How Much Is the Average Monthly South Carolina Child Support Payment?
South Carolina uses standard child support guidelines to calculate the parents’ base child support obligation. The minimum is $100 per month, and the obligation is based on both parents’ combined adjusted monthly income and the number of children to be supported.
The closest to an average monthly South Carolina child support payment is to use the state’s median income. According to the U.S. Census, the median household income in South Carolina is $67,804. Based on that amount, the child support obligation for two children would be $1,293 per month.
Because each situation is different based on the parents’ incomes, it is difficult to determine an average amount for child support in South Carolina.
Deviating From the Child Support Guidelines in South Carolina
The court begins with the baseline child support, which is calculated based on the adjusted monthly income and the number of children. However, the court can deviate from the child support guidelines for several reasons.
Common reasons courts deviate from the standard amount for child support include:
- If a family has more than six children to support
- Unreimbursed extraordinary dental or medical expenses
- A child’s educational expenses for private, post-secondary, or trade school
- Travel expenses incurred by the parents for court-ordered visitation
- Consumer debts of each parent
- Mandatory deductions from a parent’s pay for union fees, retirement, or pension
- The property division settlement between the parents
- If a child earns significant income of their own
- Whether parents have an alimony arrangement
- Monthly fixed payments imposed by the law or the court
- Substantial differences between the respective incomes of each parent
An experienced family law attorney can help you determine a fair amount for your child support obligation. You may need to take your ex-partner to court if they dispute the amount of child support they should pay based on the guidelines and reasonable deviations.
Can Child Support Be Modified in South Carolina?
A parent can ask the court to review their child support obligations every three years or if there is a substantial change in circumstances. The parent petitioning for a modification of child support has the burden of proving the change in circumstances is substantial enough to justify changing the current order.
Examples of situations that could justify modifying a child support order include, but are not limited to:
- Children have incurred extraordinary medical expenses or education expenses
- A parent has experienced a substantial increase or decrease in income
- The alimony order between the parties has been modified or ended
- The custody arrangement has changed so that the child is spending more overnights with the other parent
- A parent becomes disabled because of an illness or accident
- Either parent has another child through birth or adoption
- One or more children subject to the order have been emancipated, and the current order does not address the situation
It is crucial that you do not change the amount of your child support payments or stop paying child support until you receive a modified child support order. You could face one or more penalties if you fail to pay child support.
What Happens if a Parent Does Not Pay Court-Ordered Child Support in South Carolina?
South Carolina aggressively enforces child support obligations. Parents are required to support their children financially regardless of whether they are married to the child’s other parent or live with the child.
If you do not pay child support payments, the state and/or court may:
- Revoke your professional and occupational licenses
- Refer you to credit reporting agencies for a delinquent debt, which lowers your credit score
- Revoke or suspend your driver’s license
- Garnish your paycheck, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, or workers’ compensation benefits
- Seize your state and federal income tax refunds
- File a motion for contempt with the court, which could result in an arrest warrant and a jail sentence
If you cannot meet your child support obligations, talk with an attorney as soon as possible. You may be able to modify the child support obligations based on a change in circumstances.
Contact An Experienced Family Law Attorney at Minor Law Divorce Lawyers Can Help. Contact Us at (803) 504-0971
Child support cases in South Carolina can be complex and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. An experienced Rock Hill child support lawyer at Minor Law Divorce Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation, get your questions answered, and receive guidance on managing your child support case or obligations effectively.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, please contact a family law lawyer at Minor Law Divorce Lawyers in Rock Hill, SC or contact us online today.
We proudly serve throughout York County.
Minor Law Divorce Lawyers
1273 Ebenezer Rd, Suite B,
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 504-0971
