Greenville Child Support Attorney Works to Secure Fair Payment Terms
Reliable representation for South Carolina parents
When parents no longer share the same residence, South Carolina law imposes a child support obligation to ensure that children receive the necessary resources for their upbringing. In Greenville County and elsewhere, child support often alleviates the financial strain on single parents. If you need to resolve a child support issue, either for the first time or due to changed circumstances, McManaway Law, LLC can help. Since 2007, I have represented Upstate South Carolina parents in divorce, post-divorce and paternity cases where child support was at issue. I have extensive experience securing fair support orders on behalf of paying and recipient parents. Whatever your situation entails. I will advocate for an order that benefits your children and provides you with peace of mind.
Greenville County lawyer advises on expenses associated with child support
Child support is intended to cover necessary expenses for a child's upbringing. The child’s basic needs generally include:
- Food — Regular meals and snacks to maintain healthy growth.
- Clothing — Essential apparel for all seasons.
- Shelter — The portion of rent or mortgage that provides the child with a safe place to live.
- Healthcare — This includes medical, dental and vision expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
- Education — School related costs such as tuition, supplies, and extracurricular activities.
A court may adjust a child support rate if a particular youth has atypical ongoing expenses, such as therapy for a chronic medical condition or a high-cost extracurricular activity.
How do courts determine child support amounts in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Child Support Guidelines create a "basic support obligation" based on the income of both parents and the number of children involved. Additional factors, such as either parent having children from a different relationship, can affect the amount of child support.
The courts may also consider:
- The custody arrangement — A child support amount can depend on how much time the youth spends in each parent’s home.
- Health insurance and medical costs — If one parent is providing health insurance, the court will lower that parent’s child support obligation accordingly.
Courts endeavor to maintain the standard of living children would have enjoyed if their parents had remained together. Thus, a judge can deviate from the guidelines if the standard amount would be unjust or inappropriate. An experienced family lawyer can advocate for a fair outcome by bringing to the court’s attention all pertinent information related to income and expenses.
Common child support disputes in South Carolina
Child support disputes in South Carolina commonly arise over the following issues:
- Nonpayment or late payment — Failure to make the required payments on time or in full can impose financial hardship on the custodial parent.
- Changes in financial circumstances — If a parent loses a job, receives a salary increase or experiences another type of significant changes in their income or recurring expenses, either party may seek a modification of the child support order.
- Custody and visitation disputes — A noncustodial parent may not withhold child support payments even if the custodial parent appears to be interfering with parenting time.
It’s always best to consult a child support lawyer to resolve such disputes in a civil and legal manner.
Means of enforcing child support orders in South Carolina
Parents have robust enforcement mechanisms available in child support cases. The state’s Child Support Enforcement Division can order various steps to compel payment, such as:
- Wage garnishment
- Liens on property
- Tax refund interception
- Driver’s license or professional license suspension
- Contempt of court charges
Parents who have an authentic inability to pay should consult an attorney about a modification of their obligation before the recipient parent seeks enforcement.
Contact a knowledgeable Greenville child support attorney
McManaway Law, LLC provides advice and advocacy to Upstate South Carolina parents in all types of child support proceedings. To schedule a consultation, please call 864-428-8912 or contact me online.
