South Carolina Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in South Carolina can be emotionally difficult and legally complex — especially when children, finances, and long-term stability are involved. Whether you’re preparing for a contested case or hoping for a smooth uncontested divorce, the right attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through each step with clarity.

South Carolina allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce, and the state’s courts use equitable distribution when dividing marital property. With decisions involving custody, support, and your financial future on the line, an experienced South Carolina divorce lawyer can make the process far more manageable.

Below is an accessible overview of South Carolina divorce laws, when hiring an attorney is essential, and a list of reputable family-law firms across the state.

Understanding Divorce in South Carolina

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce if:

• Both spouses live in South Carolina, or

• You live in the state for at least 1 year, or

• You live in the state for 3 months and your spouse lives elsewhere

Grounds for Divorce

South Carolina allows:

• No-fault divorce: 1 year of continuous separation

• Fault-based grounds:

  • Adultery

  • Habitual drunkenness or drug use

  • Physical cruelty

  • Desertion (1+ year)

No-fault is most common but requires a full-year separation.

Property Division

South Carolina follows equitable distribution, meaning:

• Marital assets are divided fairly, not always equally

• Separate property usually remains separate

Courts consider income, debts, contributions, misconduct, and future needs.

Child Custody

Custody decisions follow the best interests of the child, examining:

• Parent-child relationships

• Stability and home environment

• Ability to communicate and co-parent

• Safety and emotional well-being

• School and community ties

Both joint and sole arrangements are considered.

Alimony

Types of alimony include:

• Periodic

• Lump sum

• Rehabilitative

• Reimbursement

Awards depend on income, earning capacity, age, health, and length of the marriage.

When You May Need a South Carolina Divorce Lawyer

Consider hiring an attorney if:

• You disagree on custody or parenting plans

• Your spouse controls the finances

• You own a home, business, or significant assets

• There are allegations of wrongdoing or domestic violence

• You suspect hidden income or misrepresentation

• Your spouse hired a lawyer

• You want strong representation in negotiations or litigation

Civil procedure in South Carolina can be paperwork-heavy and timeline-sensitive; professional support reduces errors and delays.

South Carolina Uncontested Divorce Options

If you and your spouse agree on all issues — and have lived apart for 1 year — you may qualify for a no-fault uncontested divorce.

Divorce.com helps South Carolina couples:

• Prepare accurate state-required forms

• Avoid common filing mistakes

• File quickly and affordably

• Receive support every step of the way

This is ideal for cooperative couples seeking a smooth transition.

⭐ South Carolina Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of trusted family-law attorneys statewide.

Charleston

• The Peck Law Firm

• Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm

Columbia

• Masella Law Firm, P.A.

• McAngus Goudelock & Courie

Greenville

• The Law Office of James Stone Craven

• Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey

Myrtle Beach

• Axelrod & Associates

• The Lovely Law Firm

Spartanburg

• KD Trial Lawyers

• Law Office of Brian T. Smith