South Carolina Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in SC?

South Carolina estimates the total amount parents would spend on a child if they lived together. Governed by S.C. Code Regs. 114-4720, this total is based on your combined monthly gross income, and then you each become responsible for your proportional share.

Understanding SC's Shared Custody Rules

In South Carolina, a different shared parenting formula is used when the non-primary parent has the child for 109 or more overnights per year. Under S.C. Code Regs. 114-4730, this adjustment increases the basic support obligation by 50% and then credits each parent for the time they spend with the child, which typically reduces the final support amount for the paying parent.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

South Carolina Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-470; S.C. Code Regs. 114-4720
Shared Custody Threshold 109 Overnights
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if still in High School)
Modification Standard Substantial Change in Circumstances

South Carolina Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in SC?

Child support in South Carolina ends when a child turns 18, but it can continue until age 19 if the child is still enrolled full-time in high school. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530, the court retains jurisdiction to enforce or modify support obligations under these terms.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in SC?

South Carolina courts will impute income to an unemployed or underemployed parent based on their potential earning capacity, often using at least minimum wage for a 40-hour week. The guidelines under S.C. Code Regs. 114-4720(A)(5) allow for imputing income when a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

How do I modify a child support order in SC?

You can modify a child support order in South Carolina by proving a 'substantial change in circumstances' has occurred since the last order was issued. Unlike states with a fixed percentage, South Carolina's standard requires a significant, material change in factors like income, custody, or a child's needs.

Does SC child support cover college expenses?

Yes, South Carolina courts can order a parent to contribute to a child's college education expenses under specific circumstances. Governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530(A)(17) and related case law, the court considers the child's academic ability and the parents' financial capacity before ordering post-secondary support.

How does SC handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare are added to the basic child support obligation and prorated between the parents based on their share of their combined income. These calculations are explicitly outlined in the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines under S.C. Code Regs. 114-4720.