Divorce Cost in South Carolina (2026)
Attorney fees, filing fees, waiting periods, and total cost estimates for South Carolina
South Carolina Divorce Cost Calculator
Filing fee in South Carolina: ~$221 (included in estimate)
Divorce Costs in South Carolina by Type
| Divorce Type | Estimated Cost (per spouse) |
|---|---|
| DIY / Pro Se (uncontested) | $243 – $1,043 |
| Online divorce service | $500 – $1,800 |
| Flat-fee uncontested attorney | $1,104 – $4,140 |
| Mediated divorce (total) | $2,346 – $8,280 |
| Contested (per spouse avg) | $12,420 – $32,200 |
| High-conflict / custody trial | $40,000 – $150,000+ |
South Carolina court filing fee: ~$221 (included in estimates above). Service of process: $50–$150 additional. Attorney retainers: typically $2,500–$10,000 upfront.
Divorce Laws in South Carolina: What You Need to Know
South Carolina is an equitable distribution state — courts divide marital property fairly based on multiple factors (length of marriage, contributions, earning capacity), not necessarily 50/50. Cooperation between spouses remains the biggest cost driver: uncontested divorces cost $1,500–$5,000 while contested litigation averages $15,000–$35,000 per spouse in South Carolina.
Money-Saving Tip for South Carolina
The biggest money-saving strategy in South Carolina divorce: reach agreement on all major issues before hiring attorneys. Even if you use attorneys for review and court filings, resolving custody, property, and support issues first dramatically cuts fees. Mediation at $150–$350/hour is far cheaper than litigation at $250–$600/hour attorney rates.
Find a Divorce Attorney in South Carolina
Many South Carolina family law attorneys offer free 30-minute consultations and flat-fee uncontested divorce packages. Understanding your options before retaining an attorney can save thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost in South Carolina?
The average divorce in South Carolina costs approximately $11,868 per spouse, but ranges from $500 for a simple DIY uncontested case to $50,000+ for contested cases with custody disputes. The South Carolina court filing fee is approximately $221. The biggest cost driver is cooperation — each unresolved issue adds thousands in attorney fees.
Is South Carolina a community property or equitable distribution state?
South Carolina is an equitable distribution state. Courts divide marital property fairly, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions, earning capacity, age and health, and custody arrangements. "Equitable" does not always mean 50/50 — courts have discretion to divide assets in whatever way seems fair given all circumstances.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in South Carolina?
The cheapest option in South Carolina is a DIY uncontested divorce: $221 filing fee + ~$100 service costs if you and your spouse agree on all issues and have limited assets and no children. Online divorce preparation services ($500–$2,000) prepare the paperwork for you. If you have children or significant assets, mediation ($3,000–$8,000 total) is the next most affordable option — much cheaper than litigation at $$250–$500/hour in attorney fees.
How long does a divorce take in South Carolina?
Most South Carolina divorces require 60–180 days minimum from filing. Uncontested divorces are typically finalized within 3–6 months. Contested divorces take 12–24+ months depending on court calendar, complexity, and cooperation between parties.
South Carolina Divorce Facts
- Avg cost (per spouse)
- $11,868
- Court filing fee
- ~$221
- Asset division
- Equitable distribution
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Average cost per spouse