A Noncustodial Parent's Guide to Child Support
How did I start owing child support?
In South Carolina, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother gets full legal and physical custody of the child. Child support starts once it’s established who the child’s father is or when a custodial parent applies for child support.
Should I get a paternity test?
You should always request a DNA test to confirm that you are the father of the child. If you find out you are not the father while paying child support, it is a difficult process to terminate payments. You will have to forfeit all of the money you have already paid, and you will still be responsible for payments while waiting to be heard in court.
How is it determined how much I should pay?
Child support is determined by a set of guidelines called the Income Shares Model, which is based on the total income of the parents before taxes. This model estimates how much it would cost to raise the child if both parents were still together, and the cost is divided between parents based on their income.
The court may also assign income to you (“imputing”) if you are not working or are underpaid, based on your skills and past employment. Other factors that can affect payment include:
- Other children you support
- Health insurance costs
- Childcare costs
Other court-ordered child support obligations
What is the difference between private and DSS child support?
DSS typically handles child support cases when the custodial parent receives public assistance or when a case is initiated through DSS.
Private child support cases are established through a Family Court order, and the method of payment is determined by the judge.
How do I pay child support?
There are several ways to pay child support in South Carolina:
- Mail: South Carolina State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 100302, Columbia, SC 29202-3302
- In Person: MoneyGram locations such as CVS or Walmart
- Online/App: TouchPay app or ExpertPay website
- Through your job: Wage withholding arranged through a court order or voluntary agreement
How does TouchPay work?
TouchPay allows child support payments through its mobile app or website. Payments can be made online, by phone, or at retail locations using:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- Cash
- PayPal
How does ExpertPay work?
How does wage withholding work?
Wage withholding begins when an employer receives a formal order from Family Court. The employer must comply and notify the employee about the garnishment.
Employers usually have 10–14 days after receiving the notice to begin withholding payments from your paycheck. During this period, you remain responsible for ensuring payments are made correctly and on time.
What if I have a change in income or job status?
You may request a modification of your child support payments if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Examples include:
- Change in income
- Child moving to a different residence
- Changes in the child’s needs
- Birth of another child
- Job loss
- Disability
You can apply online at https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/forms/, or request a review every three years through SCDSS.
What if I don’t pay child support?
If payments are late or missed, enforcement actions may occur.
Court Enforcement:
- Rule to Show Cause hearing
- Contempt of court
- Fines or jail time
DSS Enforcement:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Income withholding
- Tax refund interception
- Property liens
- Bank account liens
- License revocation (passport, recreational licenses, etc.)
What if I can’t see my child?
Visitation and custody are separate matters from child support cases.
You can file a pro se visitation action using forms available at:
scvisitation.com
Custody issues should be handled by an attorney.
When does child support end?
Child support typically ends when the child:
- Turns 18 and has graduated high school, or
- At the end of the school year after turning 19
Child support obligations do not end automatically. You must apply to terminate payments.
What should I do next?
Recommended next steps:
- Complete a paternity test.
- Sign up for the Child Support Customer Service Portal.
- Make payments through official payment channels.
- Read all correspondence from DSS to avoid unexpected issues.