How Is Child Support Calculated in South Carolina?

If you’re going through a divorce or custody dispute in South Carolina, understanding how child support is calculated is crucial. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, having a clear picture of how the numbers are determined can reduce stress and help you make informed decisions. South Carolina uses a standardized formula to calculate child support, but every family situation is different—and knowing what factors can affect your specific case can make a major difference. 

At Sarji Law Firm, we help Charleston families navigate child support issues with clarity and compassion. Here's what you need to know.

The South Carolina Child Support Guidelines

South Carolina follows an “income shares model”, which assumes that both parents should contribute financially to raising the child in proportion to their incomes. The child support guidelines are updated periodically and are based on a formula that considers:

• Each parent’s gross monthly income
• The number of children being supported
• Who has primary or shared custody
• Work-related childcare costs
• Health insurance premiums for the child
• Any existing support obligations for other children

The goal is to ensure children maintain a similar standard of living to what they would have had if their parents remained together.

For more details about how child support applies to your case, visit our Charleston child support page.

What Counts as “Gross Income”?

For the purpose of child support calculations, gross income includes much more than just your paycheck. It can also include:

• Salary and wages (including tips, bonuses, commissions)
• Self-employment income or business profits
• Unemployment benefits
• Disability or Social Security payments
• Alimony received from another case
• Rental income or dividends

However, some sources of income—such as means-tested public assistance—are not counted. If either parent tries to underreport income or voluntarily reduces their earning ability to avoid paying support, the court may impute income based on what they’re capable of earning.

Adjustments and Deductions That Can Affect the Final Amount

After gross income is determined, the court will look at other costs and obligations that can adjust the final support figure:

• Childcare expenses required for employment or education
• Health insurance premiums paid by either parent for the child
• Extraordinary medical expenses for the child’s care
• Support obligations for other children not involved in this case

These figures are factored into the South Carolina Child Support Worksheet to calculate the final payment amount owed by one parent to the other.

Primary Custody vs. Shared Custody

Your custody arrangement has a big impact on how support is calculated.

• Sole or primary custody: One parent has the child the majority of the time. The other parent typically pays support.
• Shared custody: Both parents have the child for at least 120 overnights per year. In these cases, the court may adjust the support obligation to reflect time spent with each parent.

Even in shared custody, child support may still be owed—especially if one parent earns significantly more than the other.

Can Judges Deviate from the Guidelines?

Yes. While the guidelines are presumed to be appropriate, judges can deviate from the formula if there is a justifiable reason. Some common reasons for deviation include:

• Special needs of the child
• Significant travel expenses for visitation
• Educational costs (e.g., private school or tutoring)
• Large income disparity between the parents

If the court deviates from the guidelines, the judge must provide written findings to explain why. A knowledgeable child support attorney can help you present a compelling case for deviation if your situation warrants it—or protect your interests if your ex is requesting a change you disagree with.

How Long Does Child Support Last in South Carolina?

In most cases, child support continues until the child turns 18 years old, or until they graduate high school—whichever comes later. However, support may end earlier or later depending on specific circumstances:

• If the child is emancipated, support may terminate early
• If the child is disabled, support may continue into adulthood
• If the child gets married or joins the military, support may end

It’s important to have clarity on these timelines so you can plan financially for the future.

Can You Estimate Support Before Filing? Yes—But It’s Just a Starting Point

The South Carolina Department of Social Services provides a child support calculator online, which you can use to estimate potential payment amounts. However, this estimate is only as accurate as the data you enter and doesn’t account for legal complexities like:

• Disputed income
• Requests for deviation
• Disagreements about expenses

We recommend using these tools as a reference—not a guarantee—and discussing your specific case with an experienced attorney before making any assumptions or agreements.

Let Us Help You Get the Support You Deserve

Whether you're going through a divorce, modifying an existing support order, or navigating custody changes, child support is one of the most financially and emotionally charged parts of any family law case. You deserve clear answers, strong advocacy, and a plan that puts your child's best interests first. At Sarji Law Firm, we help Charleston families reach fair and enforceable child support solutions that reflect real-life circumstances. Our team will help you:

• Calculate support based on the law and your finances
• Prepare for court or settlement negotiations
• Request modifications if your situation changes
• Enforce or defend against unpaid support claims

To get personalized guidance for your case, contact us today. We’re here to help you protect your children, your rights, and your future.