Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in South Carolina

May 5, 2023 Amanda

Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in South Carolina

Step	Description
1	Meet residency requirements: At least one spouse must have been a resident of South Carolina for at least one year before filing for divorce.
2	Fill out divorce forms: The spouse filing for divorce (the plaintiff) must complete a Summons and Complaint for Divorce form and other required forms.
3	File the forms: The plaintiff must file the completed forms with the family court clerk in the county where either spouse lives.
4	Serve the other spouse: The plaintiff must serve the forms to the other spouse (the defendant) in person or through a process server. The defendant then has 30 days to respond to the complaint.
5	Attend court hearings: Both spouses must attend a temporary hearing to discuss issues such as child custody, support, and property division. If the spouses can reach an agreement, the court may issue a final divorce decree without a trial.
6	Finalize the divorce: If the spouses cannot reach an agreement, a trial will be scheduled. The court will issue a final divorce decree after the trial.

Understanding Divorce in South Carolina

In South Carolina, you must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing for divorce.
The grounds for divorce in South Carolina are either a fault-based or no-fault based reason. Fault-based reasons include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use and desertion. A no-fault ground is when a couple has been living separately without cohabitation for at least one year.
You will need to complete and file several forms with the court including a Complaint of Divorce (Form SCCA400), Financial Declaration (Form SCCA415) and Certificate of Exemption from Court-Ordered Parenting Classes (if applicable).

Additionally, if there are children involved, it’s important to note that South Carolina requires both parents attend a parenting class prior to finalizing any custody agreement. It’s also recommended that couples seek legal representation during this process as laws can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances.

What is Divorce?

The divorce process can be emotional and stressful, but it’s important to understand that it’s a legal proceeding with specific steps that must be followed in order to obtain a final decree of divorce. It’s also important to note that every state has its own laws regarding divorce proceedings, so it’s essential to seek out accurate information pertaining specifically to South Carolina.

Grounds for Divorce in South Carolina

No-Fault Grounds

The only no-fault ground is when a couple has been living separately without cohabitation for at least one year.

If you’re filing on fault-based grounds, it’s important to note that you’ll need to provide evidence of the misconduct. This can include things like witness testimony or physical evidence such as photographs or text messages.

Residency Requirements for Divorce

It’s important to note that residency requirements vary from state to state and it’s essential to ensure you meet them before filing. Additionally, if you’re unsure whether or not you meet these requirements, seeking legal advice can be helpful in determining eligibility and navigating the process successfully.

Filing for Divorce in South Carolina

Filing for divorce is not always straightforward and can become complicated quickly depending on individual circumstances. Seeking legal guidance from an experienced family law attorney is strongly recommended throughout this process to ensure that everything is handled properly according to South Carolina laws and regulations related to divorce proceedings.

Initiating the Divorce Process

The first step in initiating the divorce process in South Carolina is filing a Complaint of Divorce with the court. This document outlines your reasons for seeking a divorce and what you hope to achieve through the proceedings. You’ll also need to pay a filing fee at this time.

After you’ve filed your Complaint of Divorce, you’ll need to serve your spouse with a copy of the paperwork. This can be done through certified mail or by hiring a professional process server. Your spouse will then have 30 days to respond to the complaint.

If your spouse agrees with all aspects of the divorce, they may file an Answer and Waiver agreeing to all terms outlined in your complaint
If they don’t agree or want different terms, they must file an Answer within 30 days outlining their objections
If no response is received from them after that time period has elapsed, you can request that the court enter a default judgement against them.

Completing the Divorce Forms

The following are some of the key forms you’ll need to complete:

Complaint for Divorce (Form SCCA400)
Affidavit of Service (Form SCCA415.10)
Financial Declaration (Form SCCA415)
Certificate of Exemption from Court-Ordered Parenting Classes (if applicable)

The Complaint for Divorce form is arguably one of the most important forms as it initiates your case and outlines what relief you’re seeking from the court. Your spouse will then be served with a copy of this document along with a summons to appear in court.

Filing the Divorce Papers with the Court

Once you have completed the necessary forms, you will need to file them with the court in the county where either you or your spouse resides. This can typically be done by mail or in person at the courthouse.

You will need to pay a filing fee when submitting your paperwork. The amount varies by county, but it’s generally around $150-$200.
After you’ve filed your paperwork, you will need to serve your spouse with a copy of the Complaint and Summons. This can be done by certified mail or through a process server.
Your spouse will then have 30 days to respond to the complaint. If they do not respond within this time period, they may forfeit their right to contest certain aspects of the divorce such as property division or alimony.

If both parties are able to come to an agreement on all issues pertaining to their divorce including child custody and support, spousal support (if applicable), and asset division, then they may enter into a separation agreement instead of going through a trial. However, if there is no agreement between both parties on these issues then it may be necessary for them go through mediation before heading towards trial.

Serving Divorce Papers in South Carolina

If you’re unable to locate your spouse, South Carolina law allows for service by publication. This involves publishing a notice in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks notifying them that they’ve been sued for divorce and providing information on how they can respond if they wish.

It’s important to note that once you’ve served your spouse, they will have 30 days (35 if served by mail) to respond before default judgment may be entered against them. If no response is filed within this time period, it’s possible that all requests outlined in the original complaint could be granted without further input from your spouse.

Service of Process

Once served, your spouse will have a certain amount of time (usually thirty days) to respond to the complaint. If they do not respond within this time period, you may be able to obtain a default judgment which means you’ll likely get everything you asked for in the initial filing. However, if your spouse does respond and contests any part of the divorce agreement, it’s important to seek out legal representation as soon as possible.

Methods of Serving Divorce Papers

In South Carolina, there are three methods of serving divorce papers:

Personal Service: This method involves physically handing over a copy of the Complaint for Divorce to your spouse. A process server or sheriff’s deputy can perform this service.
Certified Mail: You can also send a certified letter containing a copy of the complaint via certified mail with restricted delivery to ensure that it’s received only by your spouse or their authorized agent.
Publishing in Newspaper: If all other options have been exhausted and you’re unable to locate your spouse, you may be able to publish notice of the divorce proceedings in a newspaper. However, this is typically only allowed if extensive efforts have been made to locate your spouse and they cannot be found.

It’s important to note that whichever method you choose, proof of service must be provided to the court before any further steps can be taken in finalizing your divorce proceedings.

Proof of Service

Once service has been completed, you’ll need to file proof of service with the court. This document proves that your spouse was properly served and provides information such as when and how they were served.

If your spouse agrees to sign an Acknowledgment of Service form, this can be filed with the court as proof of service.
If your spouse cannot be located or refuses to accept service, you may need to hire a lawyer to request permission from the court for alternative methods of service such as publication in a newspaper.

It’s important to note that without proper proof of service, your divorce proceedings cannot move forward. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that all requirements are met before proceeding further in order for everything to go smoothly during this difficult time.

Responding to a Divorce Petition in South Carolina

If you’ve been served with a divorce petition, it’s important to act quickly and respond within 30 days of being served. Failing to respond could result in the court granting the other party’s requests without any input from you.

The first step is to carefully read the paperwork you received. This will include information about why your spouse is seeking a divorce and what they’re asking for in terms of custody, support, and property division.
Next, you’ll need to file an answer with the court that addresses each point brought up in the initial complaint. Your response should state whether or not you agree with each request made by your spouse.
After filing your answer, there may be a period of discovery where both parties exchange financial records and other relevant information related to their case. Mediation may also be ordered during this time as an attempt to resolve any issues outside of court.

Answering the Divorce Petition

Once the divorce petition has been filed and served, the other spouse will have an opportunity to respond. This is typically done by filing an Answer or Counterclaim with the court.

If you are served with a divorce petition in South Carolina, it’s important to take action promptly. You generally have 30 days from the date of service to file a response with the court. If you fail to do so, your spouse may be granted a default judgment which could impact issues such as property division and spousal support.

The answer should address each of the allegations made in the complaint.
You can also raise any counterclaims or affirmative defenses that you may have. For example, if your spouse is alleging adultery as grounds for divorce, you could potentially raise an affirmative defense such as condonation (meaning that you forgave your spouse’s past infidelity).

Counterclaiming in a Divorce

If you’re considering filing a counterclaim, it’s important to understand that this can prolong the length of the divorce proceedings and increase legal fees. However, there are situations where it may be necessary or beneficial:

If you believe your spouse has committed adultery or other misconduct
If you disagree with your spouse’s proposed child custody arrangement
If you believe your spouse is hiding assets or income

It’s also important to note that South Carolina is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property will be divided fairly but not necessarily equally. If you’re concerned about how assets will be divided during a divorce proceeding, speaking with an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected.

Default Divorce

When one spouse files for divorce and the other fails to respond or participate in the process, it’s known as a default divorce. In South Carolina, if you’re seeking a default divorce, there are specific steps that must be followed.

You must serve your spouse with notice of the divorce action by certified mail or through personal service by a process server. If they fail to respond within 30 days of being served, you can request that the court enter a default judgment against them.
The next step is to file an Affidavit for Default Judgment along with proposed orders outlining how you’d like property division and any child custody agreements to be handled.

It’s important to note that even in cases of default divorces, it’s highly recommended that both parties seek legal representation. An attorney can ensure that all necessary forms are filed correctly and advise on any potential issues that may arise during proceedings.

Temporary Orders and Hearings in South Carolina Divorce Cases

If a hearing is necessary to determine these temporary orders or any other issues during the divorce proceedings, you’ll receive notice of when and where it will take place. It’s important to attend all hearings as missing one could result in a default judgment being issued against you.

You should prepare your case carefully prior to any hearing by gathering all relevant evidence
You may also want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you at the hearing
After the hearing, a judge will issue an order which sets out what arrangements will apply until the final decree is granted.

Temporary Orders in South Carolina Divorce Cases

Spousal Support

In some cases, temporary spousal support may be awarded if one spouse needs financial assistance during the divorce process.

Restraining Orders

If there has been any domestic violence or abuse, a restraining order may be requested as part of temporary orders to provide protection until a final decree is reached.

It’s important to note that these temporary orders are not permanent and do not necessarily reflect what will ultimately happen in terms of property division or child custody arrangements. They simply serve as guidelines until a final agreement can be reached through mediation or court proceedings.

Requesting a Temporary Hearing

During the divorce process, it’s common for one or both parties to request a temporary hearing in order to address issues such as child custody and support, spousal support, and property division until the final decree of divorce is issued.

In South Carolina, either party can request a temporary hearing by filing a Motion for Temporary Relief.
The court will set a date for the hearing and notify both parties.
At the hearing, each party will have an opportunity to present evidence and argue their case regarding any disputed issues.
The judge will then make temporary orders based on what they deem fair and equitable under the circumstances until the final decree of divorce is issued.

If you’re considering requesting a temporary hearing during your divorce proceedings, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through this process.

Attending a Temporary Hearing

After filing for divorce in South Carolina, it’s common for the court to schedule a temporary hearing. This is an opportunity for the court to issue temporary orders regarding things like child custody, visitation and support as well as spousal support or exclusive use of marital property.

The purpose of this hearing is typically to establish some stability while both parties navigate through the remainder of the divorce proceedings.
It’s important to note that any orders issued at this hearing are not necessarily final and can be modified later on in the process.
If you’re facing a temporary hearing, it’s essential that you have legal representation. Your attorney can help prepare you for what to expect and make sure your rights are protected throughout this stage of the process.

Discovery and Disclosure in South Carolina Divorce Cases

If you’re going through a divorce in South Carolina, it’s important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through this often complex process while protecting your legal rights and best interests.

The Discovery Process

During the divorce process, there is a stage called discovery. This is the period where each party gathers information about the other in order to build their case. The purpose of this stage is to ensure that both parties have a complete understanding of all assets and debts before agreeing on how they will be divided.

The discovery process can include written questions, requests for documents or depositions (recorded interviews with witnesses).
If either party refuses to comply with the discovery requests, they may be held in contempt of court.
This stage can take several months or longer depending on the complexity of the case.

Types of Discovery in South Carolina

Requests for Production

This type of discovery involves asking for documents or items to be produced. For example, you may request bank statements, tax returns or property appraisals.

Depositions

A deposition involves giving sworn testimony outside of court before trial. During a deposition, attorneys for both parties can ask questions and receive answers under oath from witnesses or the opposing party.

If either party refuses to comply with discovery requests, they may face legal consequences such as fines or sanctions by the court. It’s also worth noting that while discovery can help uncover valuable information in a divorce case, it can also add additional time and expenses to proceedings.

Disclosure of Assets and Debts

When filing for divorce in South Carolina, both parties are required to provide a full disclosure of all assets and debts. This includes all bank accounts, investments, property owned, retirement accounts and any other financial information deemed relevant. The purpose of this disclosure is to ensure that the division of marital property is fair and equitable.

It’s important to be as thorough as possible when filling out financial documents. Hiding assets or lying about debts can result in severe legal consequences.
If either party suspects that the other has not provided an accurate accounting of their finances, they may request discovery – a process by which each side can request additional documentation from the other.

If you’re unsure about how to properly disclose your finances during the divorce process, it’s recommended that you seek advice from a qualified attorney who specializes in family law. An experienced lawyer can help guide you through this complex aspect of the proceedings and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

Settlement Negotiations in South Carolina Divorce Cases

No matter what option you choose, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations under South Carolina law. This includes understanding issues like child custody, spousal support, property division and more. An experienced attorney can help guide you through this process and ensure that your interests are protected throughout.

Negotiating a Settlement Agreement

Once a couple has filed for divorce, they will need to negotiate a settlement agreement that outlines how assets and debts will be divided, as well as any child custody or support arrangements. Negotiating an agreement outside of court can save time and money.

Hire a mediator: A mediator is a neutral third party who can help facilitate discussions between both parties to reach an agreement.
Divide assets and debts: Make a list of all the property and debt that was acquired during the marriage. Decide how these items should be divided between both parties.
Create a parenting plan: If there are children involved in the divorce, create a detailed parenting plan outlining each parent’s responsibilities and visitation rights.

If you’re unable to come to an agreement outside of court, then you may need to go through mediation or even trial before obtaining your final decree of divorce.

Mediation and Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods

Mediation: This involves a neutral third party who works with both parties to help them come to an agreement on various issues related to the divorce.
Collaborative Divorce: This is a process where each spouse hires their own attorney but agrees not to go to court. Instead, they work together with other professionals such as financial advisors or therapists in order to come up with a mutually beneficial solution that meets everyone’s needs.
Arbitration: In this process, both parties agree on an arbitrator who will make decisions for them regarding specific issues related to the divorce. The decision of the arbitrator is legally binding.

If you’re considering using mediation or another alternative dispute resolution method during your divorce proceedings, it’s important that you speak with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and help you determine which option may be best suited for your individual situation.

Drafting a Settlement Agreement

Once the grounds for divorce have been established, it’s important to draft a settlement agreement that outlines how assets and debts will be divided, as well as any custody arrangements if children are involved. This can either be done through mediation or with the assistance of an attorney.

A property division agreement should list all assets and debts accrued during the marriage and determine how they will be divided between both parties.
If there are children involved, a parenting plan should outline custody arrangements including visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities and child support obligations.
The settlement agreement must comply with South Carolina law in order to be legally binding. It’s recommended that each party seeks legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected throughout this process.

Trial in South Carolina Divorce Cases

In South Carolina, a trial may be necessary if the couple is unable to reach an agreement on issues such as property division, child custody and support payments. During the trial, both parties will present evidence and witnesses to support their case.

Before the trial begins, there may be a pre-trial hearing where any outstanding issues can be resolved without going through a full trial.
If the case does go to trial, it’s important to have legal representation. A judge will make decisions based on what is in the best interest of any children involved as well as equitable distribution of assets and debts.
The length of time for a divorce case to go to trial can vary depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking however, trials tend to take longer than reaching agreements outside of court.

Preparing for Trial

Gather evidence: If there are any issues that will be contested at trial, such as child custody or division of assets, gather all necessary documents and evidence in advance.
Hire an attorney: It’s highly recommended that you hire an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the trial process and represent your interests in court.
Dress appropriately: While this may seem like a small detail, dressing appropriately for court can help show respect for the legal process and present yourself in a professional manner before the judge.

Remember that trials are formal proceedings with specific rules of procedure. Be sure to listen carefully to instructions from the judge or your attorney, stay calm and composed throughout the proceedings, and answer questions truthfully when called upon by either side.

Presenting Evidence at Trial

If there are children involved, custody arrangements will also need to be determined. In South Carolina, courts use what is known as the “best interest of the child” standard when making custody decisions. This means that they will consider factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to provide for them financially and emotionally, and any history of abuse or neglect.

In conclusion, divorce can be a difficult process but understanding the specific laws surrounding it can make things easier. It’s important to seek out accurate information pertaining specifically to South Carolina and consult with legal professionals if necessary.

Finalizing the Divorce Decree

Once all necessary paperwork has been filed and any required waiting periods have passed, a final hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing, the judge will review the documents and ask any necessary questions before signing off on the divorce decree.

It’s important to note that if there are children involved, custody arrangements and child support payments must be agreed upon by both parties or decided by the court before the divorce can be finalized. Once everything has been approved by the judge, both parties will receive a copy of the final decree of divorce.

If either party wishes to appeal any part of the judgment or ruling, they have 30 days from when it was issued to do so.
The length of time it takes for a divorce to become finalized in South Carolina can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances such as whether there are contested issues regarding property division or child custody.

Post-Divorce Issues in South Carolina

Once the divorce is finalized, there may still be post-divorce issues that arise. It’s important to understand your rights and obligations as outlined in your divorce decree and to seek legal advice if any disputes or disagreements arise.

If child custody was awarded, either parent can petition the court for a modification of the order if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. This could include things like one parent relocating or a change in income for either party.
If alimony was awarded, either party can request a modification based on changed circumstances such as job loss or illness.

It’s also important to ensure that all property division is executed properly after the finalization of the divorce. This includes transferring ownership of any jointly owned property, changing titles on vehicles or other assets, and executing any required documents with financial institutions.

Enforcement of the Divorce Decree

In any case where a party violates the terms of a divorce decree, it’s essential that you speak with an experienced family law attorney immediately. They can help guide you through your legal options and ensure your rights are protected throughout every step of this process.

Modification of Custody and Support Orders

Custody Modification

To modify a custody order, you’ll need to file a Motion to Modify Custody with the court and provide evidence that shows why the current arrangement is no longer in the best interest of the child. A judge will then review all evidence presented and make a decision based on what they feel is in the best interest of the child.

Child Support Modification

If you wish to modify your child support agreement, you must file an application with Child Support Services (CSS) or through Family Court. The reason for modification must meet certain criteria such as loss of income or increased medical expenses. CSS will use an equation based on each parent’s income and percentage of custody time to determine what amount should be paid moving forward.

It’s important to note that any changes made do not apply retroactively – meaning any payments missed before filing for modification cannot be recouped. Seeking legal representation during these proceedings can help ensure your rights are protected and everything is done according to state law.

Appealing the Divorce Decree

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to appeal a divorce decree:

The deadline for filing an appeal varies by state but is typically within 30-60 days of the final ruling.
You must have valid grounds for your appeal such as fraud, coercion or procedural errors made by the court during proceedings.
An appeals court will not review evidence that was not presented at trial unless there is a compelling reason why it wasn’t included initially.

If you’re considering appealing your divorce decree, it’s highly recommended that you seek legal counsel who can advise on whether or not this is a viable course of action given your individual circumstances.

Conclusion

To summarize:

In order to file for divorce in South Carolina, you must have lived in the state for at least one year.
You will need to complete and file several forms with the court including a Complaint of Divorce (Form SCCA400), Financial Declaration (Form SCCA415) and Certificate of Exemption from Court-Ordered Parenting Classes (if applicable).
The grounds for divorce in South Carolina are either no-fault based or fault-based reasons which include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use and desertion.

While navigating a divorce can be challenging, remember that there is support available to you. Take care of yourself during this time both emotionally and legally by seeking out accurate information about your rights as well as finding resources such as counseling or therapy services if needed.

FAQ on ‘Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in South Carolina’

What are the grounds for divorce in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, you can file for a no-fault divorce based on living separate and apart without cohabitation for at least one year. You can also file for a fault-based divorce, which includes adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and drug abuse.

What documents do I need to file for divorce in South Carolina?

You will need to fill out and file a summons, complaint for divorce, financial declaration form, and any other forms required by your county court. You may also need to provide proof of residency and serve your spouse with the divorce papers.

How long does it take to get divorced in South Carolina?

The timeline for getting divorced in South Carolina varies depending on several factors, such as whether it is contested or uncontested. Generally, it takes at least three months from the time of filing to finalize an uncontested divorce. A contested divorce can take much longer.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in South Carolina?

No, you are not required by law to hire a lawyer when filing for divorce in South Carolina. However, it is recommended that you seek legal advice as the process can be complicated and may involve issues such as property division and child custody.