Columbia Divorce Lawyer

Columbia Divorce Attorney

When you file for a divorce in Columbia, you must then begin the process of legally separating your life from your partner’s. This process can be both complicated and emotional due to the intimate nature of your case, making it crucial that you have a skilled Columbia divorce lawyer by your side who can help you navigate your case. Attorney Garryl L. Deas has spent decades helping Columbia residents find effective divorce solutions and is ready to do the same for you.

​Choose the Deas Law Firm

​When you work with the Deas Law Firm, you can trust that a passionate legal professional can help you navigate complex, contentious divorce proceedings with confidence. Founding attorney Garryl L. Deas has extensive family law experience and has worked in local courts throughout the state, giving him a powerful advantage when helping his clients fight for their interests in family court. Don’t wait to see how the Deas Law Firm can help you through your divorce today.

​Requirements for Filing for Divorce in South Carolina​

As of 2025, South Carolina has a divorce rate of 2.2 divorces per 1,000 residents. A divorce in South Carolina is a tool that allows residents to permanently and legally dissolve a marriage. In order to file for divorce in South Carolina, there are certain requirements that you or your spouse must meet. These include:

• South Carolina’s Residency Requirements: The regulations mandate that you or your spouse must live in South Carolina for at least one year, or both spouses must live in South Carolina for at least three months, before filing for divorce.
• One-Year Separation Requirements: Unlike other states, South Carolina mandates that spouses must live separately for a full 12 months before they can legally file for a valid divorce.

Fault in South Carolina Divorces​

If one spouse is at fault for a divorce in South Carolina, this must also be considered by a local family judge. Fault-based grounds for divorce in Columbia can include:

• Adultery
• Physical abuse
• A spouse deserted the other spouse for at least one year
• A spouse is constantly under the influence of drugs or alcohol

What Elements Are Involved in a South Carolina Divorce?​

When you go through a divorce in South Carolina, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse must compromise on a variety of legal decisions. The main areas you must address during your Columbia divorce include:

• Alimony: Alimony is financial assistance that one spouse provides to the other following a divorce. Alimony can be granted if it is proven that the dependent spouse cannot support themselves without the financial support of the supporting spouse.
• Child Custody and Visitation: If children are involved in your Columbia divorce, you and your spouse need to agree on physical and legal custody. If you cannot make an agreement on your own or through mediation, the final decision will be made by a local family judge in Columbia.
• Child Support: After child custody determinations are made, you will then need to agree on child support payments to ensure your child can be cared for properly after the divorce is finalized. Child support in South Carolina is a legally mandated payment that one parent must make to their co-parent to ensure their child’s needs can still be met.
• Property Division: A divorce in South Carolina also comes with complex property division proceedings. Marital property in Columbia is divided based on equitable distribution laws. These laws consider the needs of each spouse, the value of the assets involved, and any marital misconduct that may have occurred. From there, courts work to divide property as they deem fair to each spouse.

Why Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Columbia, SC?

​Going through a divorce in Columbia can be an emotional, overwhelming experience to take on by yourself. When you hire a divorce lawyer like Garryl L. Deas, you can trust that you’ll have a legal advocate standing by your side as you go through complicated legal proceedings and negotiations. The right divorce lawyer can fight for your interests, help you fill out and file important documents, and give you powerful legal advice and support.

​FAQs About Columbia, SC Divorce Laws

​How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in South Carolina?

How much you pay your South Carolina divorce lawyer will depend on the details surrounding your case. For example, more contentious, complex cases tend to take longer to settle and ultimately cost more than simple, uncontested divorces that are filed without litigation. To learn more about the factors that may impact your divorce lawyer’s pricing, you should address all pricing concerns during your initial consultation.

What Is a Wife Entitled to in a South Carolina Divorce?

A wife, just like her spouse, is entitled to a fair division of her marital property, potential alimony or child support, and child custody rights. South Carolina courts do not favor wives over husbands when making divorce decisions and instead work to ensure that the child’s best interests are prioritized and that all spouses can care for themselves properly after a marriage ends. To learn more about what you may be entitled to in your divorce, consult a lawyer.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Divorce in Columbia, SC?

While you legally do not need a lawyer to file for divorce in Columbia, SC, it’s highly recommended that you retain legal counsel before proceedings begin. South Carolina divorces can become complicated quickly, and when disputes arise, it can be easy for your spouse to lie, hide information, or use their emotions against you. Securing legal counsel at the beginning of your case ensures your rights and interests are represented throughout your entire divorce.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in South Carolina?

​Divorce can be filed with or without fault-based accusations in South Carolina. If you’re filing with fault-based allegations, these specific grounds must be proven prior to filing for divorce. Fault can include infidelity, abuse, physically deserting a spouse for at least a year, or constant abuse of substances. If there is no fault, a couple must live separately for at least one full year before they can legally file to dissolve their marriage in South Carolina.

Contact the Deas Law Firm Today

​At the Deas Law Firm, Garryl L. Deas works tirelessly to protect the rights of South Carolina residents ending their marriages. He understands how daunting divorce proceedings can be and works to ensure your interests are advocated for throughout every proceeding you enter. To learn more about our compassionate, effective divorce services in Columbia, contact the Deas Law Firm today.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

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