What does the cryptic crossword clue "US state split by ex-monarch's notary (9)" mean?

The definition is "notary". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). SC (synonym="South Carolina, ‘US state’") + RIVEN (synonym="‘split’") + ER (synonym="‘ex-monarch’") = SCRIVENER; definition: "notary" The answer is SCRIVENER.

US state split by ex-monarch's notary (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29178 | 5 Down | 2023-09-18 flower

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