MYTH: “I don’t have to let my ex see our children if they don’t pay child support.”

FACT:  Payment of child support is completely separate from parenting time and you could be found in contempt of court refusing to allow your ex court ordered parenting time.  However, you can file a Rule to Show Cause to have your ex show why they should not be held in contempt of court for failing to pay court ordered child support.

MYTH: “I only have to pay child support until my child turns 18.”

FACT: Child support may continue “..past the age of eighteen years 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 nineteen.”

See S.C. Ann. Code § 63-3-530(A)(17)

MYTH: “I don’t have to pay child support after my ex remarries.”

FACT: Whether or not you or your ex marries has nothing to do with child support.  You still have to pay. You may file to modify your child support payment based on a change in circumstances. However, the judge can look at all the circumstances, even your new spouse’s income.

MYTH: “I don’t have to pay for anything other than child support.”

FACT: The judge can order that you pay a portion of uninsured medical expenses over $250 each year.