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.
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.
More Co-Parenting in South Carolina
Midlands Mediation Center — Family mediation services to help fathers and co-parents resolve custody, visitation, and communication disputes outside of court in the Col
Charleston Conflict Resolution Center — Mediation services for Charleston-area fathers and co-parents addressing family disputes and parenting plans. Mediators help parents negotia
SC Children's Trust – Family Strengthening — Programs to strengthen parent-child bonds and family relationships for fathers across South Carolina. The Trust funds local parent education
Upstate Mediation Center — Co-parenting mediation and conflict resolution for Spartanburg-area fathers and families. Trained mediators help divorcing and separated par
Family Connection of SC — Resources and peer support for South Carolina fathers and families navigating co-parenting relationships, special needs, and complex family
Horry County Family Court Mediation — Court-connected mediation helping Myrtle Beach-area fathers and co-parents resolve custody and visitation disputes before trial. Mediators w
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.