Rock Hill Child Support Lawyer

Child support is defined as payments owed by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the necessary care and support of their minor children. This payment obligation is calculated according to the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which can be found at this link (Click Here).  Fortunately, our Rock Hill family lawyers are here to help you with any child support issues you may have.

There are several factors that are taken into account when determining the child support obligation of a paying spouse, but typically the support amount is a basic calculation based upon the parties’ gross monthly incomes. It is important to remember, however, that the Family Court has the power to “impute” income to a party who is unemployed, or voluntarily underemployed given their education or work training. A Rock Hill child support lawyer could help to explain all the nuances of these laws and how they might impact your case.

Factors that Impact Child Support

Generally speaking, the following list is a basic outline of the factors which go into a calculation of child support.

1. Gross monthly income of the parties
2. Credits given for other child support payments paid or received from other relationships
3. Credits given for other children in each party’s home (not supported by this action)
4. The cost of health insurance and/or extraordinary medical costs paid by a parent for the child
5. The cost of child care paid by a parent for the child

Modifying or Ending a Child Support Obligation

In South Carolina, the Family Court reserves the right to modify or change any orders regarding minor children, including child support. In order to do so, a parent must show the court that a “substantial and material change of circumstances” has occurred as relating to the minor children or the parties. The most common case for modifying a child support obligation is the emancipation of a minor child. Emancipation generally occurs once the child reaches the age of 18 and either graduates from or drops out of school, or if the child is married or becomes self-supporting, or in other limited circumstances as determined by the Court. Child support obligations for one (1) child generally will terminate automatically upon that child’s emancipation; however, when more than one children are supported by a child support order, the paying parent must petition the Court for a modification of child support.

Retain a Rock Hill Child Support Attorney

For more information on modifications, call a Rock Hill child support lawyer to schedule an in-depth consultation.