South Carolina Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in South Carolina using our free calculator based on the official South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

South Carolina Child Support Calculator

Based on South Carolina's 2024 South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in South Carolina

  • South Carolina uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $164/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,956/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • South Carolina applies a shared parenting adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 109 overnights per year.
  • Health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally between parents.

Source: South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in South Carolina?

If you make $60,000 a year in South Carolina, child support for 1 child is estimated at $578 per month ($6,936 per year) based on the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in South Carolina, child support for 1 child is approximately $523/month.

South Carolina Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $434/mo $631/mo $730/mo
$50,000/yr $509/mo $742/mo $858/mo
$60,000/yr $578/mo $842/mo $974/mo
$70,000/yr $639/mo $933/mo $1,080/mo
$80,000/yr $696/mo $1,016/mo $1,176/mo
$100,000/yr $797/mo $1,164/mo $1,349/mo
$120,000/yr $888/mo $1,298/mo $1,504/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in South Carolina

South Carolina uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in South Carolina

Both parents' gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Parenting time (overnights per year)
Health insurance premiums for the children
Work-related child care costs
Extraordinary medical expenses
Alimony obligations
Other child support obligations

Important Notes for South Carolina

  • South Carolina uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share of the obligation is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • South Carolina applies a shared parenting adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises visitation for more than 109 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time).
  • The court adds work-related child care costs, health insurance premiums for the children, and extraordinary medical expenses to the basic obligation before dividing between parents.

Example Child Support Calculation in South Carolina

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Child Support

How is child support calculated in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Health insurance, child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.
How does shared custody affect child support in South Carolina?
South Carolina applies a shared parenting adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 109 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). The adjustment accounts for the additional direct expenses the non-custodial parent incurs during those overnights and generally reduces the child support obligation.
What income counts for South Carolina child support?
South Carolina uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, workers' compensation, disability benefits, Social Security, pensions, rental income, and investment income. The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Can South Carolina child support be modified?
Yes, child support in South Carolina can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. This includes significant changes in either parent's income, changes in the custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in health insurance or child care costs. Either parent can file a motion to modify with the family court.
How long does child support last in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at age 18, support may continue until age 19 or graduation, whichever occurs first. Support may also be ordered for a child with a physical or mental disability who is unable to be self-supporting.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in South Carolina. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by South Carolina courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a South Carolina family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (SC Code § 63-17-470). Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

Alabama Income Shares model Alaska Percentage of Income model Arizona Income Shares model Arkansas Income Shares model California Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model Colorado Income Shares model

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