My husband, like many noncustodial parents in North Carolina, is court-ordered to pay a fixed amount of child support. This amount is determined without considering his ability to provide shelter, food, and other necessities for himself and our child. I currently have to work a very low paying job just so I can bring Our child with Me, due to not being able to afford child care, and then also working a part time job at night to make ends meet for my other 2 children, with our money combined. The current system is unjust and leaves many noncustodial parents struggling financially when the custodial parent does not have to face the same struggle. The child support system is corrupt and doesn’t take the Father into consideration as the Mother is. A parent is a parent regardless of gender/roles, each are the child’s parent and should financially provide for the child/ren equally, and not take from the noncustodial parent to the point it leaves them homeless or in jail for non support, then the noncustodial parent will lose their job and not be able to provide for anyone overall. 

In the United States, over 13 million single parents have custody of their children. Of these custodial parents, only about half receive the full amount of child support they are owed (U.S Census Bureau). While it's crucial that children receive adequate financial support from both parents, it's also important that the calculation method used is fair and considers all factors.

The current method used in North Carolina does not take into account the living expenses of the noncustodial parent or their responsibility towards other dependents. This can lead to situations where a parent is unable to meet their own basic needs or those of other dependents after paying child support.

We propose a reform in how financial support for a child is determined for noncustodial parents. The new system should consider all aspects including income level, living expenses and responsibilities towards other dependents while ensuring that the best interests of the child are always prioritized.

Join us as we call on lawmakers in North Carolina to review and revise these laws so they better reflect today's realities. Sign this petition if you believe in fairer determination methods for calculating financial support from non-custodial parents.