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South Carolina · SC

South Carolina Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation

A plain-English reference to South Carolina custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.

Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed South Carolina family-law attorney.

Primary law and terminology

S.C. Code § 63-15-230 and § 63-15-240. In South Carolina, courts generally describe the schedule as a parenting plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.

Joint custody and parenting time

No presumption; the court must consider joint or shared custody when either parent requests it.

Child preference

The child's reasonable preference is a statutory factor weighted by age and maturity.

Relocation and move-away cases

Latimer v. Farmer rejects a presumption against relocation; best interests control.

Changing an existing order

A substantial change of circumstances is required.

Where to file

Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). SC Code §63-15-220 requires a parenting plan in contested cases.

Build a workable South Carolina parenting plan

Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.

South Carolina custody questions

What are the custody laws in South Carolina?

South Carolina applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.

Can a parent move with a child in South Carolina?

Latimer v. Farmer rejects a presumption against relocation; best interests control.

How do I change a South Carolina custody order?

A substantial change of circumstances is required.

More South Carolina family-law resources

Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.

Last reviewed ·Reviewed by the CustodyTrac editorial team

How this is calculated

Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.

CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.