How Do I Collect Child Support After Moving to North Carolina?

For parents who are interested in moving or have recently moved to North Carolina, you may be asking yourself, “How do I collect child support after moving to North Carolina?” or “What happens if my child’s parent fails to make his child support payments?” Fortunately, it is possible to collect child support from a noncustodial parent, even if they do not live in North Carolina, as long as you take the necessary steps.

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Requesting Child Support When Both Parents Move to North Carolina

North Carolina law is clear: parents are responsible for a child’s well-being. Child support orders are issued to ensure that both parents meet the financial costs of a child’s maintenance, health, and education needs.

There are several ways to petition for and receive child support in North Carolina if both parents have recently moved to the state:

• Through a separation agreement, where both parents decide on a monthly child support amount
• With a Voluntary Support Agreement (VSA), where parents can settle on monthly child support if they are not married or have not finalized their divorce
• By filing a petition for child support through the North Carolina Child Support Enforcement Agency
• By filing a civil complaint in district court

The child’s primary caretaker is typically issued child support in North Carolina, and only a legal parent may be required to make these payments. Child support can also be issued even when both parents share custody.

Requesting Child Support in North Carolina When One Parent Lives Out of State

A parent’s responsibility for a child does not end if the child lives in a different state from that of their custodial parent. If you are a parent who has recently moved to North Carolina and you have not had a previous child support order issued in another state, you can initiate a child support request through the local Child Support Services (CSS) office in your county.

Depending on your particular family situation, the North Carolina Child Support Enforcement Agency may need to establish legal parentage (i.e., you were never married). Once this is confirmed, the child support amount issued in North Carolina is calculated based on the laws of the state where the noncustodial parent resides.

Registering an Out-of-State Child Support Order in North Carolina

When custodial parents who move to North Carolina have an existing child support order in another state, they can have their order registered in North Carolina to ensure it is enforceable. To register a foreign or out-of-state child support order in North Carolina, you are typically required to take the following steps:

1. Complete a “Petition for Registration of Foreign Child Custody Order.”
2. Fill out a “Notice of Registration of Foreign Child Custody Order.”
3. Serve the noncustodial parent with a copy of the petition and notice.
4. Submit a copy of the forms to the clerk of your county’s superior court.

The next steps may vary slightly from one county to another, and it can be confusing for some parents to handle this on their own. It can help to consult a family law attorney who can assist you in completing the process.

The more information you have about the noncustodial parent and the details of the foreign child custody order, the quicker the process can be completed. The North Carolina Child Support Program reported initiating 26,776 interstate cases in the first quarter of 2025.

Once Registered

Once a child support order is registered in North Carolina, it is easier for parents to have these orders enforced. When a noncustodial parent is not fulfilling a child support order, a North Carolina court can contact the local court where the noncustodial parent resides or can issue a withholding notice to their employer if known.

According to the U.S. Office of Child Support Services, 73% of child support collected across the country in Fiscal Year 2023 was garnished through wages.

FAQs

Q: Does North Carolina Enforce Out-of-State Child Support?

A: Yes, North Carolina can assist in the enforcement of out-of-state or foreign child support orders. This typically requires that an order be registered in your local county. However, you can also file for expedited enforcement of a foreign child custody order. The parent responsible for paying child support may face penalties if they do not comply with the order.

Q: What Happens When Child Support Is Transferred to Another State?

A: A parent can ensure that a child support order issued in a different state is enforceable in North Carolina by registering the order. This can be done by filing the adequate forms and filing them with their local clerk of the superior court. This allows custodial parents to seek assistance from the North Carolina court system when the noncustodial parent fails to pay the required support.

Registering a child support order in North Carolina does not modify the order.

Q: What Is the Average Child Support Payment in North Carolina?

A: The average child support payment in North Carolina in the first quarter of 2025 was between $553.96 and $629.46. There are several factors that go into calculating child support amounts for families living in the state. The type of custody agreement between the parents, their gross income, how many children live in each household, and any pre-existing child support orders are considered. The minimum child support amount in North Carolina is $50.

Q: Does the Transfer From State to State Happen Automatically?

A: No, the transfer of child support orders from state to state does not happen automatically. This means that if a parent fails to pay their required monthly child support amount, the North Carolina court does not automatically enforce the order. A parent should register their foreign child support order or request expedited enforcement to receive assistance from the court.

You Have Options to Enforce Child Support When You Move to North Carolina

Moving to a new state entails major changes in your life. Ensuring that you can rely on child support payments to maintain your child’s well-being is imperative. Whether you and the noncustodial parent moved to North Carolina, or if you are looking to request child support in North Carolina or register an out-of-state child support order, you should understand the various steps involved in making this happen.

Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys at Plumides, Romano & Johnson, PC, to discuss your custody case.  Maria B. Marros is dedicated to serving families and committed to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients.  She is fluent in Greek and conversational in Spanish, which has helped her serve a diverse clientele.  Maria is a passionate advocate for the well-being of her clients’ children and their best interests.  Hablamos español!