Child custody and support in North Carolina
The North Carolina rules for parents who divorce, from official sources: the legal term for custody, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
Quick answer
North Carolina law uses the term “custody and visitation” for custody. North Carolina publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.
- Custody term
- Custody and visitation
- Child support calculator
- Official child support calculator or guidelines
- Child support agency
- NC DHHS Child Support Services
Custody terms in North Carolina
Custody and visitation
Mediation
Required for disputed child custody and visitation where a court custody mediation program exists, unless the court waives it (e.g., for domestic violence). Money issues are not part of this mediation. N.C. Gen. Stat. 50-13.1.
Child support in North Carolina
Child support follows North Carolina's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.
Good to know
G.S. 50-13.1 (custody mediation) was amended by S.L. 2024-26. The NC Divorce Packet was updated April 2026.
Children in a North Carolina divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use North Carolina's term for custody: custody and visitation.
Mediation
If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.
Child support
Estimate it first: the official calculator
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in North Carolina
What is child custody called in North Carolina?
North Carolina uses the term “custody and visitation”.
Is there an official child support calculator for North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator
Which agency handles child support in North Carolina?
Is mediation required for custody in North Carolina?
Required for disputed child custody and visitation where a court custody mediation program exists, unless the court waives it (e.g., for domestic violence). Money issues are not part of this mediation. N.C. Gen. Stat. 50-13.1.
More about divorce in North Carolina
- All North Carolina divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in North Carolina
- North Carolina divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in North Carolina
- Serving divorce papers in North Carolina
- Divorce timeline estimator for North Carolina
- Divorce checklist for North Carolina
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.