Child Support Variances

Child support is not required to be consistent with the Guidelines in every case. If the court finds by the greater weight of the evidence that application of the Guidelines would fall short of (or exceed) the child's reasonable needs, or would otherwise be unjust or inappropriate, the court may order child support that varies from the Guidelines.  Some of the reasons that may justify variance are as follows:

• The special needs of the child, including physical and emotional health needs, educational needs, day-care costs, or needs related to the child's age.

• Shared physical custody arrangements or extended or unusual visitation arrangements.

• One or both parents have other support obligations to a current or former household, including the payment of alimony.

• One parent's extremely low or extremely high income, such that application of the guidelines produces an amount that is clearly too low or too high in relation to the party's own needs or the child's needs.

• One parent's intentional suppression or reduction of income, hidden income, income that should be imputed to a party, or a party's substantial assets.

• Any support that a party is providing or will be providing other than by periodic monetary payments, such as lump sum payments, possession of a residence, payment of a mortgage, payment of medical expenses, or provision of health insurance coverage.

• A parent's own special needs, such as unusual medical or other necessary expenses.

• Any other factor the court finds to be just and proper.

To read North Carolina law regarding child support visit:

http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/cse/statutes.htm

At Haas McNeil & Associates, P.A., commitment to our clients' needs is our number one priority. We can support you with child custody and child support issues, and ensure that the outcome of your case is fair and in accordance with North Carolina law.