What is the difference between a terminated and a suspended child support order?

In North Carolina, a terminated child support order and a suspended child support order are very different. A terminated child support order means that all payments, including any past due payments, are no longer owed. This often occurs when a child turns 18 or if their parents become emancipated. A suspended child support order means that payments are put on hold but are still owed. This kind of child support order is often used if the parent receiving child support has a job loss or other similar financial difficulty. The parent paying child support will still be responsible for all past due payments and any payments that were suspended, but any new payments will be on hold until their financial situation changes. In some cases, a court may modify a suspended support order if the parent paying child support files a motion for modification. This allows them to make payments that are more manageable for their current financial situation. If the parent receiving child support files a motion for modification, they may be able to receive more payments than they would have originally. Ultimately, a terminated child support order ends all obligations, but a suspended child support order still requires payment of past due amounts and any payments that were suspended. If the parent paying child support is unable to make payment, they may have to file a motion for modification in order to adjust their payments.

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What is the difference between a terminated and a suspended child support order?

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