What Are Some Reasons for Deviating From the South Carolina Child Support Guidelines?

The child support guidelines do not take into account the economic impact of the following factors which can be possible reasons for deviation.

Educational expenses for the children or the parent (i.e., those incurred for private, parochial, or trade schools, other secondary schools, post-secondary education where there is tuition a related cost);
Equitable distribution of property;
Consumer debts;
Families with more than six children;
Unreimbursed extraordinary medical/dental expenses for the parent or extraordinary travel expenses for court-ordered visitation;
Mandatory deduction of retirement pensions and union fees;
Child-related unreimbursed extraordinary medical expenses;
Monthly fixed payments imposed by court or operation of law;
Significant available income of the children (i.e. the Olson Twins or Justin Bieber);
The substantial disparity of the parent’s income;
Alimony;
Agreements are reached by the parties if both parents are represented by a lawyer or if, not represented by counsel, the court determines a party fully understands the agreement as to child support.

The court still has the discretion and independent duty to determine if the amount is reasonable and in the best interest of the child(ren).

-Source The South Carolina Child Support Guidelines

Remember that deviation from the South Child Support Guidelines is the exception rather than the rule.