Real numbers for South Carolina — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Divorce procedure varies by state in the details, but the overall arc in South Carolina looks like this:
Treat this as a general framework rather than South Carolina-specific legal guidance — a licensed attorney or your local courthouse self-help center can confirm exact requirements for your case.
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Calculate My South Carolina Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in South Carolina ranges from roughly $2,400 for a simple uncontested case to $27,200 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
South Carolina requires a 12-month separation period before filing for divorce — one of the strictest requirements in the US.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $150 | $750 | $4,000 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,400 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Contested, no trial | $9,350 | $17,000 | $27,200 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $27,200 | $32,300 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $13,000 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in South Carolina is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $150 statewide average
| Greenville County | $150 |
| Richland County (Columbia) | $150 |
| Charleston County | $150 |
| Spartanburg | $148 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in South Carolina average $210 per hour.
A Columbia couple who have been separated for a year and agree on all terms would spend $150 in filing fees and $1,500–$3,500 in attorney costs — total around $1,700–$4,000 for an uncontested divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in South Carolina?
An uncontested divorce in South Carolina typically costs $4,000–$6,000 including the $150 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $17,000–$27,200 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
How long do I have to be separated to divorce in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 1 year of continuous separation for a no-fault divorce. Living apart while using fault grounds (adultery, desertion, cruelty) bypasses this requirement.
Does adultery affect alimony in South Carolina?
Yes. A spouse who committed adultery is generally barred from receiving alimony in South Carolina — one of the states where adultery has the most significant legal consequences.
How is property divided in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on contributions, length of marriage, and each spouse's economic circumstances.
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Open South Carolina Calculator →Filing fees based on South Carolina court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.