Shared Custody and Worksheet C in South Carolina
With more than 109 overnights for each parent, South Carolina’s Worksheet C multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5, applies each parent’s income share to the time with the other parent and offsets the two, with a graduated range from 110 to 127 overnights.
When shared parenting applies
“Shared physical custody” means each parent has court-ordered overnight visitation for more than 109 overnights a year (30%) and both parents contribute to the children’s expenses. Whether to use Worksheet C is in the court’s discretion, which should consider whether it would have a substantial negative effect on the children’s standard of living. It is an annual adjustment, not a monthly one, and applies without regard to legal custody (Regulation 114-4730).
Worksheet C
The basic child support obligation is multiplied by 1.5 to give the shared custody basic obligation, which is apportioned to each parent by income. A obligation is then computed for each parent by multiplying his or her portion by the percentage of time the children spend with the other parent. The two are offset, and the parent owing more pays the difference; the other parent’s transfer is zero. Additional expenses (child care, health care, extraordinary medical) are shared by income, net of what each parent pays directly, and added.
The graduated range
With more than 109 but fewer than 128 overnights, the order moves from the sole custody amount (Worksheet A) toward the full shared amount (Worksheet C): the Worksheet A amount less the difference between the two multiplied by a factor that rises from 0.0526 at 110 overnights to 1.0 at 128 (the official worksheet’s table, (overnights − 109) ÷ 19). If the result is positive the obligor pays; otherwise the other parent does.
An example
Two children; incomes of $3,000 and $5,000; the obligor’s overnights vary:
| Overnights with the obligor | Worksheet | Monthly support |
|---|---|---|
| 109 overnights or fewer | Worksheet A | $959 |
| 118 overnights (graduated) | Between A and C | $833 |
| 128 overnights | Worksheet C | $631 |
| 182 overnights | Worksheet C | $291 |
If the time is not used
If a parent does not exercise the shared custody ordered, the other parent may petition the court to revert to the guideline amount without the adjustment.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask whether the court is likely to use Worksheet C on your schedule and how overnights are counted.
Split custody
When each parent has physical custody of at least one child, a theoretical payment is computed for each and the two are offset (Worksheet B); this calculator does not compute it.
Frequently asked questions
How many overnights trigger South Carolina shared custody support?
More than 109 overnights a year for each parent, about 30%.
What is South Carolina Worksheet C?
The shared parenting worksheet: the basic obligation times 1.5, apportioned by income, applied to the time with the other parent and offset.
What is the South Carolina graduated range?
From 110 to 127 overnights the order moves in steps from the Worksheet A amount to the Worksheet C amount, reaching it at 128.
Is Worksheet C mandatory in South Carolina?
No. Its use is in the court's discretion, which should consider the children's standard of living.
Does legal custody matter for Worksheet C in South Carolina?
No. The adjustment applies without regard to legal custody if the overnight threshold is met.
Official sources
- Regulation 114-4710 to 114-4750: South Carolina Child Support Guidelines (2024)
- DSS Schedule of Basic Support Obligations (with the self-support reserve shaded)
- SC DSS: child support guidelines page
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.