South Carolina is an equitable distribution state. Courts encourage the spouses to settle property and debts, but if they cannot agree, then the court will decide. The laws provide for equitable distribution of the marital property. This does not necessarily mean equal, but fair division is envisioned. Fairness is the standard courts use to divide marital property. When dividing property, the court considers many factors, including the duration of the marriage, the age of the spouses, the contribution of each spouse to the acquisition of the property and the income of each spouse.