South Carolina Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using South Carolina's official guidelines
About South Carolina's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Shared custody calculation for 109+ overnights
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a South Carolina family law attorney for official calculations.
Official South Carolina Court Forms
Download official court forms from the South Carolina judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official South Carolina court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
South Carolina Child Support Guidelines
South Carolina uses the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined gross income.
South Carolina has several distinctive features in its child support system. South Carolina uses 109 overnights (approximately 30%) as the shared custody threshold. The state has a specific "self-support reserve" that prevents orders from dropping the obligor below 100% of the federal poverty level. South Carolina recently updated its guidelines schedule to reflect current economic data.
South Carolina bases calculations on gross income — meaning income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources. The self-support reserve in South Carolina is $1,200/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How South Carolina Calculates Child Support
South Carolina follows a 6-step process under the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470):
- 1
Calculate each parent's gross monthly income
- 2
Subtract pre-existing support orders and alimony paid
- 3
Combine adjusted incomes and find the basic obligation
- 4
For sole custody: prorate based on income shares
- 5
For shared custody (109+ overnights): use the shared custody worksheet with 1.5x multiplier
- 6
Add health insurance and childcare proportionally
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in South Carolina
Self-Support Reserve
$1,200/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
109 nights/yr
30% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $248 | $360 | $430 |
| $3,000 | $448 | $653 | $792 |
| $5,000 | $655 | $960 | $1,168 |
| $8,000 | $908 | $1,338 | $1,626 |
| $12,000 | $1,178 | $1,742 | $2,120 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in South Carolina
South Carolina recognizes "Shared Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 109 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under South Carolina's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 109 overnights, South Carolina generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Child Support
What is the shared custody threshold in South Carolina?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in South Carolina
While child support is determined by South Carolina's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In South Carolina, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
South Carolina allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in South Carolina
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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