South Carolina Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources: Walk In Prepared
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Custody in South Carolina is decided in the Family Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.
The wording differs from state to state, so read the official South Carolina documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.
Official South Carolina custody resources
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South Carolina family law forms (official index) (South Carolina judicial branch): The official statewide collection of South Carolina family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.sccourts.org/forms
South Carolina court 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
South Carolina mediation and dispute resolution (South Carolina judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a South Carolina family case without a trial. https://www.sccourts.org/adr
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/
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/opinions-orders/court-orders/court-rule-maintenance/
Verified official South Carolina custody documents
These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.
Proposed Parenting Plan (SCCA466), form SCCA466 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://sccourts.org/media/forms/pdf/SCCA466.pdf
Official 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 Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.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
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. South Carolina's 46 counties are grouped into 16 judicial circuits, each with a Family Court.
Does South Carolina favor one parent over the other?
Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official South Carolina forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.
Do we have to go to mediation first?
Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official South Carolina mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.
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