How to File for Divorce in South Carolina
Complete guide to South Carolina divorce process, forms, and requirements for 2025
Steps to File for Divorce in South Carolina
1
Meet Residency Requirements
If both spouses live in SC, 3 months residency. If only one lives in SC, 1 year residency required.
2
File the Complaint
File a Complaint for Divorce with the Family Court. SC requires 1-year separation for no-fault divorce.
3
Serve Your Spouse
Your spouse must be served with the complaint. They have 30 days to respond.
4
Complete Financial Declarations
Exchange financial declarations with all property, income, and debt information.
5
Attend Hearings
Attend required hearings. Mediation may be ordered for contested issues.
6
Finalize the Divorce
After 1-year separation proven and issues resolved, receive your Final Decree of Divorce.
South Carolina Divorce Requirements
Residency Requirement
3 Mo or 1 Year
3 months if both spouses live in SC. 1 year if only one spouse lives in SC.
Separation Period
1 Year
South Carolina requires 1-year continuous separation for no-fault divorce.
Filing Fees
$150
Filing fee is approximately $150. Fee waivers available for qualifying individuals.
Required South Carolina Divorce Forms
Complaint for Divorce
Primary form to initiate divorce
Summons
Notice to respondent
Financial Declaration
Assets and income disclosure
Parenting Plan
Custody arrangement if applicable
Final Decree of Divorce
Final divorce judgment
Types of Divorce in South Carolina
No-Fault (Separation)
- 1-year separation required
- Both spouses agree
- No blame assigned
- Settlement agreement
- Lower costs
- Simpler process
Fault-Based
- Adultery, desertion, etc.
- No separation required
- Must prove grounds
- Can affect alimony
- May need trial
- Higher costs
Important Things to Know
South Carolina requires a full year of separation for no-fault divorce. Fault-based grounds (adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness) can speed up the process but require proof.
South Carolina-Specific Considerations
- South Carolina is an equitable distribution state
- 1-year separation required for no-fault
- Residency: 3 months (both in SC) or 1 year (one in SC)
- Financial declarations mandatory
- Mediation often required
Ready to Start Your South Carolina Divorce?
Splitifi helps you navigate the divorce process with document preparation, expense tracking, and guided support.