South Carolina uses guidelines to determine child support payments. You can find the updated 2024 guidelines here: Microsoft Word - 2014CSGuidelines3FinalBookletFormat.docx (sc.gov).
The payment amount is based on each parent's income and the amount of time he or she spends with the children. The guidelines also take the following expenses into consideration:
Child care
Health care and health insurance
Special educational or other needs
You can estimate your child support obligation using this calculator provided by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Calculator - South Carolina Department of Social Services (sc.gov)Keep in mind that the judges presiding over divorce proceedings are the ultimate authority on child support decisions. They can deviate from the guidelines when it is appropriate.