Looking for Reliable Child Support Attorneys?
At David W. Martin Law Group, our child support lawyers in Greenville know that financial stability is a core component of raising a healthy and thriving child. Whether you are going through a divorce or seeking support outside of a marriage, the court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests and ensuring their financial needs are consistently met.
In South Carolina, both parents are legally obligated to support their children. Child support is not a punishment or a bonus. It is a legal mechanism designed to ensure that the child enjoys the same financial support they would have received had the household remained intact. Our Greenville County child support attorneys are here to protect your child’s rights and ensure the support amount reflects your family’s actual needs.
How Is Child Support Calculated in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) uses the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines outlined in S.C. Code § 63-17-470 to determine support obligations. These guidelines use an “income shares” model, meaning that the amount is based on the combined gross income of both parents and shared proportionally.
Some of the factors used in calculating child support:
- The gross monthly income of both parents.
- The number of children shared by the parents.
- Existing child support obligations for other children.
- Health insurance premiums are paid on behalf of the child.
- Work-related childcare expenses.
- Alimony paid or received.
The courts presume that the guideline-calculated amount is correct, but it can be rebutted if special circumstances exist. For example, if the child has extraordinary medical or educational needs, or one parent is voluntarily underemployed, the court may deviate from the guideline.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Greenville, South Carolina
A comprehensive introduction is necessary when life circumstances shift, because child support should always reflect the realities of your financial and parental situation. South Carolina law allows either parent to request a modification of a child support order if there is a substantial change in circumstances.
Examples of substantial changes include:
- A significant increase or decrease in income.
- Job loss or promotion.
- A change in the child’s healthcare or educational needs.
- A change in custody arrangements.
To pursue a modification, the parent must file a motion with the Greenville County Family Court. Our child support attorneys will help you gather the necessary documentation and present a strong case for adjusting the current order, no matter which side of the courtroom you are on.
Enforcement of Child Support in Greenville
Unfortunately, not all child support orders are followed as they should be. If the noncustodial parent falls behind, it can create financial instability for the child and the custodial parent. South Carolina has several legal tools to enforce compliance.
The South Carolina Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) can:
- Garnish wages.
- Intercept tax refunds.
- Place liens on property.
- Suspend driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and even hunting/fishing licenses.
- Seek contempt of court charges, which may result in jail time.
At David W. Martin Law Group, our Greenville child support lawyers act swiftly when obligations are ignored. We work to ensure your child receives the support they are legally owed without delay.
Child Support and Custody: How They Interact
It is important to understand that child support and child custody are related but separate legal issues. Custody determines where the child lives and how parenting responsibilities are divided. Child support, on the other hand, is a financial obligation based on the child’s needs and both parents’ incomes.
Even if one parent is denied visitation or custody rights are in dispute, it does not eliminate their child support obligation. Likewise, a parent who is owed support must still comply with custody orders.
The family court views the child’s right to financial support as non-negotiable. Our Greenville family law attorneys work to ensure that custody arrangements and economic orders are aligned in ways that promote long-term stability for your child.
What If Paternity Needs to Be Established?
If a child’s biological father has not been legally established, child support may not be ordered until paternity is confirmed. Either parent may initiate a paternity action under South Carolina law.
In South Carolina, paternity can be established through:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (signed at birth or later).
- Court-ordered DNA testing.
- Inclusion in a birth certificate (presumptive but not conclusive).
Once paternity is legally confirmed, the court can issue a child support order. At David W. Martin Law Group, we help clients navigate this sensitive issue while keeping the child’s best interests in focus.
Child Support in High-Income or High-Asset Cases
Standard child support guidelines may not fully account for the lifestyle a child would have experienced in a high-income household. South Carolina courts recognize this and may adjust upward to ensure the child’s standard of living is maintained post-separation.
In high-asset cases, courts consider:
- Private school tuition.
- Extracurricular activities or travel.
- Trusts, investments, or other passive income sources.
- Family business interests or complex compensation packages.
Our attorneys regularly represent high-net-worth clients in Greenville and understand how to present complete financial pictures to ensure a fair and appropriate support order.
Why Choose David W. Martin Law Group for Your Greenville Child Support Case?
When you are facing issues involving child support, emotions can run high, and the stakes could not be higher for your child’s future. Our Greenville family law attorneys have extensive experience handling the financial and legal complexities of child support cases in South Carolina.
What sets us apart:
- Local knowledge of Greenville County courts.
- Responsiveness to our clients’ questions and needs.
- A compassionate but results-driven approach.
- Skilled negotiation and courtroom experience.
Whether you are requesting support, modifying an order, or enforcing an existing judgment, we are here to provide experienced, personalized guidance at every step.
Contact Our Greenville Child Support Lawyers Today
If you are navigating child support issues in Greenville, South Carolina, do not try to do it alone. The consequences of an unfair order or unresolved conflict can have long-lasting effects on your child’s well-being and your financial stability.
Call David W. Martin Law Group at (803) 590-1958 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Let us help you pursue a child support arrangement that works for your family.
