The cost of divorce in South Carolina varies. An uncontested divorce may cost little more than the filing fee, while a contested divorce could end up being significantly more. Factors include whether minor children are involved, how much is at stake in assets, how much conflict is in the marriage, and the overall complexity of the matters to be resolved.
While it might be tempting to try to end your marriage for as little money as possible, it’s important to remember that the terms of a divorce are binding. What you agree to now will continue to shape your life for years, even decades to come. Rather than leave your future happiness and financial stability to chance.
When you work with McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, an experienced divorce lawyer from our legal team can conduct a comprehensive review and explain the costs and fees you could incur as you while going through your divorce.
What Are South Carolina Divorce Filing Fees?
Under current South Carolina law, there is a $150 filing fee for a divorce. You must pay the same filing fee for actions involving:
- Separate support and maintenance
- Child support and spousal support
- Child custody and visitation
Individual counties may assess additional fees for their services. Check with the county clerk in your area for more information, such as the York County Clerk of Court or Lancaster County Clerk of Court.
What Other Factors Affect the Cost of a South Carolina Divorce?
Divorce court fees in South Carolina are just the initial costs that come with ending a marriage. The actual total cost will depend on a range of factors specific to the marriage and the reason it’s ending, including the following:
- Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested – An uncontested divorce is one in which the divorcing spouses agree on the major issues at stake, which makes any minor disputes easier (and cheaper) to resolve. Any disagreements over matters such as child custody and property division will need to be resolved through costly rounds of negotiation, legal filings, and hearings.
- Experience and number of attorneys involved in the case – Hourly legal fees can climb quickly when a divorce has several issues to resolve. Attorneys charge fees based on factors such as their experience, their reputation, and the cost of living in the area they serve.
- Level of cooperation between spouses – Matters become complicated if spouses attempt to hide assets, miss critical deadlines, or intentionally drag things out.
- Extent and complexity of the assets and debts to be divided – Homes, retirement accounts, investments, businesses, or large debts must be divided between the spouses. Each additional item that must be divided before divorce increases the overall cost, particularly if it is inherently complex or carries emotional attachments.
- If there are disputes regarding custody and parenting schedules – Few things are more important than a parent’s relationship with their children. Matters regarding custody and visitation are among the most contested aspects of many divorces.
- Any issues regarding support obligations – Child support and spousal support can become complicated based on the spouses’ relative incomes or whether they disagree about need or ability to pay.
- Cost of hiring outside professionals – Hiring mediators, accountants, appraisers, custody evaluators, or financial experts costs money but may be necessary to resolve disputed facts.
Each additional complication will add to the overall cost of a divorce in South Carolina.
What Is the Cost of an Uncontested Divorce in South Carolina?
An uncontested divorce is one in which the divorcing spouses agree on the major issues, including distribution of property, custody of their minor children, and whether and how much alimony will be paid. A do-it-yourself uncontested divorce will cost little more than the $150 filing fee and court costs.
However, going this route carries risks. Hiring an attorney gives you an important layer of protection, even though it will increase the upfront cost of ending the marriage.
What Is the Cost of a Contested Divorce in South Carolina?
The cost of a divorce goes up considerably with each issue that must be resolved before finalizing the divorce, such as the following issues in a divorce:
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Child custody and parenting schedules
- Child support
- Spousal support
The more issues the divorcing spouses disagree on, the more it will cost to resolve the divorce. A divorce in which spouses contest several matters could realistically cost in the thousands of dollars in attorney fees and expenses.
What Is the Least Expensive Way to Get a Divorce in South Carolina?
At least on paper, the least expensive way to get a divorce in South Carolina is to go the do-it-yourself route and pay only the filing fee and any additional court fees that may apply to your case. But what you save up front with this route may not compare favorably to the long-term costs of the following:
- Missed assets
- Unequal property division
- Unclear debt responsibility
- Tax mistakes
- Support miscalculations
- Custody disputes
- Enforcement problems
- Future court filings
- Higher legal fees later
At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, you can meet with us in a confidential consultation without having to commit to hiring us. An experienced divorce lawyer can review the facts of your case with you, learn about your needs and goals, explain how South Carolina divorce law works, and discuss how we may help you.
Can You Reduce the Cost of a Divorce in South Carolina?
You can reduce the cost of a divorce in South Carolina in several ways, including the following:
- Gathering financial documents ahead of time
- Preparing for meetings with attorneys in advance to lower the cost of attorneys’ fees
- Staying calm and avoiding unnecessary fights
- Resolving disputes cooperatively through mediation rather than litigation
A good way to save money is to work with an experienced attorney at McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, who knows how to work efficiently and resolve disputes effectively.
“Jim and Ed did a great job,” says one former client in a testimonial. “Very stressful situation and they did a great job in calming the waters. I truly believe they sincerely cared about me and my situation, and they saw the big picture even though I would get stuck in the nonsensical details. They got me more time with my daughter, and I am forever grateful. Thanks.”
Contact a South Carolina Divorce Lawyer
Don’t make the mistake of leaving the outcome of your divorce to chance. You deserve an attorney on your side who cares about your financial stability and long-term happiness. McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, has a tradition of helping people in York and Lancaster counties since 1977, and we have decades of experience to apply to your case.
Contact us today, and let us help you resolve your divorce with your financial well-being in mind. Your consultation is fully confidential.
