South Carolina · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

South Carolina divorce forms and filing fees

The paperwork side of a divorce in South Carolina: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, the filing fee, how to ask for a fee waiver and which court to file in.

The short answer

What it costs to file in South Carolina: $150 to file a divorce action (SC Judicial Branch, Family Court Filing Fees). If you can't pay: Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (form SCCA 405), included in the simple divorce packet.

Filing fee
$150
Court
Family Court in the county where you or your spouse lives

Official divorce forms for South Carolina

Agreeing on everything? See Uncontested divorce in South Carolina.

Filing fee in South Carolina

  • $150 to file a divorce action (SC Judicial Branch, Family Court Filing Fees).
  • No fee for the defendant's answer.

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in South Carolina

Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (form SCCA 405), included in the simple divorce packet.

Where and how to file

Court
Family Court in the county where you or your spouse lives

Filing your divorce papers in South Carolina, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (South Carolina courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Family Court in the county where you or your spouse lives.

  3. Pay the filing fee

    $150 to file a divorce action (SC Judicial Branch, Family Court Filing Fees).

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (form SCCA 405), included in the simple divorce packet.

  5. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in South Carolina

How much does it cost to file for divorce in South Carolina?

$150 to file a divorce action (SC Judicial Branch, Family Court Filing Fees). No fee for the defendant's answer.

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in South Carolina?

Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (form SCCA 405), included in the simple divorce packet.

Where can I get official divorce forms for South Carolina?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (South Carolina courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (South Carolina courts).

Which court handles divorce in South Carolina?

Family Court in the county where you or your spouse lives

More about divorce in South Carolina

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.