South Carolina Divorce Costs and Filing Fees (2026)
South Carolina's $150 filing fee is one of the lowest in the country. For an agreed uncontested case with a complete Settlement Agreement, total out-of-pocket costs are often under $500.
Core Filing Costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Family Court filing fee | $150 |
| Certified copies of Decree | $5–$15 per copy |
| Sheriff service fee (if not Acceptance of Service) | $25–$50 |
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| QDRO — employer retirement plan | $400–$1,500 per plan |
| Real estate deed preparation | $150–$500 |
| County Register of Deeds recording fee | $15–$50 per document |
| Property appraisal | $350–$750 |
| Business valuation | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Mediator | $150–$300/hour |
| Limited-scope attorney review | $300–$1,000 |
Fee Waiver
South Carolina waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (available at sccourts.org/selfhelp)
- File with the Divorce Complaint
- Judge reviews income and assets
- If approved: filing fees waived
Eligibility: Income at or below 125%–200% of federal poverty level (court discretion); receipt of public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF) typically qualifies.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate or retirement | $150–$400 |
| Agreed, with children | $250–$600 |
| With real estate (deed + Register of Deeds) | $500–$1,200 |
| With employer retirement account (QDRO) | $700–$2,000 |
| Fault-ground, negotiated settlement | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Contested through trial | $20,000–$60,000+ |
Why SC Is Affordable for Uncontested Divorce
Three factors keep costs low in South Carolina:
- $150 filing fee — among the lowest in the U.S.
- No mandatory waiting period after filing (the year of separation is the wait)
- Family Court handles divorces efficiently — final hearings for uncontested cases are typically brief
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $150 filing fee | sccourts.org/selfhelp for free forms | Register of Deeds for real estate recording
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.