Child Support

In South Carolina, child support payments continue until the child turns 18. However, payments can end before 18 if the child gets married or can support him/herself, whichever happens first. There are some exceptions, however:

• If the child is older than 18 but still in high school, the obligation to pay child support will continue until:
  • graduation; or
  • the end of the school year when the child turns 19, whichever is later;
• If there is an agreement or order to pay child support beyond age 18, payments will continue until the date decided upon; or
• If a judge believes there are physical or mental disabilities or other exceptional circumstances, the non-custodial parent can be required to continue paying support for as long as those disabilities or circumstances continue.¹

Note: Even once the child turns 18 or one of the other conditions are met, the paying parent might have to petition the court for a dismissal order once s/he believes the child support obligation is over.²

¹ S.C. Code § 63-3-530(A)(17)
² Frequently Asked Questions, South Carolina Department of Social Services (2024)