Divorce Costs in South Carolina
Equitable Distribution • No-Fault & Fault-Based
Filing Fee
$150
Avg. Attorney Rate
$250/hr
Timeline
5 months
Waiting Period
90 days
Property Division
Equitable Distribution
Fault Type
No-Fault & Fault-Based
Key Cost Factors
State Overview
South Carolina is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally.
South Carolina allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce grounds. There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
The average attorney rate in South Carolina is $250 per hour. An uncontested divorce typically costs $1,400 to $4,000, while a contested divorce can range from $9,000 to $32,000.
How to Reduce Divorce Costs in South Carolina
Consider an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can agree on key issues, an uncontested divorce in South Carolina can cost as little as $1,400 — saving tens of thousands compared to litigation.
Try mediation first. Mediation typically costs $3,000–$7,000 and can resolve disputes faster and cheaper than going to court.
File pro se for simple cases. If you have no children, minimal assets, and both agree, you can file without an attorney. South Carolina's filing fee is just $150.
Organize your finances beforehand. Having all financial documents ready reduces the hours your attorney spends on discovery, lowering your bill at $250/hr.
Use a limited-scope attorney. Instead of full representation, hire a lawyer only for specific tasks like reviewing your settlement agreement — this can cut attorney costs by 50–70%.
Key Facts About Divorce in South Carolina
- Residency Requirement: 12 months
- Grounds for Divorce: No-fault (1 year separation) or fault-based grounds
- Cooling-Off Period: 90-day waiting period
- Mediation: Optional but recommended
- Property Division: Equitable distribution (fair but not necessarily equal)
- Filing Fee: $150