Worksheet C (Split Custody) – NC Child Support

Q: When do we use Worksheet C?

Use Worksheet C when each parent has primary physical custody of at least one child. If all children live primarily with one parent, use Worksheet A; if both parents have 123+ overnights with the same child(ren), use Worksheet B.

Q: What if one child changes homes?

That can shift the case to Worksheet A or B. File to modify with updated household assignments and current numbers.

Quick answer: What is Worksheet C (Split Custody) in North Carolina? Use Worksheet C when each parent has primary physical custody of at least one child. You run a separate Worksheet A for each household group, include child-specific add-ons (insurance, childcare, extraordinary needs) for the children in that home, then offset the two results so only one monthly payment is ordered.

Split custody is all about child-by-child math. We separate costs correctly, verify incomes, and produce a clear Worksheet C with an order payroll and agencies can follow.

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Your North Carolina Child Support Lawyer

Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years preparing Worksheet C split-custody calculations, handling deviations and modifications, and drafting enforceable orders with correct child-specific add-ons.

Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County.

Start by situation

Confirm Split Custody applies (each parent primary for ≥1 child)

Assign children to the correct household

Document each parent’s gross income

Attach add-ons per child (insurance, childcare)

Run Worksheet A for each home, then offset

Handle shared costs & extraordinary expenses

Request a deviation when the result is unfair

Modify when custody changes or a child ages out

Fast answers

When to use Worksheet C: each parent has primary physical custody of at least one child. This is different from shared custody (Worksheet B) and primary custody (Worksheet A).

How the math works: run two Worksheet A calculations (one for each household group), include child-specific add-ons, then offset the results so only one payment is ordered.

Add-ons by child: health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary costs must be assigned to the child’s household, not split blindly.

Proof you’ll need: pay and tax records, plan documents showing a child’s insurance share, childcare invoices, and a simple list showing which child resides where.

When Worksheet C (Split Custody) applies

Use Worksheet C if each parent is the primary custodian of at least one child. If all children primarily live with one parent, use Worksheet A. If both parents have 123+ overnights with the same child(ren), use Worksheet B.

Assigning children to the correct household

Each child must be placed in the household where that child primarily resides. We list children under Parent A or Parent B and attach child-specific costs to the correct group.

Gross income and documentation

We calculate each parent’s gross monthly income from pay stubs, W-2/1099s, tax returns, and business financials if self-employed. Irregular bonuses/commissions are averaged.

Child-specific add-ons and extraordinary expenses

Work-related childcare and the child’s portion of health-insurance premiums are added to the basic obligation for that child’s household group, then prorated by the parents’ income shares.

Two Worksheet A calculations, then an offset

We calculate a Worksheet A for the children in Parent A’s home and another for Parent B’s home. After add-ons are included and prorated in each, we offset the two results so only one transfer payment remains.

Shared costs and unusual situations

Some expenses (e.g., shared family health plans) require allocating the child’s portion correctly. We use plan documents and simple apportionment so the math is clear and reproducible.

Deviation from the Guidelines

Courts may deviate if the standard result is unjust or inappropriate. We prepare findings on needs, ability to pay, unusual expenses, and the best interests of the children.

Modification when custody or costs change

Moves, schedule changes, or a child aging out can shift a case away from Worksheet C. We file to modify with current incomes, add-ons, and updated household assignments.

What to bring and your first 72 hours

Documents checklist

List showing which child primarily lives with which parent
Pay stubs (last 3–6 months) and last 2 years of W-2/1099s & tax returns
Business P&L or Schedule C/K-1 if self-employed
Health-insurance plan docs and premium breakdown by child
Childcare invoices and proof of payment

Your first 72 hours with our team

1) Intake & audit
Confirm Worksheet C applies; assign children to households.

2) Evidence packet
Gather income proof and child-specific add-ons.

3) Draft calculations
Run two Worksheet A’s; apply correct add-ons and shares.

4) Offset & order
Compute the offset; prepare agency-ready order terms.

5) Implementation
Wage withholding and clear start dates to avoid confusion.

FAQs

When do we use Worksheet C?

When each parent has primary physical custody of at least one child. If all children live primarily with one parent, use Worksheet A; if both parents have 123+ overnights with the same child(ren), use Worksheet B.

How are add-ons handled in split custody?

Assign the add-on (insurance, childcare, extraordinary expenses) to the household of the child who incurs it, then prorate by the parents’ income shares.