Worksheet B (Shared Custody) – NC Child Support
Quick answer: What is Worksheet B (Shared Custody) in North Carolina? Use Worksheet B when each parent has at least 123 overnights a year. The court calculates each parent’s gross income, finds the basic obligation, applies the shared-custody adjustment for duplicated costs and overnights, adds health-insurance and childcare costs, then offsets the two amounts to set a single transfer payment.
Shared custody math can be tricky. We document income, overnights, and add-ons, then produce a clean Worksheet B and an order agencies can follow.
Your North Carolina Child Support Lawyer
Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years preparing Worksheet B shared-custody calculations, handling deviations, modifications, and enforcement, and drafting orders that payroll and agencies can implement.
Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County.
Start by situation
Fast answers
When to use Worksheet B: both parents have at least 123 overnights. Fewer than 123 uses Worksheet A; split custody uses Worksheet C.
Why Worksheet B differs: it accounts for duplicated fixed costs in two homes and adjusts by each parent’s overnight percentage and income share.
Add-ons: work-related childcare and the child’s health-insurance premium are added, then prorated and included in the offset.
Proof matters: calendars for overnights, pay and tax records, plan documents for insurance, and childcare invoices keep the math clean.
When Worksheet B applies
Worksheet B is used when both parents exercise shared physical custody, defined as each parent having at least 123 overnights during the year. If a schedule change pushes one parent under 123 nights, the case usually moves to Worksheet A.
Overnights and how they affect support
The overnight count is one of the biggest drivers in Worksheet B. We map the schedule week by week, include holidays and summer, and reconcile disputed days with school and work calendars.
Gross income and reliable documentation
We calculate each parent’s gross monthly income using pay stubs, W-2/1099s, tax returns, and if self-employed, business financials. Sporadic bonuses and commissions are averaged over a reasonable period.
Childcare, health insurance, and extraordinary expenses
Work-related childcare and the child’s health-insurance premium are added to the basic obligation, then prorated by income share. Extraordinary expenses can be added with proper proof.
Shared-custody adjustment and the offset
The Guidelines’ shared-custody formula increases the basic obligation for duplicated fixed costs and adjusts by each parent’s overnight percentage. After add-ons are included and prorated, the two amounts are offset so that only one monthly transfer payment is ordered.
Deviation from the Guidelines
Courts can deviate up or down if the standard Worksheet B result is unjust or inappropriate. We prepare findings on needs, ability to pay, unusual expenses, and the child’s best interests to support or oppose a deviation.
Modification when schedules change
If overnights, income, or add-ons change, you may qualify for modification. We compare old and new numbers, draft the updated Worksheet B, and file a focused motion.
Enforcement that works
We use wage withholding, arrears ledgers, and contempt where needed, with clear start dates and payment terms that agencies can follow.
What to bring and your first 72 hours
Documents checklist
- Parenting calendar with overnights (include holidays and summer)
- Last 3–6 months of pay stubs; last 2 years of W-2/1099s and tax returns
- Business P&L or Schedule C/K-1 if self-employed
- Child’s health-insurance premium breakdown and childcare invoices
Your first 72 hours with our team
1) Intake & audit
Confirm Worksheet B applies and map overnights.
2) Evidence packet
Gather income, insurance, childcare, and calendars.
3) Draft Worksheet B
Clean math, shared-custody adjustment, and offset.
4) File & serve
Motion with exhibits and proposed findings/order.
5) Finalize
Wage withholding and agency-ready order language.
FAQs
When do we use Worksheet B instead of Worksheet A?
How are overnights counted?
Do childcare and health insurance get added?
Why is there an “offset” in Worksheet B?
Can the judge deviate from the Worksheet B result?
What if our schedule changes later?
Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates
- 20+ years calculating shared-custody support
- Accurate overnights and income documentation
- Deviation, modification, and enforcement experience
- Orders that payroll and agencies can follow
Client reviews
N. Rowe — “Krispen mapped our overnights, fixed the income numbers, and the Worksheet B order has worked without confusion.”
H. Patel — “They explained shared-custody math in plain English. The final offset felt fair and payroll processed it fast.”
C. Blake — “When our schedule changed, Culbertson and Associates filed a clean modification with updated overnights.”
M. Alvarez — “Childcare and insurance were added correctly. No more arguments about who pays what.”
S. Green — “Professional and steady. The judge adopted their findings and our order is clear.”
L. Carter — “K.E. Culbertson handled enforcement with wage withholding. Payments started on time.”
Visit Our Greensboro Office
Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 272-4299 • culbertsonatlaw.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM • Area served: North Carolina
Related resources: North Carolina Child Support
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