm] in your county’s Division of Social Services to get some help and to find out exactly what documents you’d need to send in to register the order because it can be complicated. You may also want to get a lawyer if your case is set down for a hearing. For legal referrals, go to our NC Finding a Lawyer [/gethelp_state_type.php?type_name=FindingaLawyer&state_code=NC] page. * NCGS § 52C-5-507(a) ** NCGS § 52C-5-507(b) *** NCGS § 52C-6-602(a),(c) **** NCGS § 52C-6-602(b)
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14720
back to topIf I have to enforce an order from North Carolina or from another state, can I get help?
There may be a couple of ways to get help to enforce an order from North Carolina or from another state. If you request it, you may get help from your local child support enforcement agency.* Also, the district attorney may represent you if you have brought a criminal action against the person who owes you support or in certain other cases. Lastly, you may get your own attorney.**
* NCGS § 52C-3-307
** NCGS §§ 52C-3-308; 52C-3-308.1
There may be a couple of ways to get help to enforce an order from North Carolina or from another state. If you request it, you may get help from your local child support enforcement agency [http://www.ncdhhs.gov/government/cse.htm].* Also, the district attorney may represent you if you have brought a criminal action against the person who owes you support or in certain other cases. Lastly, you may get your own attorney.** * NCGS § 52C-3-307 ** NCGS §§ 52C-3-308; 52C-3-308.1
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14718
back to topCan the court order the other parent to pay my attorney’s fees?
Possibly. In some cases, the court may order the person who refuses to pay child support to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees. Alternatively, if the judge believes that one parent has filed a frivolous (meaningless) court case, the judge may order the person who brought the frivolous case to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees.*
* NCGS § 50-13.6
Possibly. In some cases, the court may order the person who refuses to pay child support to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees. Alternatively, if the judge believes that one parent has filed a frivolous (meaningless) court case, the judge may order the person who brought the frivolous case to pay the other parent’s attorney’s fees.* * NCGS § 50-13.6
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=14678&state_code=NC&open_id=all〈=en#content-14719