Free · South Carolina · Current law
Based on South Carolina's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of South Carolina Schedule of Basic Support Obligations (effective January 1, 2024). A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
South Carolina uses the Income Shares Model. Child support is calculated by first determining the combined monthly gross income of both parents. This income is then adjusted for factors such as alimony paid or received, and support for other children in the home. A basic child support obligation is derived from a schedule based on the combined adjusted gross income and the number of children. To this basic obligation, adjustments are added for health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical expenses, and work-related childcare costs. The total combined child support obligation is then prorated between the parents based on their proportional share of the combined adjusted gross income. The parent owing more pays the difference to the other parent.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under South Carolina guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
An uncontested, no-fault divorce requires a 12-month separation period before filing, followed by a minimum 90-day waiting period after filing for the decree. Fault-based divorces do not require the 12-month separation but still have the 90-day waiting period after filing.
While not legally required, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney, especially in cases involving property division, child custody, or spousal support, to ensure all legal requirements are met and your rights are protected.
Yes, South Carolina recognizes no-fault divorce based on one year of continuous separation without cohabitation. It also allows for fault-based divorces on grounds such as adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, or habitual drunkenness/narcotics abuse.
South Carolina is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). The court considers various factors, including the duration of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, and marital misconduct, to determine a just apportionment.
Yes, mediation is mandatory in most contested Family Court cases in South Carolina, including divorce and child support disputes. Parties are required to attend and participate in good faith, though they are not required to reach an agreement.
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