Child support is not increased based on the increase in the standard of living. It is calculated based on income, insurance expenses, work-related child care costs, and any extraordinary expenses. It is modified in 3 year increments and a 15% change in income. I am not sure where DSS is coming from but the reason they are giving is incorrect. Cost of living is accounted for when the child support guidelines themselves are revised every four years.
As for your second question, if you ex is helping out around the dogs, she may not be receiving income, you can however subpoena the books from the business to see if she is being paid. A better route is to seek to have the court impute income to your ex based on what she is capable of earning.
Erin E. Clarey
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm
Raleigh Office
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.787.6361 main fax
Charlotte Office
301 McCullough Drive
Suite 510
Charlotte, NC 28262
Main Phone: (704)307.4600
Main Fax: (704) 943.0044
Sutton Station
5826 Fayetteville Rd. Suite 205
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: (919) 321-0780
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