Contribution of a Homemaker

The “contribution of a homemaker” when referring to child support. Is that part of the child support guideline formula? How is the contribution of a homemaker factored into child support? For example, a homemaker or person who as primary custody of four children typically would not take a job with extensive travel, might miss some hours of work for doctor appointments, surgeries, care of a disabled child with FMLA leave. Does the child support calculator take the contributions of the homemaker into consideration? On the other hand, if a party is seeking to have a child support calculation based only on the actual expenses of the child, does that exclude the contributions of the homemaker? Is a child support motion for only the actual expenses of a child based on the current actual expenses or the standard of living that they couple enjoyed while married?

The contribution of a homemaker is not factored into child support. The homemaker’s income would be $0 on the child support worksheet.

The only expenses for a child that are included in a child support worksheet are health insurance premiums, work-related childcare, and extraordinary expenses which are education expenses to meet particular education needs and/or expenses associated with transporting a child between each parents’ residence.

Otherwise child support is based off of each parent’s current income, not the incomes they had during the marriage.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - click here

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.