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Divorce Child Custody Separation Child Support Equitable Distribution Parenting Coordination Spousal Support Guardian Ad Litem Special Proceedings Simple Estate Planning
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1208 Eastchester Dr. #101 High Point, NC 27265 336.882.0700 (p) 336.889.3977 (f)

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Our practice is limited to residents of Guilford, Davidson and Randolph counties in North Carolina.

The information contained in this site is limited to North Carolina law, and is for information purposes only. Please see our disclaimer for full details.

Copyright © Sams Law Firm, PC. All rights reserved. Web development by A Better Web, Inc.

FINANCIAL ISSUES Make sure you are fully aware of the regulations regarding support and equitable distribution before proceeding. Contact our office for a Consultation Appointment
Click here to call Sams Legal Firm Click here to make an appointment
CHILD SUPPORT Child support is an ongoing, recurring payment made by a parent for the financial support of a child. Usually, child support is determined by the North Carolina child support calculator. The calculator can be found at ncchildsupport.com. The child support calculator is only used for families that do not exceed a combined income of $300,000 per year. Child support is based on each parent's monthly income, health insurance costs for the minor children, daycare expenses for work-related childcare, and any extraordinary expenses that the Court considers (travel, private school, etc.). The child support calculator will provide credits if either parent is caring for an adopted or biological minor child that is not the child of the other parent. If both parents are exercising at least 123 overnights with the minor children per year, child support is calculated on worksheet B, joint custody. If one parent has less than 123 overnights, child support is determined by using worksheet A, sole custody. Child support may be reviewed every three years. If there is a 15% difference in the old child support calculation and the new calculation, child support can be modified. Absent an exception, child support is paid until a child turns 18 years old and graduates from high school, whichever comes last.
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SERVICES

Divorce Child Custody Separation Child Support Equitable Distribution Parenting Coordination Spousal Support Guardian Ad Litem Special Proceedings Simple Estate Planning
Pinterest

CONTACT US

1208 Eastchester Dr. #101 High Point, NC 27265 336.882.0700 (p) 336.889.3977 (f)

FOLLOW US

Map of Sams Legal location

Our practice is limited to residents of Guilford, Davidson

and Randolph counties in North Carolina.

The information contained in this site is limited to North

Carolina law, and is for information purposes only.

Please see our disclaimer for full details.

Copyright © Sams Law Firm, PC. All rights reserved.

Web development by A Better Web, Inc.

FINANCIAL ISSUES Make sure you are fully aware of the regulations regarding support and equitable distribution before proceeding. Contact our office for a Consultation Appointment
Click here to call Sams Legal Firm Click here to make an appointment
CHILD SUPPORT Child support is an ongoing, recurring payment made by a parent for the financial support of a child. Usually, child support is determined by the North Carolina child support calculator. The calculator can be found at ncchildsupport.com. The child support calculator is only used for families that do not exceed a combined income of $300,000 per year. Child support is based on each parent's monthly income, health insurance costs for the minor children, daycare expenses for work- related childcare, and any extraordinary expenses that the Court considers (travel, private school, etc.). The child support calculator will provide credits if either parent is caring for an adopted or biological minor child that is not the child of the other parent. If both parents are exercising at least 123 overnights with the minor children per year, child support is calculated on worksheet B, joint custody. If one parent has less than 123 overnights, child support is determined by using worksheet A, sole custody. Child support may be reviewed every three years. If there is a 15% difference in the old child support calculation and the new calculation, child support can be modified. Absent an exception, child support is paid until a child turns 18 years old and graduates from high school, whichever comes last.
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EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION Equitable distribution is the process used to divide the assets and debts of a married couple seeking dissolution of their marriage. There are three steps in dividing property. First, the Court must identify the marital and separate property. Property owned before the marriage, inherited or received as a gift is typically considered separate property and not divided. Debt acquired before the marriage or did not benefit the marriage is also considered separate debt. Property and debt acquired during the marriage by one or both spouses and exists on the date of separation is considered marital property. The second step in the equitable distribution process is to value the property and debts. The value is the fair market value of the item; the money that a willing buyer would pay if the item was for sale. Usually the value of the debt is the balance of the debt on the date of separation. The final step is to distribute the property and debts. The courts must do this fairly. An equal division is considered equitable unless the Court determines equal is unjust.
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SPOUSAL SUPPORT There are two types of spousal support in North Carolina: post separation support and alimony. Post separation support was created to assist the dependent spouse in meeting his or her reasonable needs. The Court considers several factors when determining the amount of post separation support, including but not limited to: the financial needs of the parties, the accustomed standard of living, income, debts, marital fault, and the ability to earn income. A court order for post separation support will terminate if the parties reconcile, the dependent spouse remarries, the dependent spouse lives with another adult in a romantic relationship, alimony is established, the dependent spouse dies or the supporting spouse dies. Alimony is available when a dependent spouse is actually substantially dependent on the other spouse financially. The Courts will look at the accustomed standard of living in the last years before separation. North Carolina will also consider several other economic factors in deciding, such as the financial needs of the parties, present income, expenses reasonably necessary to support each party, etc. Alimony may include a lump sum, transfer of property or periodic payments for a specified term. Alimony "shall be in such amount as the circumstances render necessary, having due regard to the estates, earnings, earning capacity, living condition, accustomed standard of living of the parties and other facts of the particular case." A court will consider marital fault, the ages and health (mental and physical) of the parties, the duration of the marriage, the education of each spouse, tax ramifications and any other factor relating to the economic circumstances that the Court feels is justified. North Carolina allows our Courts in their discretion to enter an order for attorney fees in connection with spousal support. Marital fault in North Carolina can act as a complete barrier to alimony if the dependent spouse has had an illicit affair during the marriage before separation (there are a few exceptions). Marital fault can lower or increase the amount and duration of alimony payments in some circumstances. Marital fault includes illicit sexual behavior, involuntary separation due to a criminal act, abandonment, cruel treatment endangering the life of the other spouse, reckless spending, excessive use of alcohol or drugs, etc. An order for alimony ends under these conditions: resumption of the marriage, remarriage by the dependent spouse, cohabitation by the dependent spouse with someone they are having a romantic relationship with, a fixed period of time or death of either spouse. North Carolina does not have a calculator to determine spousal support like they have for child support. Results vary from county to county, and judge to judge.
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