How does a court determine child support payments?

In South Carolina, courts make decisions about child support payments based on state law. Generally, the parent who earns more money is ordered to pay the other parent an amount that is based on their respective incomes and the number of children the couple has. Child support payments are calculated using the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines use the income of both parents to determine the amount of child support the noncustodial parent must pay. The guidelines also consider other factors, such as the child’s age, health care costs, and any special needs the child may have. The court will also consider any extraordinary expenses associated with the care of the child, such as after-school programs, daycare costs, and medical bills. These expenses may be divided between the noncustodial and custodial parent proportionally based on their respective incomes. Once the court has determined the amount of child support that the noncustodial parent is responsible for, the court will then set the payment amount, due date, and payment method. The noncustodial parent must make the payment according to the court’s order, and any failure to do so could result in additional court action or even criminal charges.

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