South Carolina uses an income shares model based on combined gross income. A basic support obligation is determined from published guidelines. Each parent pays a pro rata share based on income percentage.
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South Carolina calculates child support using the Income shares model on combined gross income established under SC Code § 63-17-470 (SC Child Support Guidelines). This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
Basic obligation from SC guidelines schedule. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, South Carolinarequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: SC Code § 63-17-470 (SC Child Support Guidelines)
Income shares model using combined gross income.
Published guidelines schedule.
Parenting time credits for substantial overnights.
Health insurance and childcare costs added to basic obligation.
South Carolina considers fault (adultery) as a complete bar to alimony.
Family Court handles all divorce proceedings.
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Residency Requirement
1 year (or 3 months if both parties are SC residents)
Mandatory Waiting Period
1-year continuous separation for no-fault divorce
No-Fault Ground
1-year continuous separation
State Income Tax
Progressive 0–6.4% (2025, being phased to 6.2%)
South Carolina uses the Income shares model on combined gross income under SC Code § 63-17-470 (SC Child Support Guidelines). South Carolina uses an income shares model based on combined gross income. A basic support obligation is determined from published guidelines. Each parent pays a pro rata share based on income percentage.
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Income shares model using combined gross income.
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
Basic obligation from SC guidelines schedule. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
Get a personalized child support calculation based on South Carolina's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free South CarolinaEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on South Carolina family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed South Carolina family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: SC Code § 63-17-470 (SC Child Support Guidelines).