Child Support in South Carolina
Child support is a regularly occurring payment that is made by a noncustodial parent to the custodial parent for support of a child or children. In South Carolina, court ordered child support is set based on the child support guidelines which consider the number of children in the household and the income of both parents.
The amount of child support awarded will be based on the parents’ gross incomes. The court will also consider the following factors when determining the amount: the number of children in the home, other current child support payments, alimony, health insurance, child care costs and extraordinary medical expenses.
Child support may be increased or decreased when there is a substantial change of circumstances such as: losing your job, making substantially less money now than when the order was made, a child now lives with you, a child is now emancipated, or you have a medical condition, injury or disability.
Generally, child support lasts until the child or children turn 18 and has completed high school or at the end of the school year when the child turns 19. It could potentially continue if the child is in college or has a disability. Child support will not end automatically, and a motion will need to be filed to terminate the support obligation.
If a paying parent fails to pay child support according to a court order, that parent may be held in contempt of court by way of a Rule to Show Cause Hearing, and that parent may be required to pay the arrears amount.
We will utilize the Guidelines to ensure that you receive or pay an equitable amount of financial support required to raise your children in a healthy and stable home. Let us help you today.
The amount of child support will be based on the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines consider the income of both parents and the number of children. Day care and health insurance costs are also considered..