Getting Married in South Carolina: Legal Requirements and Considerations

Both parties must appear in person at a South Carolina Probate Court to apply for a marriage license. You'll need to bring: 1) Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.), 2) Social Security numbers (cards not required), and 3) Payment for the license fee (varies by county, typically $35-70). There is a 24-hour waiting period after application before the license can be issued, and the license is valid for 30 days after issuance.

Fill out the marriage license application form provided by the Probate Court. Both parties must provide personal information including full legal names, dates of birth, places of birth, current residences, social security numbers, and information about previous marriages if applicable.

A prenuptial agreement can protect individual assets acquired before marriage and outline financial responsibilities during marriage. In South Carolina, prenups must be in writing, signed by both parties, and entered into voluntarily with full financial disclosure. Consider consulting with separate attorneys to ensure the agreement is fair and enforceable under South Carolina law.

Marriage automatically revokes a previously existing will in South Carolina unless the will specifically states it was made in contemplation of the marriage. Create or update your will to reflect your new marital status and ensure your spouse and any other beneficiaries are properly included according to your wishes.

This document allows your spouse or another designated person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. South Carolina has specific requirements for healthcare POAs, including witness signatures and notarization. The document should clearly state your healthcare preferences and who has authority to make decisions.

This document authorizes your spouse or another designated person to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In South Carolina, a durable power of attorney must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and notarized to be valid.

Review and update beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.), investment accounts, and other financial assets. These designations typically override will provisions, so it's important they reflect your current wishes regarding your spouse.

If either spouse is changing their name after marriage, you'll need to update your Social Security card first, then your driver's license, passport, and other identification documents. In South Carolina, your marriage certificate serves as legal proof for the name change process. The Social Security Administration and SC Department of Motor Vehicles have specific requirements for documentation.

Marriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance outside of open enrollment periods. Contact your health insurance provider or employer's HR department to understand the process and deadlines, which typically range from 30-60 days after marriage in South Carolina.

Decide whether to maintain separate accounts, create joint accounts, or use a combination approach. If establishing joint accounts, both spouses will need to visit the financial institution together with identification, marriage certificate, and possibly other documentation depending on the bank's requirements.

Your marital status on December 31st determines your filing status for that entire tax year. Research whether filing jointly or separately is more advantageous for your specific financial situation. South Carolina requires married couples to use the same filing status on both federal and state returns.

If moving in together, update your address with USPS, employers, financial institutions, and government agencies. Also update emergency contact information with employers, doctors, and other relevant organizations to include your spouse.