Child Support Payment Options
South Carolina law treats child support as a shared responsibility. Both parents must contribute to their child’s financial well-being, and the amount owed is determined by the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines.
To support compliance, the state provides several payment methods so parents can choose the one that best fits their needs. Together, these options help ensure children receive consistent financial support.
Ways to Pay Child Support in South Carolina
South Carolina offers the following ways to fulfill child support payment obligations:
Online Payments
Parents in South Carolina can make child support payments online through ExpertPay, which allows debit, credit, or electronic transfers. The service includes a one-time $2.50 registration fee but no recurring transaction fees, and it offers convenient tracking of payment history.
Overall, online payments provide a fast and accessible option for most paying parents.
Automatic Bank Draft / Income Withholding
An income withholding order directs an employer to deduct child support from the paying parent’s wages and send it to the State Disbursement Unit. This method ensures steady, timely payments and can be applied to both ongoing support and arrears.
Courts may impose withholding at any time, especially when payments become inconsistent.
Mail-in Payments
Parents may send payments by check or money order to the State Disbursement Unit at P.O. Box 100302, Columbia, SC 29202. Including the case number and other identifying details ensures proper crediting, though mailed payments can take longer to process and may be affected by postal delays.
Other Potential Payment Methods
Some parents may have access to additional payment tools such as money transfer services, walk-in payment centers, or kiosk-based payment systems, depending on location. These options can help those who do not have bank accounts or who prefer to pay in person.
Consequences for Not Paying Child Support
Not paying child support is a serious matter in South Carolina. Whether the parent faces civil enforcement action or criminal consequences, their life can be derailed when they don’t meet their legal obligation.
In South Carolina, possible consequences for not paying child support include the following:
- Contempt of court: Judges may impose fines up to $1,500, jail sentences up to one year, or other enforcement remedies.
- Income withholding orders: Courts may require automatic deductions if payments fall behind.
- License revocation: Driver’s, business, and professional licenses may be suspended when arrears reach $500 with no payment for 60 days.
- Bank liens: Accounts may be frozen if the parent owes at least $1,000.
- Tax refund intercepts: Refunds may be seized and applied to child support arrears.
- Lottery winnings offsets: Prize money may be withheld to pay overdue support.
- Insurance liens: Insurance claims or settlements may be intercepted when arrears exceed $1,000.
- Asset liens: Property and other assets may be encumbered to secure payment.
- Administrative offsets: Unemployment benefits and other government payments may be diverted.
- Passport denial: Parents owing $2,500 or more may be denied a passport.
- Credit reporting: Past-due support may appear on the parent’s credit record.
Non-paying parents can also be reported to credit bureaus.
Modifying Payment Methods or Updating Information
Parents may need to change payment methods or update financial details due to job changes, banking updates, or shifts in personal circumstances. Updates and modification requests may include:
- Providing new employer information for accurate withholding
- Updating bank accounts used for online payments
- Requesting a modification of the child support order if income or custody arrangements change significantly
Modifications are not automatic—parents must petition the court for any adjustment.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer for Legal Assistance
South Carolina’s child support system is designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need, and the state offers multiple payment options to help parents meet their obligations consistently and on time.
If you need assistance in working out a child support modification or enforcing a child support order, contact Minor Law Divorce Lawyers for a confidential consultation.
We proudly serve throughout Rock Hill, SC, and York County.
Visit our Law Office in Rock Hill, SC
1273 Ebenezer Rd, Suite B,
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 504-0971
