South Carolina Child Support
Calculator (2026)
South Carolina uses an income shares model based on combined gross monthly income under the 2024 Child Support Guidelines (effective January 15, 2024 — the first schedule update since 2014). A basic support obligation is read from the official schedule ($750–$40,000/month combined) and each parent pays a pro rata share based on income percentage.
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Free Child Support Calculator — South Carolina
How Child Support Is Calculated in South Carolina
South Carolina calculates child support using the Income shares model on combined gross income established under 2024 SC Child Support Guidelines (S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.; § 63-17-470). 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.
The Formula
Basic obligation from the official 2024 schedule (declining percentages — roughly 21% of combined income at $2,000/mo down to 8% at $40,000/mo for one child). 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: 2024 SC Child Support Guidelines (S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.; § 63-17-470)
Key Child Support Rules in South Carolina
Income shares model using combined gross income; official schedule runs $750–$40,000/month combined.
Self-support reserve of $1,010.50/month and a $100/month ordinary minimum order.
Shared custody (each parent 110+ overnights) uses Worksheet C: 1.5× basic obligation, cross-credited by parenting time and offset; 110–128 overnights are phased in via a graduated factor table.
Health insurance and work-related childcare added to the basic obligation (childcare net of a simulated tax credit); prior-order support deducted from gross.
What Makes South Carolina Child Support Unique
2024 Guidelines edition (DSS Form 2819) — verify results against the DSS calculator for filings.
Family Court (a court of equity) handles all divorce proceedings — no jury trials.
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South Carolina Divorce Procedure at a Glance
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 decree within 3 months of filing (§ 20-3-80)
No-Fault Ground
1-year continuous separation
State Income Tax
Two rates for tax year 2026 under H.4216: 1.99% up to $30,000 taxable income, 5.21% above
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Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Child Support
How is child support calculated in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses the Income shares model on combined gross income under 2024 SC Child Support Guidelines (S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.; § 63-17-470). South Carolina uses an income shares model based on combined gross monthly income under the 2024 Child Support Guidelines (effective January 15, 2024 — the first schedule update since 2014). A basic support obligation is read from the official schedule ($750–$40,000/month combined) and each parent pays a pro rata share based on income percentage.
What factors affect South Carolina child support amounts?
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; official schedule runs $750–$40,000/month combined.
Can South Carolina child support be modified after the divorce?
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.
What is the South Carolina child support formula?
Basic obligation from the official 2024 schedule (declining percentages — roughly 21% of combined income at $2,000/mo down to 8% at $40,000/mo for one child). Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
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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: 2024 SC Child Support Guidelines (S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.; § 63-17-470).