North Carolina Child Support Guidelines Updated for 2027
Revised guidelines reflect updated economic data
and clarify child support calculations
RALEIGH — The Conference of Chief District Court Judges has adopted revisions to the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines following a statewide review of the guidelines and economic data on the cost of raising children. The revised guidelines take effect January 1, 2027, and apply to child support actions heard on or after that date.
The Child Support Guidelines Committee reviewed the existing guidelines and considered recommendations from judges and practicing attorneys across the state, written public comments, and feedback received during a public hearing held June 4, 2026, in Raleigh. The Administrative Office of the Courts also contracted with the Center for Policy Research to review economic data on the cost of raising children, as required by federal law.
The Conference adopted the recommended revisions following discussion at its fall meeting on October 7, 2026.
Key changes to the guidelines include:
Updated support schedule: The schedule of basic child support obligations has been revised based on updated economic data and recommendations from the Center for Policy Research.
High-income cases: The guidelines’ upper limit for the schedule of basic child support obligations has increased to $50,000 in combined monthly gross income, or $600,000 annually. Cases exceeding that amount will continue to require the court to determine support based on the reasonable needs of the child and the circumstances of the parties.
Low-income parents: The guidelines incorporate an updated self-support reserve based on the 2026 federal poverty level. Absent a deviation, the guidelines require a minimum child support order of $100 for obligors with adjusted gross income below $1,600 per month.
One-time payments: The guidelines clarify how courts may account for irregular, nonrecurring, or one-time income when determining child support obligations.
Clarified terminology: The revisions clarify provisions addressing prospective child support, retroactive child support, and arrears.
The revised guidelines are intended to provide additional guidance to district court judges, attorneys, child support workers, and the public in applying the guidelines in child support cases.
North Carolina law requires the guidelines to be reviewed at least once every four years to determine whether their application results in appropriate child support orders. The review was conducted pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 50-13.4(c1).
View this release at NCcourts.gov.
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The North Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal and distinctively separate branch and core function of government. The 7,600 Judicial Branch employees statewide administer justice in courthouses in North Carolina’s 100 counties.
About North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) is the administrative agency for the North Carolina Judicial Branch, providing administrative services to help the North Carolina court system operate more efficiently and effectively.
