South Carolina Property Distribution Laws

South Carolina Property Distribution Issues & Resources


South Carolina Property Distribution



Each spouse is entitled to keep his or her separate property. Separate property is all property which was acquired prior to the marriage; acquired by gift or inheritance; acquired in exchange for non-marital property; or was acquired due to an increase in the value of any non-marital property.

All other property will be equitably divided based upon the following factors:

  • the duration of the marriage;

  • the age of the spouses;

  • any marital misconduct;

  • any economic misconduct;

  • the value of the marital property;

  • the contribution of each spouse to the acquisition of the marital property, including the contribution of each spouse as homemaker;

  • the income of each spouse;

  • the earning potential of each spouse and the opportunity for the future acquisition of capital assets;

  • the physical and emotional health of each spouse;

  • the needs of each spouse for additional training or education in order to achieve their earning potential;

  • the non-marital property of each spouse;

  • any retirement benefits;

  • whether alimony has been awarded;

  • the desirability of awarding the family home to the spouse having custody of any children;

  • the tax consequences; any other support obligations of either spouse;

  • any marital debts of the spouses;

  • any child custody arrangements; and

  • any other relevant factors.

South Carolina Law Links

Click Here for South Carolina Message Board