Child Support Past 18 in South Carolina: High School Graduation and Age Limits
In South Carolina, child support runs to 18, or past 18 while the child is enrolled and attending high school, not to exceed graduation or the end of the school year after 19, whichever is later.
What is the child support age limit in South Carolina?
Eighteen. Family court orders for child support run until the child turns 18 or is married or becomes self-supporting, as the court determines, whichever occurs first (S.C. Code 63-3-530(A)(17)).
What if the child is still in high school at 18?
Support can continue past 18 if the child is enrolled and still attending high school, not to exceed high school graduation or the end of the school year after the child reaches 19, whichever is later (63-3-530(A)(17)).
| Child born (graduating June of the year they turn 18) | Turns 18 | Support runs to | Turns 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | June 30, 2030 | March 15, 2031 |
| August 31, 2011 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2029 | August 31, 2030 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2034 |
Try your own dates in the South Carolina child support end date calculator.
Can a child still in high school at 18 ask for support directly?
The sections we read speak of the parents’ duty and the court’s orders, not of a direct claim by the child; ask the court to continue the order for the child’s school period.
What does the South Carolina school-year limit mean?
The statute ties the outer limit to the later of graduation or the end of the school year after the child turns 19. In practice the order ends when the child graduates, and the limit stops a student who has not graduated from drawing support indefinitely. Ask the court how your order applies it.
Is the support entitlement the child’s or the parent’s?
Orders are enforced for the benefit of the child through the person entitled to receive payments; ask the court to name who receives support after 18 so payments reach the right person (63-3-530(A)(17)).
Can the order say who pays for school expenses?
Yes, the order can set education expenses along with other proper and reasonable expenses (63-3-530(A)(15)). Ask the court to name the item, such as tuition for a private high school, so it is enforceable.
What does the court consider in setting support?
It may require those chargeable with support, if they have sufficient means or can earn them, to pay a fair and reasonable sum at fixed periods according to their means (63-3-530(A)(16)). Support can be ordered whether or not the child is likely to become a public charge (A)(14).
When do South Carolina arrears stop accruing?
When support ends because the child turned 18, graduated from high school or reached the end of the school year at 19, no arrearage may be incurred as to that child after the 18th birthday, graduation or the last day of the school year at 19, whichever date ended the obligation (63-3-530(A)(17)).
Do I need a court order to stop paying South Carolina support?
Yes in practice. The Judicial Department says you may stop paying child support when you receive a signed order from a family court judge ending your responsibility, and it lists a child turning 18 or marrying among the grounds you can ask the court to rely on (family court FAQ). Do not stop on your own.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. Installments already owed stay owed and draw judgment interest (34-31-20). See the South Carolina child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in South Carolina?
Generally yes, unless the child is still attending high school, or an agreement or disability continues it.
How long can South Carolina high school support last?
Not beyond graduation or the end of the school year after the child turns 19, whichever is later.
Do arrears stop accruing when South Carolina support ends?
Yes. No arrearage may be incurred after the terminating date.
Do I need a South Carolina court order to stop paying?
Yes. You may stop only when a signed family court order ends your responsibility.
Do arrears end when South Carolina support ends?
No. Installments already owed stay owed.
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
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
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.