South Carolina Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in South Carolina using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
South Carolina divorces typically cost 46% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in South Carolina
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $150
- Waiting period
- 365 days
- Residency requirement
- 365 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,500 - $4,000
- Attorney hourly rate
- $200/hr - $375/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in South Carolina: What You Should Know
South Carolina's cost is shaped by its separation rule. A no-fault divorce requires one year of living separate and apart, which is the dominant driver of how long a South Carolina case takes. Filing fees are a low $150, attorney rates run $200 to $375 per hour, and uncontested cases cost $1,500 to $4,000. Contested cases fall in the $10,000 to $32,000 range. South Carolina considers marital misconduct in alimony decisions, and fault can both speed up a divorce (by providing immediate grounds) and add to its cost. Property is divided equitably.
Key point: South Carolina requires a full year of separation for a no-fault divorce, so couples without fault grounds face a long wait before they can finalize.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to South Carolina on this page.
Divorce Cost in South Carolina - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in South Carolina?
An uncontested divorce in South Carolina typically runs $1,500 - $4,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $10,000 - $32,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in South Carolina?
The court filing fee for divorce in South Carolina is $150. Add about $50 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $15. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in South Carolina?
An uncontested divorce in South Carolina usually takes about 14 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 16 months. South Carolina requires a mandatory waiting period of 365 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 365 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. South Carolina attorneys typically charge $200/hr - $375/hr.
How is property divided in a South Carolina divorce?
South Carolina follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $500 to $1,500 in South Carolina.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.