How is child support calculated?

Child support is calculated using each state's specific formula, which typically considers both parents' gross monthly income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Most states use an Income Shares model or a Percentage of Income model.

Is this child support calculator accurate?

This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available state guidelines. Actual court-ordered child support may differ based on deductions, special expenses, imputed income, and judicial discretion. Always consult a family law attorney for legal advice.

Which states does this calculator support?

SupportByState.com supports child support calculations for all 50 states using each state's current guidelines.

Is child support taxable income?

No. Child support payments are not taxable income for the recipient and are not tax-deductible for the paying parent under current IRS rules.

How is BAH treated for child support in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is generally included in the income calculation for child support under NC Gen. Stat. §50-13.4. BAH is treated as a component of the service member's income, not a reimbursement excluded from the formula. Some states handle this differently — consult a North Carolina military divorce attorney for the precise treatment in your case.

How is military retirement pay divided in a North Carolina divorce?

North Carolina courts apply the USFSPA and state marital property rules to divide military retirement. The marital share is calculated based on the years married during service using the coverture fraction: (years married during service) ÷ (total years of service) × monthly retirement benefit. The 10/10 rule governs DFAS direct payment eligibility.

Can VA disability pay be divided in a North Carolina divorce?

No. Under Howell v. Howell (2017), the U.S. Supreme Court held that state courts cannot divide VA disability compensation as marital property. However, it may be counted as income for calculating child support and alimony obligations under North Carolina law.

What is the 10/10 rule and does it apply in North Carolina?

The 10/10 rule is a federal DFAS payment rule, not a division eligibility requirement. If the marriage lasted 10+ years while the service member completed 10+ years of creditable service, DFAS will pay the former spouse's retirement share directly. If the 10/10 threshold is not met, North Carolina courts can still divide the retirement, but payment comes directly from the service member.

How does a North Carolina divorce court divide military retirement accumulated before and during the marriage?

North Carolina courts divide only the marital portion of military retirement — the portion accrued during the marriage. The coverture fraction determines this share. Retirement accrued before the marriage or after separation is generally the service member's separate property. The final calculation requires the service member's total years of service and the exact years of the marriage overlap.

Does North Carolina include military bonuses and special pays as child support income?

Generally yes. Regular special pays, hazard pay, flight pay, and similar compensation are included as income under NC Gen. Stat. §50-13.4 for child support purposes. Irregular bonuses may be treated differently depending on how consistently they are paid. BAH and BAS are included in most states; check North Carolina-specific case law for any exceptions.

North Carolina Military Divorce Calculator 2026 — BAH, Retirement Pay, and Child Support

In a North Carolina military divorce, Basic Pay, BAH, and BAS are generally included as income under NC Gen. Stat. §50-13.4; military retirement pay is divisible as marital property under USFSPA using the coverture fraction — and if the 10/10 rule is met, DFAS pays the former spouse's share directly.

Military divorces in North Carolina are governed by a combination of federal law — primarily the USFSPA (10 U.S.C. §1408) — and North Carolina family law under NC Gen. Stat. §50-13.4. For child support purposes, most military pay components are treated as income under North Carolina's formula. Basic pay, BAH, BAS, and special pays are generally included in the income figure used to calculate your child support obligation in North Carolina.

VA disability compensation is treated differently from military retirement pay under federal law. Per Howell v. Howell (U.S. Supreme Court, 2017), VA disability pay cannot be divided as marital property in divorce proceedings. However, it is generally counted as income for child support and alimony purposes in North Carolina. A common issue arises when a retiree waives retirement pay to receive tax-free VA disability compensation — this reduces the former spouse's USFSPA share, which courts may address through alternative remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is BAH treated for child support in North Carolina?: In North Carolina, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is generally included in the income calculation for child support under NC Gen. Stat. §50-13.4. BAH is treated as a component of the service member's income, not a reimbursement excluded from the formula. Some states handle this differently — consult a North Carolina military divorce attorney for the precise treatment in your case.
How is military retirement pay divided in a North Carolina divorce?: North Carolina courts apply the USFSPA and state marital property rules to divide military retirement. The marital share is calculated based on the years married during service using the coverture fraction: (years married during service) ÷ (total years of service) × monthly retirement benefit. The 10/10 rule governs DFAS direct payment eligibility.
Can VA disability pay be divided in a North Carolina divorce?: No. Under Howell v. Howell (2017), the U.S. Supreme Court held that state courts cannot divide VA disability compensation as marital property. However, it may be counted as income for calculating child support and alimony obligations under North Carolina law.
What is the 10/10 rule and does it apply in North Carolina?: The 10/10 rule is a federal DFAS payment rule, not a division eligibility requirement. If the marriage lasted 10+ years while the service member completed 10+ years of creditable service, DFAS will pay the former spouse's retirement share directly. If the 10/10 threshold is not met, North Carolina courts can still divide the retirement, but payment comes directly from the service member.
How does a North Carolina divorce court divide military retirement accumulated before and during the marriage?: North Carolina courts divide only the marital portion of military retirement — the portion accrued during the marriage. The coverture fraction determines this share. Retirement accrued before the marriage or after separation is generally the service member's separate property. The final calculation requires the service member's total years of service and the exact years of the marriage overlap.
Does North Carolina include military bonuses and special pays as child support income?: Generally yes. Regular special pays, hazard pay, flight pay, and similar compensation are included as income under NC Gen. Stat. §50-13.4 for child support purposes. Irregular bonuses may be treated differently depending on how consistently they are paid. BAH and BAS are included in most states; check North Carolina-specific case law for any exceptions.

North Carolina Military Divorce Calculator 2026 — BAH, Retirement Pay, and Child Support

Frequently Asked Questions

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