Lake Norman Child Support Attorneys

Compassionate Legal Guidance

When you go through a divorce, dividing your assets and establishing child support for your children can be challenging. These issues often require the guidance of a knowledgeable child support lawyer in Lake Norman.

At The McIntosh Law Firm, we recognize the pressure families face during these moments. We guide you through the legal process and deliver attentive service to help protect your rights.

Contact us today at (704) 892-1612 to speak with a child support attorney about your specific situation. We offer free initial consultations.

How Is Child Support Calculated in North Carolina?

North Carolina sets child support guidelines based on both parents' incomes and the number of children. The guidelines look at the standard of living the child had before the parents separated and the amount of time the child spends in each household.

A judge reviews these guidelines and works with both parents to decide how much support is appropriate. Each case includes unique factors that can change the calculation.

Some of these include:

• Extraordinary expenses
• Child care costs
• Health care costs
• Education costs
• Extraordinary gifts

Our team keeps up with updates from the North Carolina Conference of Chief District Court Judges to better serve clients in Davidson, Cornelius, Mooresville, and nearby communities. We explain how Mecklenburg and Iredell County courts apply these rules, helping families gather documents and understand what can influence their case. If your finances or living arrangements have changed, we explain how local courts review these factors within the Lake Norman area.

Contact our Lake Norman child support attorneys to learn more about how child support is determined.

How Long Does Child Support Last?

In North Carolina, child support generally lasts until the child turns 18, graduates from high school, or turns 19, whichever comes later. If the child works full-time and is no longer in school, or leaves home at age 18, support may end sooner.

Child support can continue for a child with a disability or a student enrolled in college, depending on the circumstances.

Judges in Mecklenburg and Iredell County follow these laws but weigh circumstances like private school enrollment, medical needs, or unique living arrangements in the Lake Norman area. We help you review what could change the duration of your child support obligation based on your family’s needs.

Types of Child Support Orders

There are three types of child support orders that can be issued by the court:

• Ordered based on state guidelines is determined by the state’s set rules, regardless of the parents' incomes.
• Ordered based on the parents' incomes considers how much each parent can pay and the number of children covered.
• Ordered according to the needs of the child responds to unique requirements, which sometimes results in higher support than court guidelines would recommend. 

Courts in Davidson and Cornelius regularly decide which of these orders best fits each family’s situation. As your family’s dynamics change—such as moving, new jobs, or health changes—a judge can adjust the type of order. We guide you through reviewing your options and help you prepare for questions the court may have to simplify the process for families throughout Lake Norman.

How to Modify or Enforce a Child Support Order

Many families must change their child support orders over time. District courts in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties consider requests for modifications if a parent’s income or a child’s needs shift significantly. If you need a modification, the court will review updated documentation like pay stubs, receipts, or details about new living arrangements. Our attorneys explain what is most relevant and how to prepare for the review.

If a parent does not comply with a court-ordered child support agreement, enforcement becomes an issue. North Carolina courts can enforce payment through wage withholding or levy fines. We clarify how local judges approach these cases and support you through each step if an enforcement action is necessary. Addressing these matters promptly helps protect your child’s financial stability.

What to Expect in the Lake Norman Child Support Process

When starting a child support case in Lake Norman, your matter will typically go before district courts serving Mecklenburg or Iredell County. While these courts follow established procedures, each case is unique based on the family’s needs. We help you organize records, including financial statements and information about your child’s daily expenses, and prepare you for questions judges commonly ask.

We focus on clear communication at every stage. If a hearing is scheduled, we make sure you know what to expect and help you get ready to discuss your income, expenses, and your child’s specific needs. This approach helps families in Davidson, Cornelius, and neighboring towns move through the process with confidence.