South Carolina Child Support Calculator

South Carolina uses the income shares model. South Carolina uses the Income Shares Model as established in the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The model calculates support based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income and the number of children, using national data on childrearing expenditures adjusted to South Carolina cost of living levels. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined adjusted gross income. Allowable deductions include alimony paid to the other parent or a previous spouse, and child support paid for children from previous relationships. The guidelines use gross rather than net income to minimize disputes over deductions.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in South Carolina generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in South Carolina can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

South Carolina has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.