South Carolina Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in South Carolina — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
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estimated total cost range
Estimate based on South Carolina filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
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What drives divorce costs in South Carolina
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At South Carolina's average family-law rate of ~$300/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that South Carolina has a mandatory waiting period of 90 days; no-fault requires 1-year separation before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in South Carolina?
The court filing fee in South Carolina is typically around $150 (No-fault divorce requires a full year of living apart; fault grounds (e.g., adultery) allow faster filing but cost more to litigate.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in South Carolina?
Family-law attorneys in South Carolina average around $300/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,800–$3,700 total; contested divorces $10,200–$21,800 or more.
How long do I have to live in South Carolina before filing?
South Carolina requires 1 year (3 months if both spouses are residents) of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in South Carolina?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many South Carolina courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$150). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
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