A formula for calculating child support should make things easier for divorcing parents. However, there are still many factors to consider when determining how much child support should be received or paid. At the law firm of Uricchio, Howe, Krell, Jacobson, Toporek & Keith P.A., our child support lawyers help clients ensure that child support awards are calculated correctly.
The calculator—only as good as the information entered
Like calculating the division of marital property, determining child support requires full reporting of income and expenses on both sides. The South Carolina child support calculator is relatively straightforward. However, it is only as good as the information entered into it. If one party is hiding his or her income from a small business or from self-employment, the amount determined by the calculator is meaningless. We make sure that all information used to calculate child support is accurate.
How child support is determined in South Carolina
The calculator considers the amount of visitation time, child custody arrangements, the incomes of each party, the number of children, whether alimony is being paid and whether a child has special health or education needs. It also takes into account the costs of child care, health insurance premiums and whether or not one party is on active military duty.
Paternity tests may be needed
Besides providing for child support when parents divorce, state law requires all parents to support their children even if they were never married. Our attorneys represent mothers seeking to obtain child support. We also represent fathers who wish to be involved in their children’s lives, paying support and receiving visitation. In both instances, a paternity test may be needed to resolve disputes. We can arrange for this and for anything else that will help determine the right level of child support.
Modifications and more
Our family law attorneys also help with modifications. A parent can seek to modify child support awards when there are significant changes, such as a better paying job, a layoff or illness, or other special needs of a child. Contact us at (843) 723-7491 to speak with an experienced lawyer about anything related to child support.