Many single parents in South Carolina are struggling to make ends meet. The added stress of navigating through the loopholes in our state's child support system should not be part of our daily struggle. It is time for a change. 

The current child support system in South Carolina is riddled with loopholes that allow some parents to evade their responsibilities, leaving their children and ex-partners to bear the financial burden alone. This is not only unfair but also detrimental to the wellbeing of thousands of children across our state.

According to data from the U.S Census Bureau, about 30% of single mothers are living below poverty level in South Carolina (source: U.S Census Bureau). Many attribute this high percentage partly due to insufficient or non-existent child support payments.

We need a comprehensive reform that tightens these loopholes and ensures all parents are held accountable for their responsibilities. This includes better enforcement mechanisms, more accurate methods for calculating payments, and stronger penalties for those who avoid paying child support.

Presently there are two types of child support cases in the court system. One is DSS cases and the other is private cases. DSS cases are under the discretion of DSS. They are able to take drivers licenses, garnish wages, garnish taxes, increase child support amounts, and much more.

Private cases are at the mercy of the judge and the court. The custodial parent cannot request the drivers license be taken. The custodial parent cannot request wages being garnished or even taxes garnished.

Additionally if the noncustodial parent works for themself, works under the table, or does not hold employment, then wages cannot be garnished and neither can taxes. If a noncustodial parent is ruled in under the cases above, only payment arrangements can be made.  This constantly puts the custodial parent in a bind and possibly having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet  Furthermore, it makes it difficult to know the salary of a self employed individual or even an individual who works under the table. This means that the majority of the time there are additional unclaimed wages being made by the noncustodial parent but not counted towards child support which makes their child support at a minimum amount.  

Many private cases cannot get the noncustodial parent served by the court. Most local branches try once to serve and that is it. This forces private custodial parents to pay a police officer out of pocket to serve the noncustodial parent. This is money the custodial parent does not get back.

By signing this petition, you will help bring much-needed attention and urgency to this issue at a legislative level. We cannot afford any more delays - it's time we ensure every parent contributes fairly towards raising their children.

Please sign this petition today and help us advocate for a fairer child support system in South Carolina.