College and Adult Child Support in South Carolina: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

We found no South Carolina provision for court-ordered college support in the sections we read. The family court may continue support past 18 for a disabled child or other exceptional circumstances, or under a preexisting agreement.

Does child support cover college in South Carolina?

We found no provision that lets a family court order support for college. The statute continues support past 18 for a child enrolled and attending high school, under a preexisting agreement or order, or for a disabled child or other exceptional circumstances (S.C. Code 63-3-530(A)(17)). A written agreement incorporated into your decree is the usual route for college help.

Is there child support for a disabled adult child in South Carolina?

Yes, in the court’s discretion: it may provide for support past 18 when there are physical or mental disabilities of the child or other exceptional circumstances that warrant continuing support, for as long as the disabilities or circumstances continue (63-3-530(A)(17)). Bring medical records and benefit awards.

What is a preexisting agreement or order?

Support can run past 18 “in accordance with a preexisting agreement or order to provide for child support past the age of eighteen”. If your decree has such a clause, enforce it through the family court.

How should a college agreement be written?

• Which costs are covered: tuition, housing, books or a cap.
• Each parent’s share and when payments are due.
• Grade or enrollment conditions and what happens if the child leaves school.
• An end date or maximum number of years.
• Court approval so the family court can enforce it.

Who can ask for support to continue?

Any interested person may petition the court to order those legally chargeable to provide support (63-17-340), so a custodial parent or caretaker can raise it. The statute does not say when the request must be made, so file before the 18th birthday.

Can an order include education costs?

Yes. The family court may include in an order for support the necessary shelter, food, clothing, care and medical attention, the expenses of confinement, the expense of educating the child and other proper and reasonable expenses (63-3-530(A)(15)). That covers school costs during the order, not college after it ends.

Can I ask the court to review a disabled child’s order later?

The court may continue support only for as long as the disability or circumstances continue (63-3-530(A)(17)), so either parent can ask it to review whether they still do. Keep records current.

Who decides whether the exceptional circumstances apply?

The family court, in its discretion; support continues only for as long as the disability or circumstances continue (63-3-530(A)(17)). Ask for a review if the child’s condition changes.

Can a parent file for a disabled adult child after 18?

The statute lets the court continue support for such a child; the sections we read do not say who may file or by when, so ask a licensed South Carolina attorney and file before the 18th birthday if you can.

What are the age limits for a given birth date?

What about unpaid support from before?

It stays owed: see whether South Carolina arrears expire or can be forgiven and the South Carolina child support end date calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• S.C. Code 63-3-530: family court jurisdiction, support duration
• S.C. Code 63-17-1470: termination of withholding
• South Carolina Judicial Department: family court FAQ
• S.C. Code 34-31-20: judgment interest

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited South Carolina statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed South Carolina attorney.