How South Carolina Calculates Child Support

South Carolina uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. The guidelines are established under S.C. Code § 63-17-470.

Key Facts About South Carolina Child Support

• South Carolina uses the Income Shares model under S.C. Code § 63-17-470, combining both parents' monthly gross incomes to determine the basic child support obligation from a statutory schedule.
• Each parent's share of the obligation is proportional to their percentage of the combined income.
• A shared custody adjustment applies when the obligor has 110 or more overnights per year, reflecting the additional direct costs borne by the non-custodial parent during extended parenting time.
• Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs for the children are added to the basic obligation and divided proportionally between parents.
• South Carolina courts may deviate from the guidelines based on factors including educational expenses, equitable distribution of property, consumer debts, and the best interests of the child.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for legal advice. The actual amount ordered by a South Carolina court may differ based on factors including but not limited to: special needs of the child, travel expenses for visitation, extraordinary educational expenses, and the court's discretion to deviate from the guidelines.