South Carolina Child Support Calculator

How SC Calculates Child Support

South Carolina figures out how much you and the other parent would normally spend on your kids if you were together. The state combines both your incomes to find this total support amount from a chart, then splits the bill based on what percentage of the total income each of you makes.

Understanding South Carolina's Shared Custody Rules

When you have the children for 109 or more overnights a year, the state uses a special formula. This calculation acknowledges the costs of two separate homes by increasing the total support amount and then crediting each of you for the time the children are in your care.

South Carolina Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in SC?

In South Carolina, the duty to pay child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still enrolled in high school, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a South Carolina court can 'impute' income. This means the judge will calculate support based on what that parent *could* be earning, considering their work history, skills, and local job opportunities.

How do I modify a child support order in SC?

To modify a child support order in South Carolina, you must prove a 'substantial change in circumstances,' such as a significant long-term change in income. While not a law, a change in income that would alter the support amount by 20% or more is often considered substantial enough to warrant a review.

Does SC child support cover college expenses?

Yes, South Carolina is one of the few states where a family court judge can order a parent to contribute to a child's college education expenses. The court considers several factors, including the parents' ability to pay and the child's academic potential, before making such an order.

How does SC handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs are treated as mandatory add-ons to the basic child support obligation. These expenses are typically added together and divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes.