Child Support in South Carolina: How Much Will You Owe?

Quick answer: it depends on both parents' incomes, how many children you have, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page turns those numbers into a real guideline estimate in about a minute. It is an educational estimate, not legal advice, and the judge always sets the final amount. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource, not a law firm.

Wondering how much child support you will owe or receive in South Carolina? The state uses one formula everywhere, so the same math applies in every county. This page explains how it works, lets you run a live estimate, and links to a dedicated page for each county at the bottom.

South Carolina follows the Income Shares model under S.C. Code § 63-17-470 and the SC DSS Child Support Guidelines. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

What counts as income? South Carolina runs the formula on gross income, meaning income before taxes come out. Gross income from any source including wages, self-employment, bonuses, commissions, pensions, retirement, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment, and recurring gifts.

Parenting time matters directly in South Carolina: the number of overnights each parent has changes the math itself. South Carolina uses a shared-care formula when both parents have a meaningful amount of parenting time. Under the SC DSS Child Support Guidelines, the shared-custody calculation applies only when each parent has at least 110 overnights per year with the child. When that threshold is met, the worksheet adjusts each parent's share to reflect the divided time and the cost of keeping two homes. Below 110 overnights for a parent, the standard Income Shares worksheet applies and extra visitation alone does not automatically lower the support number.

When does it end? South Carolina child support generally ends at age 18 or upon high school graduation, whichever is later, but not past age 19. Continuing support for disabled adult children is available.

Can the amount change later? File a motion in family court or request review through CSSD. A substantial change in circumstances supports modification.

If payments fall behind, South Carolina has real enforcement tools. South Carolina CSSD enforces through immediate income withholding, tax intercept, license suspension, lien filings, credit reporting, and contempt with potential incarceration.

Child support cases in South Carolina are generally handled through the state's Family Court, and South Carolina Child Support Services Division (Department of Social Services) runs the state's child support services program. Forms and local practice can vary, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency.

The calculator on this page is the same live engine behind our full Child Support Calculator. Enter both incomes, the number of children, and the overnight split, and the estimate updates instantly. The full calculator page adds extras like health insurance, child care costs, and saved scenarios.

Bottom line for South Carolina: the guideline number comes from incomes, children, and parenting time. Run the estimate on this page, keep your paperwork honest and complete, and let the court confirm the final amount.

Frequently asked questions

How much child support will I owe in South Carolina?

There is no flat amount. South Carolina uses the Income Shares model under S.C. Code § 63-17-470; SC DSS Child Support Guidelines, so the number depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page gives you a guideline estimate, and the court sets the final amount.

When does child support end in South Carolina?

Age 18, or upon graduation from high school not past age 19, whichever is later.

Can the child support amount be changed later in South Carolina?

Usually yes, when circumstances change enough. A substantial change in circumstances; a meaningful change in income or expenses supports modification.

Who handles child support cases in South Carolina?

Cases are generally heard in the state's Family Court, and South Carolina Child Support Services Division (Department of Social Services) handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.