Shared Custody and Worksheet B in North Carolina
When each parent has the children at least 123 nights a year, North Carolina multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5, applies each parent’s share to the time the children are with the other parent, and has the parent with the higher obligation pay the difference.
When Worksheet B applies
Use Worksheet B when the parents share custody of all the children, or when one parent has primary custody of one or more children and the parents share custody of another. Parents share custody of a child if the child lives with each parent at least 123 nights a year and each parent takes financial responsibility for the child’s expenses while there. A parent with fewer than 123 nights has visitation, and Worksheet A applies (Guidelines).
The calculation
Lines 1 to 4 are as in Worksheet A. Multiply the basic obligation by 1.5 to reflect the cost of two primary homes (line 5). Each parent’s portion is that amount times his or her income share (line 6). Each portion is then multiplied by the percentage of nights the children spend with the other parent (lines 7 to 9). The parent with the higher obligation pays the difference (line 14) (Worksheet B).
An example
Two children, incomes of $3,000 and $5,000, and 183 and 182 nights:
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic obligation for two children at $8,000 (line 4) | $1,727 |
| Shared custody basic obligation, × 1.5 (line 5) | $2,590 |
| Each parent’s portion, 37.5% / 62.5% (line 6) | $971 / $1,619 |
| Nights: 183 / 182 (line 7) | 183 / 182 |
| Obligation for time with the other parent (line 9) | $484 / $812 |
| Recommended order: difference, paid by the higher (line 14) | $327 |
If the lower earner has the children 219 nights (60%) and the higher earner 146, the higher earner pays $583.
Child care and insurance
Expenses on line 10 are shared by income: each parent’s fair share is the combined total times his or her income share, and a parent who pays more than the fair share is credited for the excess (lines 11 to 13).
No self-support reserve
Do not apply the self-support reserve in the shaded area of the schedule when using Worksheet B.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask whether your schedule reaches 123 nights and how the court counts nights and expenses.
Nights, not labels
Shared custody depends on actual nights and sharing of expenses, not on whether the parents have joint legal custody.
Frequently asked questions
How many nights make shared custody in North Carolina?
At least 123 nights a year with each parent, with each parent paying the children's expenses during that time.
What is the 1.5 multiplier in North Carolina?
The basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5 in shared custody to reflect the cost of maintaining two primary homes.
Does equal time end child support in North Carolina?
No. The parents' obligations are offset and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference.
Does the North Carolina self-support reserve apply to shared custody?
No. It is not applied with Worksheet B.
What if a North Carolina parent has fewer than 123 nights?
Worksheet A applies and the other parent has primary custody.
Official sources
- North Carolina Child Support Guidelines and Schedule (AOC-A-162, effective January 1, 2023)
- Worksheet A: primary custody (AOC-CV-627)
- Worksheet B: shared custody (AOC-CV-628)
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited North Carolina statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed North Carolina attorney.