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South Carolina family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 2026

South Carolina Custody & Visitation

Current, source-linked South Carolina terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.

Legal information, not legal advice. South Carolina law and local practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the clerk of the Family Court receiving your case.

South Carolina terminology

Legal custody

The right to make major decisions for the child (education, health care, religious upbringing) — sole or joint.

Physical custody

Where the child lives and the schedule.

Visitation (parenting time)

The time a non-custodial parent has with the child.

Best interests

The standard; decided on the 17 factors in SC Code § 63-15-240(B).

Core rules

  • South Carolina uses 'custody' (joint/sole legal and physical) plus 'visitation' (parenting time)
  • The court decides custody on the child's best interests using 17 statutory factors (SC Code § 63-15-240(B))
  • South Carolina does not favor one parent over the other
  • A joint-custody order must include residential arrangements and a communication plan for major decisions
  • Family Court is the sole forum for custody and visitation matters

Support and modification cautions

South Carolina uses the Income Shares model for child support (SC Code Regs. 114-4720, 2024 guidelines). Custody may be modified on a material change in circumstances plus best interests; child support on a material change (e.g., substantial income change or a move across the shared-custody overnights threshold).

Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026

Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the clerk of the South Carolina Family Court handling your case.

Confirm current court fees and deadlines. Court fees, filing and response deadlines, hearing timing, notice periods, and local procedures can change or vary by South Carolina county and Family Court. Before relying on any amount or time period on this page, confirm the current amount or deadline with the court or Family Court clerk handling your case.