Series on Child Custody: Part One, Child Support Calculator

Updated September 25, 2026.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services provides a child support calculator to help parents estimate an amount based on their circumstances. An estimate can help you prepare questions, but it does not establish or change a court order.

Child Support Calculator

Use the official South Carolina DSS child support calculator. DSS explains that the result depends on accurate income and deduction information and that the Family Court Judge determines the amount to be paid.

Information to Gather Before Using the Calculator

The calculator asks about both parents. Have records available for:

• Monthly gross income and relevant support obligations.
• The number of children and the custody arrangement, including overnight visits when applicable.
• Health insurance costs attributable to the children.
• Work-related child care and extraordinary medical expenses.

Use the calculator's instructions for each field. Avoid guessing when income varies or an expense covers other family members; bring those questions and the underlying records to your consultation.

What a Child Support Estimate Does Not Decide

The result is not a custody decision, a payment order or permission to change payments under an existing order. Child support and parenting arrangements may need to be considered together, but the calculator does not resolve a disagreement about where a child will live.

For those broader questions, see our family law services in Spartanburg and child custody representation. If support is part of ending a marriage, our divorce law page explains the related issues the firm handles.

Preparing for a Child Support Consultation

Bring recent income records, documentation of the children's expenses, any existing support or custody orders, and a copy of your calculator inputs and estimate. That makes it easier to identify missing information and discuss the questions specific to your circumstances.

Contact Hyde Law Firm at (864) 804-6330 to discuss scheduling a consultation.