North Carolina updates child support guidelines for 2027
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina is updating its child support guidelines for 2027, including changes to income limits, minimum payments and how courts calculate child support obligations.
The Conference of Chief District Court Judges adopted the revisions Oct. 7 following a statewide review of the guidelines and updated economic data on the cost of raising children.
The new guidelines take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and will apply to child support cases heard on or after that date.
One of the major changes increases the upper income limit for the state’s basic child support schedule to $50,000 in combined monthly gross income, or $600,000 annually.
For parents whose combined income exceeds that amount, courts will continue determining child support based on the reasonable needs of the child and the circumstances of the parties involved.
The updated guidelines also include changes for low-income parents. Using the 2026 federal poverty level, the state has revised its self-support reserve.
Under the new guidelines, parents required to pay child support who have an adjusted gross income below $1,600 per month will generally be subject to a minimum child support order of $100, unless the court determines a different amount is appropriate.
Other changes clarify how courts may consider irregular or one-time income when calculating child support payments. The revisions also provide additional guidance on prospective child support, retroactive child support and overdue payments.
The changes follow a review by the Child Support Guidelines Committee, which considered recommendations from judges and attorneys, written public comments and feedback from a public hearing held June 4 in Raleigh.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts also worked with the Center for Policy Research to review economic data on the cost of raising children.
Under state law, North Carolina’s child support guidelines must be reviewed at least once every four years to determine whether they result in appropriate support orders.
The revised guidelines are intended to provide additional guidance to judges, attorneys, child support workers and families involved in child support cases.
The full updated guidelines are available on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
