Some parents earn money on a steady, reliable schedule. Others work seasonal jobs, freelance, or get paid by commission, which makes their income unpredictable. The court follows a specific process to figure out a fair amount when parents with irregular income go through a child support case
How the court looks at irregular income
In North Carolina, the court uses the state’s guidelines as a starting point. These guidelines help calculate how much a parent should pay based on gross income, how many children they have, and how much time the child spends with each parent. When a parent earns irregular income, the court takes extra steps to understand the full financial picture. This may include looking at past tax returns, pay stubs, and any other records that show how much the parent typically earns over time.
The court does not just look at one paycheck. Instead, it reviews income over a longer period (usually a year or more) to find an average. For example, if a parent works on commission and earns more in certain months, the court will include both high and low months to come up with a fair number. Judges may also consider bonuses, seasonal jobs, or side work when figuring out the total income.
How the court sets support amounts
Once the court figures out the average gross income, it uses that number to calculate the child support amount. The goal is to make sure the child receives enough support, even if the parent’s earnings change from month to month. In some cases, the court might set a base support amount and add a percentage from any extra income the parent earns in the future from bonuses or commission that is in addition to a regular salary. This helps make the support more flexible while keeping the child’s needs in focus.
North Carolina courts work hard to make child support fair, even when income changes. By averaging income and using past records, the court protects the child’s well-being while adjusting for the parent’s financial situation. This process ensures the child gets the support they need, no matter how unpredictable the parent’s income may be.