South Carolina Child Support Calculator

South Carolina uses the income shares model under S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 and the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (DSS Form 2819, updated January 15, 2024). Both parents' monthly gross incomes are combined to determine a basic child support obligation from the guidelines schedule, which covers combined income from $750 up to $40,000 per month. Work-related childcare and the children's health insurance are added, and the total is divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. When the non-custodial parent has more than 109 overnights per year, the shared-custody calculation (Worksheet C) applies. A self-support reserve of $1,010.50 per month protects low-income paying parents.

Gross income in South Carolina includes income from all sources including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust income, annuities, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, disability insurance, workers' compensation, and alimony received. South Carolina courts may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

South Carolina defines shared physical custody as the non-custodial parent having more than 109 overnights per year (over 30%). Below that threshold, the standard sole-custody calculation (Worksheet A) applies with no parenting-time reduction. From 110 to 127 overnights, a graduated adjustment blends the sole-custody and shared-custody amounts. At 128 or more overnights, the full shared-custody calculation (Worksheet C) applies, which multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5, apportions it by income, and offsets each parent's share by their parenting time, typically reducing the payment substantially.

Yes, either parent can petition to modify child support when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. South Carolina allows modification if the current order differs from the recalculated guideline amount by a material amount (generally 20% or more). Common reasons include significant income changes, changes in parenting time, changes in childcare or medical costs, or a child aging out of the order.

In South Carolina, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later, but not past age 19 unless exceptional circumstances apply. Support may continue past 18 for a child with a physical or mental disability. South Carolina courts may also order support for college or other educational expenses in certain circumstances.

Yes. Under South Carolina's guidelines, work-related childcare costs and the cost of health insurance for the child are added to the basic child support obligation before it is divided between the parents. Each parent's share of these additional costs is proportional to their share of the combined gross income.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the South Carolina child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered support may differ because judges may deviate from the guidelines based on factors including the child's educational needs, extraordinary expenses, the financial resources of each parent, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed. Consult a South Carolina family law attorney for an accurate assessment.