South Carolina Rules of Family Court – 2026

The South Carolina Rules of Family Court govern proceedings in the family courts, covering pleadings, temporary relief, discovery, hearings, and final orders in domestic and juvenile matters.

Last updated October 04, 2026

Browse all 34 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.

I. General Provisions

Rule 1 Title Rule 2 Applicability and Repealer Rule 3 Forms

II. Provisions Applicable to All Actions in Family Courts

Rule 6 Family Court Records Rule 7 Admissibility of Certain Documents Rule 8 Appearance of Counsel Rule 9 Conduct of Hearings Rule 10 Judges' Absence from State Rule 11 Jurisdiction of Judge of Adjoining Circuit Rule 12 Attorneys for Guardians Ad Litem Rule 13 Bench Warrants Rule 14 Rule to Show Cause

III. Provisions Applicable to Domestic Relations Actions

Rule 16 Continuing Jurisdiction Rule 17 Failure to File Answer Rule 18 Failure of Defendant to Counterclaim for Divorce Rule 19 Lis Pendens Rule 20 Financial Declaration Rule 21 Temporary Relief Rule 22 Interview with Child Rule 23 Presence or Testimony of Child Rule 24 Automatic Enforcement of Child Support and Periodic Alimony Rule 25 Discovery Rule 26 Orders Rule 27 Enforcement of Visitation Rule 28 Granting Certain Relief Without a Hearing

IV. Provisions Applicable to Juvenile Actions

Rule 31 Pre-adjudicatory Detention Rule 32 Detention Hearing Rule 33 Transfer of Venue Rule 34 Waiver Hearing Rule 35 Adjudicatory Hearing Rule 36 Right to Counsel Rule 37 Dispositional Hearing

V. Other Provisions

Rule 41 Counsel and Guardian Ad Litem Fees in Abuse And/or Neglect Proceedings Appendix of Forms