SC legislator proposes shortening time for divorce

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A proposed amendment to the South Carolina constitution would allow couples to divorce after 150 days of separation, rather than one year.

Rep. Walt McLeod says he proposed the change for couples seeking a no-fault divorce after a constituent told him the year-long wait extended his parents’ bickering and the pain that causes children.

The 74-year-old Little Mountain Democrat told a House panel on Thursday that South Carolina is out of sync with other states, including Georgia, which sets no time requirement. However, one spouse has to be a Georgia resident for at least six months.

Debate was postponed so the panel could hear from representatives of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and Palmetto Family Council.

South Carolina was among the last states nationwide to allow divorce in 1949.