Columbia Child Support Lawyer

Columbia Child Support Attorney

If you and your spouse are legally ending your marriage in Columbia and have children together, you will need to make important decisions regarding how you will share childcare responsibilities. In South Carolina, parents are legally required to financially support their children until they reach the age of 18. To ensure you are paying or receiving what your child deserves, it is crucial that you hire a Columbia child support lawyer who can advocate for you.

​The Deas Law Firm: Columbia’s Trusted Family Law Firm

​At the Deas Law Firm, founding attorney Garryl L. Deas holds over 24 years of extensive legal experience. He has helped countless South Carolina residents successfully solve contentious child support disputes and works to ensure all children and their parents have the funds they need to care for themselves. With over two decades of legal knowledge and experience under his belt, you can trust Garryl L. Deas to secure the outcome you deserve.

​What Is Child Support and How Does It Work in Columbia?

​Child support in Columbia is a financial payment that is mandated by the local family court when two parents separate. These financial payments are designed with the intent to provide funds for a child’s basic needs and to ensure they are still cared for once the divorce is finalized. Child support payments are generally required from the higher-earning parent or the parent who has fewer physical custody rights.​

When a parent receives child support payments in South Carolina, they can be used towards a child’s:

• Education
• Food
• Medical bills
• Clothing

Child support payments in Columbia stop once a child turns 18. However, payments can be extended if the child is continuing their education or is disabled. Parents who live out of state are still required to pay child support. To better understand your rights as a South Carolina parent paying or receiving child support, you should consult an experienced Columbia, SC family lawyer for guidance.​

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Child Support in South Carolina?

​There are about 225,000 child support cases that are paid through family courts or social services in South Carolina. As of December 2025, there are currently 17,521 child support cases in Richland County alone, emphasizing the sheer need for parents to share financial responsibility for their children.​

Child support payments in Columbia are court-mandated and cannot be skipped or ignored. If a parent refuses to pay child support, they will be held in contempt of court, and collection of child support will still occur. The court can use the following methods to secure support from a parent who is unwilling to pay:​

• Garnishment of wages
• Facing fines or jail time
• Deducting payments from taxes
• Pursuing prosecution if the parent lives out of state

If you need help pursuing child support payments after your spouse stopped paying in Columbia, SC, Garryl L. Deas can fight for you.​

How Is Child Support Determined​

Child support is determined by South Carolina’s updated Child Support Guidelines. To calculate a fair amount of child support, a judge will follow these guidelines and consider factors such as:

• Each parent’s income
• How custody is split between parents
• The earning ability of each parent
• The unique needs of the child involved
• Childcare costs
• Medical care costs

Child support can be increased or decreased if a parent in Columbia undergoes a stark change in circumstances, such as losing their job or being promoted. For instance, if the supporting parent has lost their job, they can petition their local Columbia court for an order modification that reflects their new circumstances. The Deas Law Firm can help you better understand how to navigate modifying child support agreements in South Carolina.​

Why Should I Hire a Columbia Child Support Lawyer?

A Columbia child support lawyer can be a great help when navigating contentious child support cases. At the Deas Law Firm, lead attorney Garryl L. Deas has decades of legal experience that he leverages to his clients’ advantage. His experience with complex child custody cases in Columbia and extensive knowledge of local laws allow him to aggressively advocate for your interests throughout all proceedings. He can also represent you during litigation if needed.​

FAQs​ About Columbia, SC Child Support Laws

How Much Do Child Support Attorneys Cost in South Carolina?

Every South Carolina child support attorney uses varying fees and pricing structures based on the unique details of the cases they take on. The complexity of your case, how long your case takes to settle, the reputation of your lawyer, and whether your case is contentious can all impact the total you pay for a child support attorney. You should address all pricing concerns and ask for estimates from your lawyer during your initial consultation.​

What Is the Average Child Support Payment in South Carolina?

​According to South Carolina’s Department of Social Services, the average amount of child support is $521.99 as of December 2025. However, it’s important to note that many child support cases in South Carolina only involve one child. The more children you have, the more you are required to pay. To better understand what you may be required to pay or what you should be receiving, you should consult an experienced child support attorney.​

What Is the New Child Support Law in South Carolina?​

In 2024, a new child support law was put into effect in South Carolina. This law adopts higher child support amounts for non-custodial parents. Additionally, this new law factors in recurring medical expenses that a child may face into monthly payments.

​Can a Child Support Lawyer Help Me Modify My Current Order in South Carolina?

Yes, an experienced child support lawyer can help you petition to modify your current child support order in South Carolina. They can use their knowledge of local laws to help you gather evidence that demonstrates why you need a modification, as well as represent you in court during proceedings.​

Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Columbia Today

​When you’re looking for assistance navigating a child support case in Columbia, South Carolina, look no further than the Deas Law Firm. Garryl L. Deas can evaluate your circumstances, listen to your unique needs and goals, and fight to secure the solution you need to resolve your child support case. Contact the Deas Law Firm today to learn more about our trusted legal services.

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