North Carolina Custody Calculator
Understanding North Carolina's shared custody threshold and how it affects child support calculations.
What This Means
North Carolina uses a 123-overnight threshold for shared custody:
- Below 123 overnights: Worksheet A (primary custody) applies. Support is calculated based primarily on the non-custodial parent's income.
- 123+ overnights: Worksheet B (shared custody) applies. Both parents' incomes and time splits are factored into the calculation.
123 overnights represents approximately 34% of the year. This is one of the higher thresholds among states.
Schedules That Meet North Carolina's Threshold
| Schedule | Annual Overnights | Meets 123? |
|---|---|---|
| 2-2-3 | 182-183 | ✓ Yes |
| Week-on-week-off | 182-183 | ✓ Yes |
| 4-3 | ~157 | ✓ Yes |
| EOW + 2 weeknight overnights | ~126 | ✓ Yes |
| EOW + 1 weeknight overnight | ~100 | ✗ No |
| Every other weekend only | ~52 | ✗ No |
North Carolina Resources
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a North Carolina family law attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many overnights is shared custody in North Carolina?
North Carolina defines shared custody as each parent having at least 123 overnights per year. This triggers the use of Worksheet B.
Is 123 overnights high compared to other states?
Yes. Many states use 90-104 overnights as their threshold. North Carolina's 123 overnight requirement (34%) is higher than average.
What schedule gives exactly 123 overnights?
Every-other-weekend plus two weeknight overnights gives approximately 126 overnights, just above the threshold. Adding extended summer time can also help reach this number.
Calculate Your North Carolina Custody Schedule
See exactly how many overnights your schedule provides and whether you meet North Carolina's 123-night threshold.
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