South Carolina Family Court Forms and Filing Resources

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South Carolina publishes its own official family law forms, filing instructions, and self-help materials, but they are spread across several government sites. This page organizes the official South Carolina sources in one place so you can go straight to the right court page for forms, e-filing, rules, and locations.

South Carolina's core family statutes live in the South Carolina Code Title 20 - Domestic Relations. The county Clerk of Court serves both Circuit Court and Family Court, so one office handles your family case filings.

How the South Carolina court system handles family cases

Family cases in South Carolina are heard in the Family Court. South Carolina has a dedicated Family Court for divorce, custody, and support.

South Carolina's 46 counties are grouped into 16 judicial circuits, each with a Family Court.

Appeals from a family case generally go first to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and the state's highest court is the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Besides the judge, a Magistrate / Commissioner may handle parts of a family case. Besides the judge, a magistrate, commissioner, or referee may hear temporary orders, child support, and uncontested matters - usually subject to a judge's review.

Official South Carolina resources

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South Carolina state courts website (South Carolina judicial branch): The official home of the South Carolina court system, with statewide news, rules, and links to every court. https://www.sccourts.org

South Carolina family law forms (South Carolina judicial branch): The official statewide collection of family law forms published for South Carolina cases. Start here when you need the current version of a form. https://www.sccourts.org/forms

South Carolina self-help resources (South Carolina courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own South Carolina family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.sclegal.org

SC Judicial Branch E-Filing (SC Judicial Branch): South Carolina's e-filing is for licensed attorneys only, and Family Court uses a separate attorney-only portal. If you are representing yourself, file your papers on paper with the Clerk of Court in your county. https://www.sccourts.org/e-filing-for-attorneys/

SC courthouse search (South Carolina judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your county, with locations and contact details. https://www.sccourts.org/courts/courthouse-search/

South Carolina rules of procedure (South Carolina judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in South Carolina. https://www.sccourts.org/courtReg

South Carolina mediation and dispute resolution (South Carolina judicial branch): Official information on mediation and alternative dispute resolution options for South Carolina family cases. https://www.sccourts.org/adr

South Carolina financial affidavit and disclosure forms (sccourts.org): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most South Carolina family cases ask for. https://www.sccourts.org/forms/

South Carolina child support guideline resources (sccourts.org): Official South Carolina child support guideline materials, worksheets, or calculators. https://dss.sc.gov/child-support/child-support-calculator/

SC Judicial Case Records Search (South Carolina courts): Look up existing case records. Access is listed as free and the system is organized mixed. https://www.sccourts.org/case-records-search/

Frequently used official South Carolina forms

These links open official South Carolina government form documents directly. Courts revise forms, so if a direct link stops working, use the statewide forms collection above to find the current version.

Financial Declaration Form (SCCA-430), form SCCA-430 (Financial Disclosure), official document: https://www.sccourts.org/forms/pdf/SCCA430.pdf

Summons (Family Court) (SCCA-401F), form SCCA-401F (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA401F.pdf

Complaint for Divorce (Self-Represented) (SCCA400.02), form SCCA400.02SRL-DIV (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA400.02SRL-DIV.pdf

Defendant's Answer (Self-Represented) (SCCA400.05), form SCCA400.05SRL-DIV (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA400.05SRL-DIV.pdf

Final Order of Divorce (Self-Represented) (SCCA400.10), form SCCA400.10SRL-DIV (Final Judgment / Final Orders), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA400.10SRL-DIV.pdf

Proposed Parenting Plan (SCCA466), form SCCA466 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA466.pdf

Petition for Order of Protection (SCCA425), form SCCA425 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA425.pdf

Petition for Citation for Contempt (SCCA427), form SCCA427 (Contempt / Enforcement), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA427.pdf

Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (SCCA405F), form SCCA405F (Fee Waiver), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA405F.pdf

Complaint to Decrease Child Support (Self-Represented) (SCCA400.21), form SCCA400.21SRL-CSM (Modification), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA400.21SRL-CSM.pdf

Filing fees: Divorce filing fee: ~$150.

E-filing link data for South Carolina was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find official South Carolina family court forms?

The official statewide source is the South Carolina judicial branch forms collection linked on this page. Always download forms from the official site so you have the current version, and check whether your county adds local forms or cover sheets.

Can I e-file my own family case in South Carolina?

South Carolina's e-filing is for licensed attorneys only, and Family Court uses a separate attorney-only portal. If you are representing yourself, file your papers on paper with the Clerk of Court in your county. The county Clerk of Court serves both Circuit Court and Family Court, so one office handles your family case filings.

How much does it cost to file a family case in South Carolina?

Divorce filing fee: ~$150. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.

Which court hears family cases in South Carolina?

Family cases in South Carolina are heard in the Family Court. South Carolina has a dedicated Family Court for divorce, custody, and support.