Child Support and Alimony

In South Carolina, parents share joint responsibility for child support. However, the court usually orders the non-custodial parent to contribute to the support of a minor child.

The South Carolina Child Support Guidelines dictate the amount of support for the non-custodial parent to pay. The guidelines consider the following:

• Each parent's income
• Number of children
• Day care and health insurance costs

Extenuating factors may also apply, including—

If a significant change occurs in the circumstances of either parent, either can file a petition to seek child support modification through the court.

Alimony

Either spouse may be awarded alimony in South Carolina and be paid periodically or in a lump sum. The court typically considers the following factors in determining spousal support:

• Duration of your marriage, both spouse's age at time of marriage and divorce
• Each spouse's physical and emotional condition
• Each spouse's educational background and each spouse's need for additional training or education in order to achieve that spouse's income potential
• Each spouse's employment history and earning potential
• Standard of living established during marriage
• Current and reasonably anticipated earnings of both spouses
• Current and reasonably anticipated expenses and needs of both spouses
• Marital and non-marital properties of each spouse
• Child custody
• Marital misconduct or fault of either spouse
• Tax consequences
• Support obligations from a prior marriage

While the divorce is pending, the court may order temporary maintenance. An alimony order can only be modified if either spouse shows a change in circumstances.

Contact the Law Offices of Lester & Hendrix for your child support or alimony issues

Let us be your stabilizing force.  We guide you through the legal process so you can make the best decisions for you and your family. Call us at 803-252-4700 or complete the online form to schedule your initial consultation.

Serving South Carolina with offices in Columbia, Beaufort, and Myrtle Beach