BPW Wins Child Support Decision at the Court of Appeals

At Batch, Poore & Williams, PC, we are proud to report a significant win at the North Carolina Court of Appeals in a child support case that highlights both our commitment to justice and our strength in appellate advocacy.

Case Summary: Robeson County DSS v. Moore

In this case, our client—the father—sought to modify his existing child support obligation due to major life changes, including his discharge from the U.S. Army and a significant drop in income. While, the trial court reduced his obligation it still exceeded the amount our client would have been required to pay under the child support guidelines and it failed to provide the necessary factual and legal support to justify its decision. On appeal, we successfully argued that the trial court’s order lacked the critical findings required by North Carolina law.

The Court of Appeals agreed with our position and issued a ruling that vacated the trial court’s order and remanded the case for a new decision, instructing the lower court to include appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law to support any changes to the child support amount.

Why This Matters

The appellate court emphasized that for any child support modification to be valid, trial courts must follow a rigorous two-step legal process:

1. Find a substantial change in circumstances (such as income changes or new expenses).

2. Set a new support obligation based on clear, well-documented evidence, including the relative incomes of both parties and the specific needs of the child.

In this case, the trial court checked a box on a pre-typed form, made no proper findings regarding income, did not address the child’s living arrangements with sufficient evidence, and failed to explain how it calculated the new support amount. This lack of detail made appellate review impossible—and that’s where we stepped in.

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What This Says About Our Appeals Practice

Appellate litigation is a specialized area of law. It demands not only a deep understanding of legal principles but also the precision to identify procedural errors that can make or break a case. Our successful appeal in Moore reflects the high level of diligence and strategic thinking we bring to every matter.

Whether you’re facing a trial court order that seems unfair or navigating the complex path of appellate procedure, our team is ready to help ensure your rights are protected and the law is properly applied.

Learn More About Appeals in North Carolina

At Batch, Poore & Williams, PC, we handle appeals in a variety of family law matters—including custody, support, property division, and domestic violence orders. Learn more about our appellate practice today.

If you believe a court has made an error in your case, time is of the essence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your options.