Co-Parenting in South Carolina

14 verified resources.

About Co-Parenting for Fathers

Co-parenting programs help separated and divorced parents share custody constructively, minimize conflict, and raise children across two households. Most states require court-ordered parent education (often called 'parenting classes' or 'children first' programs) before finalizing a divorce or custody order involving minor children. These classes are usually four to six hours, available online or in person, and cost 5–$75. Private co-parenting mediation is available through court-based mediation programs (often free or sliding-scale) and through private mediators certified by state mediation councils. Digital tools like OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses provide court-admissible communication logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging — many family courts now encourage or require their use in high-conflict cases. This directory includes all three: state-required classes, mediators, and co-parenting apps.

Co-Parenting in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

14 Resources

1. SC Court – Parenting Plan Guide — Free

Guidelines and resources for creating effective parenting plans in South Carolina family courts. The online self-help portal explains required elements, sample schedules, and holiday divisions to help fathers and co-parents draft court-ready plans. Visit the website from any device. Gather existing orders, school and medical contacts, and a calendar before working through the guide to speed drafting.

24/7 online · Visit Website

2. Midlands Mediation Center — Paid

Family mediation services to help fathers and co-parents resolve custody, visitation, and communication disputes outside of court in the Columbia area. Certified mediators work with both parents on parenting plans and financial issues. Call the Main Street office to schedule a session during weekday hours. Bring existing court orders, school and medical schedules, and a list of issues you want to address.

803-799-0440 · 1800 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Charleston Conflict Resolution Center — Paid

Mediation services for Charleston-area fathers and co-parents addressing family disputes and parenting plans. Mediators help parents negotiate custody schedules, holiday time, and communication ground rules at the Meeting Street office. Call to set an appointment during weekday hours and confirm fees. Bring existing orders, school and medical contacts, and a list of key issues to your first mediation session.

843-723-4080 · 434 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

4. SC Children's Trust – Family Strengthening — Free

Programs to strengthen parent-child bonds and family relationships for fathers across South Carolina. The Trust funds local parent education, home visiting, and prevention programs designed to support healthy co-parenting. Call the Richland Street office or visit online to find a partner program in your county. Services are generally free and open to families with children at any age.

803-744-4030 · 1530 Richland St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Upstate Mediation Center — Paid

Co-parenting mediation and conflict resolution for Spartanburg-area fathers and families. Trained mediators help divorcing and separated parents create workable custody schedules and communication agreements before or during court. Call the Spartanburg office to schedule during weekday hours and confirm sliding-scale fees. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and a list of co-parenting issues you want to resolve.

864-585-2891 · PO Box 3264, Spartanburg, SC 29304 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

6. Family Connection of SC — Free

Resources and peer support for South Carolina fathers and families navigating co-parenting relationships, special needs, and complex family health situations. Staff connect callers with parent-to-parent mentors, training, and advocacy resources across the state. Reach the Columbia office by phone or visit online during weekday hours. Services are free and confidential for any family requesting support.

803-252-0914 · 1800 Main St #260, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Horry County Family Court Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation helping Myrtle Beach-area fathers and co-parents resolve custody and visitation disputes before trial. Mediators work with both parents on parenting plans, holiday schedules, and exchange logistics at the Conway courthouse. Call the family court during weekday hours to confirm requirements. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and the child's school and medical schedules to the session.

843-915-5280 · 1301 2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

8. York County Family Court Mediation — Free

Court-sponsored mediation services helping York County fathers develop workable co-parenting plans and resolve custody disputes. Sessions cover schedules, decision-making, and communication expectations at the York Highway courthouse. Call the family court during weekday hours to confirm whether mediation is required in your case. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and your child's school and medical schedules.

803-628-3076 · 1675 York Hwy, York, SC 29745 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Florence County Family Court Mediation — Free

Family mediation services for Pee Dee-area fathers and co-parents working through custody, visitation, and parenting-plan disputes. Mediators meet with both parents at the Florence courthouse to develop schedules and written agreements. Call the family court during weekday hours to confirm referral and cost details. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and the child's school and medical schedules to the session.

843-665-3089 · 180 N Irby St, Florence, SC 29501 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Lexington County Family Court Mediation — Free

Court-sponsored family mediation for custody, visitation, and co-parenting matters in Lexington County. Mediators help fathers and co-parents craft schedules and communication rules at the East Main Street courthouse. Call family court staff weekdays to confirm case-specific requirements and costs. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and your child's school, daycare, and medical schedules to the session.

803-785-8208 · 205 E Main St, Lexington, SC 29072 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

11. Beaufort County Mediation Program — Free

Family mediation services for Lowcountry fathers and co-parents addressing custody, visitation, and parenting-plan issues. Mediators meet with both parents at the Ribaut Road government complex to negotiate workable agreements. Call during weekday hours to schedule and confirm any fees. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and your child's school and medical contacts so the mediator can draft a complete plan.

843-255-5400 · 102 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Berkeley County Family Court Mediation — Free

Court mediation helping Berkeley County fathers and co-parents resolve custody and visitation disputes before a contested hearing. Mediators meet with both parents at the Moncks Corner courthouse to develop parenting schedules and written agreements. Call during weekday hours to confirm referral procedures. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and your child's school, daycare, and medical schedules.

843-719-4546 · 300 California Ave, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Aiken County Family Court Mediation — Free

Court-connected mediation helping Aiken County fathers and co-parents settle custody, visitation, and parenting-plan disputes outside of contested hearings. Mediators meet with both parents at the Park Avenue courthouse to produce written agreements. Call family court staff during weekday hours to confirm referral requirements. Bring existing orders, a calendar, and your child's school and medical schedules.

803-642-1725 · 109 Park Ave SE, Aiken, SC 29801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

14. OurFamilyWizard – SC Courts — Paid

Court-recommended co-parenting communication platform used across South Carolina family courts to document messaging, shared calendars, and expense records. The secure online tool helps fathers keep organized records for court review. Sign up online from any device, 24/7. A subscription is required, but fee-waiver programs exist for qualifying low-income parents through participating courts.

24/7 online · Visit Website

Co-Parenting — Common Questions

Is a parenting class required for divorce?
In most states, yes — a short court-approved co-parenting course (4–6 hours, 5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list.
What's the difference between mediation and court?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party helping both parents agree on a parenting plan. It's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. If mediation fails or one parent refuses, the court decides. Court-based mediation programs are usually free or sliding-scale.
Which co-parenting apps do courts accept?
OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are court-admissible in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and documentation judges will read if conflict escalates.
What is a parenting plan?
A written document (required in every custody order) detailing where the child lives, when each parent has parenting time, how decisions are made, how holidays are handled, how to resolve disputes, and how to handle changes. Courts provide templates; customized plans are stronger than boilerplate.