South Carolina Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in South Carolina — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official South Carolina government websites.
How South Carolina ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in South Carolina before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $110 in state filing fees . If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $7,500 — and filing costs between $80 and $140. Divorce filing in South Carolina starts at $150, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official South Carolina government and court websites and updated for 2026.
LLC Formation Costs in South Carolina
Full details →Forming an LLC in South Carolina requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $110 state fee. South Carolina does not charge an annual report fee, which keeps ongoing costs low. Your estimated first-year total including filing is $110+.
South Carolina does not require annual reports — but you still need to maintain a registered agent.
No annual report required — very low ongoing costs after formation.
Small Claims Court in South Carolina
Full details →South Carolina's small claims court — the Magistrate Court — handles disputes up to $7,500 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $80 and $140 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 3 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
South Carolina has higher-than-average filing fees. Factor them into your decision.
Divorce Filing Costs in South Carolina
Full details →Filing for an uncontested divorce in South Carolina starts at $150 in court filing fees. Cases involving minor children add a $25 surcharge. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $40. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
South Carolina is one of the more affordable Southern states for divorce. A one-year separation is required before filing, except in cases of adultery or abuse.
Notary Fees in South Carolina
Full details →South Carolina caps notary fees by law. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is $5 per signature. Jurat notarizations (sworn statements) cost up to $5. Remote online notarization is not yet available in South Carolina. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
$5 per act. RON not available in South Carolina.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in South Carolina
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official South Carolina filing costs.
How South Carolina Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina ◀ | $110 | $150 | $7,500 | $5 |
| North Carolina | $125 | $225 | $10,000 | $10 |
| Georgia | $100 | $200 | $15,000 | $2 |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states →
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