Quick answer: When does child support end in South Carolina? At 18, or earlier if the child marries or becomes self-supporting as the court decides. Past 18, support continues while the child is enrolled and attending high school, within a school-year limit at 19. The court can continue support for a disabled child.
This South Carolina child support end date calculator finds the later of the 18th birthday and your expected graduation under S.C. Code 63-3-530(A)(17). Past-due support stays owed, so check the balance in the South Carolina child support arrears calculator.
When does child support end in South Carolina? At a glance
| Rule | What South Carolina says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | Orders run until 18, or until the child is married or becomes self-supporting as the court decides, whichever is first (S.C. Code 63-3-530(A)(17)) |
| High school | Past 18 if the child is enrolled and still attending high school, not to exceed graduation or the end of the school year after age 19, whichever is later (63-3-530(A)(17)) |
| Agreements | Support can continue past 18 under a preexisting agreement or order (63-3-530(A)(17)) |
| Disability | In the court’s discretion for physical or mental disabilities or other exceptional circumstances, for as long as they continue (63-3-530(A)(17)) |
| Arrears | No arrearage accrues after the terminating date; arrears already owed stay (63-3-530(A)(17)) |
| Ending withholding | Petition the court when there is no current order and all arrears are paid (63-17-1470) |
How does the South Carolina end date work?
- Age 18 and the high school rule. See the South Carolina child support age limit and the high school rule.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in South Carolina.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in South Carolina.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and, if the child is still in high school at 18, the expected graduation month. The calculator returns the later of the two dates and the time left from today. It cannot read your order: if it says otherwise, it controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the South Carolina child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in South Carolina?
At 18, unless the child is still enrolled and attending high school, or a preexisting agreement or a disability continues it.
Does South Carolina child support continue through high school?
Yes, while the child is enrolled and attending, not past graduation or the end of the school year after the child turns 19, whichever is later.
Does South Carolina child support cover college?
We found no court-ordered college support in the sections we read; a preexisting agreement can continue support past 18.
Can South Carolina child support continue for a disabled adult child?
Yes, in the court's discretion, for as long as the disability or exceptional circumstances continue.
Does South Carolina child support end automatically?
The statute defines when it ends, but you may stop paying only when a signed family court order ends your responsibility.