At Ellis Family Law, we help clients in Cary understand their child support rights and obligations, calculate accurate support amounts, and pursue fair outcomes, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Raising a child takes emotional and financial commitment. When parents separate or divorce, child support ensures that children continue to receive the resources they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
Our attorneys understand that child support is about more than just finances. We guide parents through custody, support, visitation, and related family law matters with a focus on the child’s best interests and the health of the entire family.
In North Carolina, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially. When parents live apart, child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, or if there is shared physical custody, by the parent who makes the most money, to help cover and more equitably share the costs of raising the child.
Child support may cover:
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, we help parents understand their rights when it comes to custody, support, and visitation, so you understand what support is meant to cover—and what it doesn’t.
North Carolina uses a formula based on the Child Support Guidelines , if both parties’ combined monthly gross income is $30,000/mo or less, which factor in:
The formula is designed to be predictable, but it doesn’t always reflect the full financial picture. We help you apply the guidelines correctly—and advocate for deviations when warranted.
In some cases, strictly following the state guidelines results in an amount that is clearly unfair or inappropriate. Courts may approve a deviation based on factors such as:
If you believe your case warrants an adjustment, we help you present a strong argument for deviation or challenge a request that’s not in your child’s best interest.
Even in cooperative situations, it’s important to have a Cary child support lawyer review any agreement before signing.
Life changes and your child support or custody might need to change with it. In North Carolina, a child support order can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
We help parents petition for modifications—or defend against changes that are unnecessary or unjust.
Some child support cases involve a parent who is self-employed, works under the table, or intentionally earns less to avoid higher payments. In these cases, we work to uncover hidden income or impute income based on earning capacity.
We may use:
When child support isn’t paid as ordered, it creates stress and hardship for the parent providing day-to-day care. North Carolina courts have strong enforcement tools to ensure compliance, including:
We help clients pursue enforcement actions—and we also assist those facing enforcement proceedings who need help catching up or modifying the order.
North Carolina child support laws do not require parents to pay for college. However, parents can agree, through a separation agreement or consent order, to share college expenses. These agreements should be specific and enforceable.
We help parents:
Child support is closely tied to custody and parenting time. The number of overnights each parent has can significantly impact the guideline amount. That’s why it’s critical to coordinate child support planning with your custody strategy.
At Ellis Family Law, we don’t treat these issues in isolation. We help you create a cohesive plan that reflects your family’s full reality.
We’re proud to serve parents in Cary, Morrisville, Apex, and throughout Wake County with honesty, diligence, and respect.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Kathleen Murphy recently took on a very difficult and deceitful case dealing with narcissism. She was very reliable, attentive, kind, thorough, knowledgeable and very encouraging to the victims of abuse....
Kathleen Murphy recently took on a very difficult and deceitful case dealing with narcissism. She was very reliable, attentive, kind, thorough, knowledgeable and very encouraging to the victims of abuse. Kathleen continues to help throughout this very difficult process ensuring safety and the well being of her clients. Highly recommend.
Learning to trust an attorney that you’re just beginning to work with is really difficult. The anxiety I felt along this journey was supported by Kathleen, but what she did...
Learning to trust an attorney that you’re just beginning to work with is really difficult. The anxiety I felt along this journey was supported by Kathleen, but what she did in court this afternoon was beyond. I didn’t know what I didn’t know; but she did. She blew opposing counsel away. She knows her stuff and she knows what’s needed. Her staff went above and beyond for me also, and I’m so grateful
Wow! I’m actually excited about moving forward on my divorce now! I was terrified, now I’m not in the least bit. So excited to have Kathleen Murphy in my corner.
...Wow! I’m actually excited about moving forward on my divorce now! I was terrified, now I’m not in the least bit. So excited to have Kathleen Murphy in my corner.
Kathleen Murphy is simply the best. If you’re looking for someone who protects your best interests along with creating a clear, concise and strategic game plan. Look no further!
...Kathleen Murphy is simply the best. If you’re looking for someone who protects your best interests along with creating a clear, concise and strategic game plan. Look no further!
Ellis Family Law is always there for your family legal needs. I can personally recommend Kathleen Murphy, she is excellent.
...Ellis Family Law is always there for your family legal needs. I can personally recommend Kathleen Murphy, she is excellent.
From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect...
From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect both my best interests and my son’s. I am beyond thankful for Kathleen.
Whether you’re requesting child support for the first time, seeking to enforce an existing order, or navigating a dispute with your co-parent, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Because your child’s future deserves more than a formula. It deserves a plan that works.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
