South Carolina divorce at a glance
Official source: South Carolina court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in South Carolina: step by step
South Carolina’s only no-fault ground is a one-year separation. Here is the path to a Final Decree of Divorce.
- Confirm you can file in South Carolina
The plaintiff must have lived in SC for 1 year (or 3 months if both spouses are SC residents). SC’s only no-fault ground is one year of continuous separation.Source: S.C. Code § 20-3-30 - Generate your forms
Use South Carolina’s official "Simple Divorce" self-represented packet (for one-year-separation cases).Source: SC SRL Simple Divorce Packet - File with the Family Court
File with the Family Court and pay about $150, or file a Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (SCCA/401).Source: SCCA/401 (fee waiver) - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse with the complaint.Source: SCRCP 4 - Complete the support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, use the SC DSS Child Support Calculator to produce the worksheet.Source: S.C. Code § 63-17-470 - Attend the final hearing
Attend a final hearing; the Family Court issues the Final Decree of Divorce.Source: Final Decree of Divorce
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in South Carolina?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for South Carolina
South Carolina child support calculator → An itemized estimate from South Carolina’s official guideline, figures effective 2024-02-23. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a South Carolina divorce take?
The one-year separation is the main requirement; the case then proceeds to a final hearing. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons South Carolina divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Low–moderate. The SRL simple-divorce packet is statewide but covers only one-year-separation cases; other cases need drafted pleadings.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your South Carolina case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official South Carolina forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
South Carolina divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in South Carolina?
No lawyer is required: South Carolina courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official South Carolina forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in South Carolina to file for divorce?
The plaintiff must have lived in South Carolina for 1 year (or 3 months if both spouses are SC residents). Confirm the current rule with the official South Carolina court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in South Carolina?
The court filing fee is about $150. File a Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (SCCA/401). LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.