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Our Experienced Charleston Child Support Lawyer Will Be On Your Side.

charleston child support lawyerOne of the most critical parts of any divorce is the awarding of child support by the court. Dell Family Law acting as your Charleston child support lawyer can help you in presenting your request for child support payments, so that your children will have their needs met.

Factors Affecting the Amount of Child Support

The South Carolina Department of Social Services creates Child Support Guidelines and worksheets for calculating child support.

The South Carolina Child Support Guidelines result in a child support amount that is based on these factors:

  • The income of each parent (including income received from alimony payments)
  • The number of children being supported
  • The amount of the child’s medical and work-related day care expenses
  • The amount of time the child spends with each parent

In South Carolina, child support is the responsibility of both parents, but most often the non-custodial parent makes payments of support to the other parent. Depending on the parenting schedule, the payments may be more equal from each parent.

There is a presumption that the child support amount resulting from Guidelines is most appropriate, but there can be a deviation from that amount in some circumstances. Some situations that may warrant a different amount of child support are:

  • Educational expenses for the children
  • Families with more than 6 children
  • Extraordinary travel expenses for visitation
  • A large disparity in incomes that make the guidelines unfair
  • By agreement by the parents

Because calculation of child support can be complicated, it is important to have the guidance of a skilled child support attorney.

Modifying Child Support

All issues related to the well being of children may be modified if a parent can show that circumstances affecting the child have changed. Therefore, the Court can modify a child support amount when appropriate. The elements affecting an award of child support are complex, and require the assistance of a qualified Charleston child support attorney who understands the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines.

Dell Family Law is aware of how important child support can be for a family’s finances, and we will evaluate all of the facts of your case to request a reasonable child support amount. Please contact our Charleston child support lawyer today to discuss all of the details of your divorce and future support for your family.