How Much Does a Divorce Cost in South Carolina?

Nobody ever expects their marriage to end in divorce. Going through a divorce, particularly an unexpected and contested one, can be one of the most overwhelming, traumatic, and emotionally exhausting times of your life. In addition, getting divorced can be considerably expensive. Unless you and your spouse are able to agree on everything in an uncontested divorce, you are likely going to ask yourself: How much does a divorce cost in South Carolina? If you’re navigating these challenges, consulting a Sumter divorce lawyer can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your unique situation.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in South Carolina?

There is no reliable way to determine the exact cost of a divorce in South Carolina. Every divorce case is different, with each one having its own specific set of circumstances and details that make them unique. When determining the total cost of your divorce, there are a number of significant factors that must be taken into consideration, as these factors may determine your divorce costs.

The more emotional, one-sided, and drawn-out the divorce process becomes, the more expensive it is likely to be. A contested divorce becomes contested mostly when one spouse feels slighted, betrayed, or concerned that they are not going to get what they deserve in a settlement.

They may try their hardest to drag the process out as long as they can with the hopes of draining your finances out of spite or pressuring you to give up your case. Here are some factors that may affect your divorce costs:

• Complexity of the Case: The more straightforward and simple a divorce case is, the easier it will likely be to settle. If it is easier to settle, it will likely be more cost-effective. The more complex a divorce gets, the harder it can be to finalize. If your divorce involves alimony, child custody arrangements, significant high-value assets, or overly complex finances, it can be very difficult to organize a quick and easy break from your spouse.
• Contested Divorce: An uncontested divorce typically goes smoothly. You and your spouse can talk through every aspect of your separation with the knowledge that a divorce is what is right for both of you. These divorces can be settled without a lawyer and may take very little time to finalize.If the divorce is contested, it may take more time, effort, emotions, and money. Regrettably, not everyone can work out an uncontested divorce.
• Lawyer Fees: Depending on how long the divorce process takes, you could start to amass quite a bit in lawyer fees. It is recommended that you retain experienced legal counsel when you are dealing with legal strife of any kind, so it is likely unwise to proceed with a vicious divorce on your own. Having a lawyer on your side who understands what is at stake and can offer assistance really can make all the difference.
• Alimony: One of the potential long-term fees that may come out of your divorce is alimony, also known as spousal support. Alimony is a recurring monthly payment from one spouse to the other after a divorce. It is ordered by a judge and can last for as long as the court deems necessary. Typically, it ends when the receiving spouse gets remarried or dies.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Average Divorce Cost in South Carolina?

A: There is no telling how much an average divorce might cost in South Carolina, as everybody’s divorce situation is different. There are many factors that can influence the amount you will end up spending on your divorce, including potential alimony payments, child support payments, complex asset division, financial disentanglement, lawyer fees, and how drawn-out the entire process becomes.

Q: How Can I Get a Free Divorce in South Carolina?

A: Typically, you can’t get a free divorce in South Carolina. Even in an uncontested divorce, you still have to pay a certain filing fee when you file the paperwork; however, there are multiple ways to try and reduce your total divorce costs. For example, when you go to the court to file your divorce paperwork, you can try to waive the filing fee by filing a Motion and Affidavit for Permission to Proceed in Forma Pauperis. If approved, the fee will be waived.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in South Carolina?

A: There is no way to tell how long it might take to get divorced in South Carolina. Every divorce case takes the necessary amount of time to finalize all terms. Many different factors are going to influence the amount of time your divorce might take, including whether it is a contested or uncontested divorce, whether there are grounds for a fault-based divorce, how many assets have to be divided, and whether there are children involved in a custody battle.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer to Get Divorced in South Carolina?

A: You do not necessarily need to hire a lawyer to get divorced in South Carolina. You are well within your legal rights to proceed with your divorce on your own without the help of experienced legal counsel, but it may not be wise to do so.

It is highly recommended to consult with a lawyer even if your divorce is uncontested, as things can quickly become contentious. The last thing you want is to be unprepared and lose drastically in your divorce because you never spoke with a lawyer.

Reach Out to an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Today

Getting a divorce can be a struggle, especially if the divorce is contested. It can be hard to face someone you once loved and realize things have irreparably changed. The longer your divorce takes, the more it is going to cost you. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you figure out a plan for your case and fight to make sure the outcome is beneficial for you.

The legal team at Kinney Law Firm understands how difficult it can be to work through a divorce. We are here to help you with yours. Contact us as soon as possible to speak with a valued team member about a consultation.