Finding a Lawyer.

South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents. Handles family law cases including custody, divorce, and DV.

Website: sclegal.org

Phone: 1-800-927-0913

Online intake form available on their website to determine eligibility.

SC Access to Justice provides an interactive Legal Resource Finder to identify legal aid organizations you may be eligible for.

Website: scaccesstojustice.org

Help with family court cases: scaccesstojustice.org/family-cases

The SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) connects you with qualified, prescreened lawyers by area of law and location.

Website: scbar.org

The SC Bar also offers a Pro Bono Program for those who cannot afford an attorney.

YES — South Carolina has board certification. The Supreme Court of South Carolina Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization certifies attorneys as specialists in designated fields under Rule 408, SCACR.

A certified Family Law specialist has demonstrated substantial experience, peer review, and passed rigorous examinations. This is one of the few states with this credential (alongside AZ, IN, TX).

When hiring a lawyer, ask: “Are you certified as a Family Law specialist by the SC Supreme Court?”

• Board certification in Family Law (SC Supreme Court certified specialist)

• Membership in AAML (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers)

• SC Bar Family Law Section membership

• Experience with SC Family Court specifically (not just general practice)

• Familiarity with the 17 best interest factors (§ 63-15-240)

• Experience with de facto custodian cases (if applicable)

• Clear fee structure and communication

• Hourly rate: $200-$400/hour (varies by county; Charleston/Greenville tend to be higher)

• Retainer: $2,500-$7,500 typical for contested custody

• Flat-fee options available for uncontested divorces and simple modifications

• Some attorneys offer payment plans

• Ask about the scope of representation — what is and is not included in the fee

SC Judicial Branch Self-Help: sccourts.org/self-help

Self-Help Forms: LawHelp.org/SC — court-approved forms for divorce, custody, support, visitation, and OOP

Interactive online form completion via SC Legal Services — interview-style process

SC DSS Child Support Services handles enforcement and collection of child support orders.

Website: dss.sc.gov/child-support

Phone: 1-800-768-5858 (SDU)

Services include: establishing paternity, locating noncustodial parents, establishing/modifying/enforcing support orders, collecting and distributing payments.

SCCADVASA (SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault): sccadvasa.org

National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — 24/7

Sistercare (Midlands): sistercare.org

Safe Harbor (Upstate): safeharborsc.org

My Sister’s House (Charleston): mysistershouse.org