What if the biological parent lives in South Carolina but I live in another state?

You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in South Carolina, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not South Carolina.

However, if you and the child live in South Carolina:

• You file in South Carolina Family Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in South Carolina or in another state
• The adoption follows South Carolina law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 6 months residency required (S.C. Code § 63-9-40)

If the biological parent lives in South Carolina and you live elsewhere:

• You file in YOUR state's court
• The biological parent is served at their South Carolina address
• South Carolina's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
• Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state

Cross-state service of process:

• A sheriff or process server in South Carolina can serve the biological parent
• If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in South Carolina
• If the parent's location in South Carolina is unknown, service by publication may be used

Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.