Child Support

What Happens if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

Published on: June 5, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

Children are born to two parents. Regardless of whether parents stay together or split up, they must provide for their kids. In North Carolina, both parents are supposed to ensure that they pay for the basic needs of their children. Often, the children live primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. The non-custodial parent generally pays child support. Many people wonder what happens if a parent fails to pay child support.

Court-Ordered Child Support

When Does Child Support End?

Published on: March 5, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

When Does Child Support End?

Child support is money paid by one parent to the other for the needs of their child. In most cases, a child resides primarily with one parent and has visitation with the other. The non-custodial parent is generally required to pay support to cover the basic needs of the child. These needs include such things as food, clothing, housing, and other essential living expenses. Child support is generally separate from medical insurance and treatment costs, and extra costs such as those associated with sports, activities, and camps.

https://youtu.be/J7kwS-ST8-g

Can a Parent Get Full Child Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: November 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Get Full Child Custody in North Carolina?

As a parent, your child is your top priority. You want to make sure that your child gets the love, care, and support to grow and thrive. There are two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the ability to make decisions on behalf of a child. Physical custody refers to where the child resides. In many cases, parents share custody of their children. Sometimes, a parent wants to seek full custody of their child. An experienced family law attorney assists parents with custody matters.

Child Custody Options

Child Support in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Published on: October 30, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Child Support in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Both parents are required to contribute to rearing their children. When parents divorce, the children typically reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. The non-custodial parent typically provides support to assist with the financial needs of the child. It is helpful to understand some of the basics of child support in North Carolina.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce

Published on: October 23, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce

Divorce is not always easy, and it can be especially difficult for children. Children may feel uneasy and afraid because of the drastic changes that are happening in their lives. It is best to take steps to help your children deal with the changes as they adjust to the new life circumstances. Helping your children cope with the divorce gives them the support they need for a healthy adjustment.

Explain Changes

Divorced Parent Guide to Preparing for the School Year

Published on: October 9, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorced Parent Guide to Preparing for the School Year

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and school will start soon. Whether you are separated, newly divorced, or have been divorced for some time, you and your former spouse will need to work together to prepare for the upcoming school year. It is essential to establish routines and make the school year as easy and stress-free for your child as possible.

Implement a New Routine

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: September 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Marriage is less common than it used to be. Today, many more couples decide to live together without getting married. Some people live together as a trial before they wed, while others simply choose to cohabitate. Couples who live together generally do not have any of the benefits of marriage. However, in some states, if you live together as a couple long enough, you will automatically have a common law marriage. Not all states recognize common law marriage.

https://youtu.be/CM1ST8JOk7I

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Published on: September 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Unless you have been divorced before, you may not know what to expect from the process. You might be feeling scared and unsure of how to navigate the process in a way that will be best for you and your family. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide you through the procedure. Here are some tips for getting through the end of your marriage.

https://youtu.be/tnLTRpboTAw?si=UVXsEEP2wAstqK80

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Published on: August 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Divorce happens in at least a third of marriages. When you go through the divorce process, you and your spouse will agree on the major issues, called settlement terms. Once the divorce is final, the judge issues a divorce decree. The order provides for how to divide marital property, matters regarding child custody and visitation, and alimony, among others. When a divorce is final, both parties must abide by the order. If you violate the order, you could suffer legal consequences. So, what happens if you feel you need to make changes to the divorce order?

https://youtu.be/HJxjxQDbq-8?si=NGHZsIanHXI8Z7gw

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Divorcing with children brings many complications. One of the most important considerations is where your children will reside. While the law assumes both mothers and fathers are equally able to care for their children, in most instances, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent will have regular visits. In today’s fluid society, many people move around the country, whether for work or personal reasons. What happens when one parent wants to move out of state with their children?

https://youtu.be/Li7s3lKCflA?si=U0MRrIbMtVGwz6GI