Charleston County Divorce Records
What Are Charleston County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Charleston County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Charleston County Clerk of Court's Office as part of their responsibility to document judicial proceedings within the county. Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 20-3-10 et seq., divorce records contain the formal documentation of divorce proceedings from filing to final decree.
Charleston County divorce records typically include:
• Case filings and petitions for divorce • Court orders and judgments • Property settlement agreements • Child custody and support arrangements • Name change authorizations (if applicable) • Final divorce decree
These records serve multiple purposes for governmental and individual needs, including providing legal proof of marital status change, documenting property division, and establishing child custody arrangements. The records are processed and maintained in accordance with South Carolina state law and local court procedures.
Charleston County Clerk of Court
101 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-5000
Charleston County Clerk of Court
Are Charleston County Divorce Records Public?
Charleston County divorce records are classified as public records in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and are generally accessible to members of the public. The Charleston County Clerk of Court maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Public access to divorce records is subject to the following conditions:
• Basic case information is available through the Charleston County Public Index • Complete case files may be viewed in person at the Clerk's office • Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40 • Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's identifying information are typically redacted before public access is granted • Cases that have been sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
While the majority of divorce records are public, South Carolina law provides for certain privacy protections. Documents containing sensitive personal or financial information may have restricted access or require court approval for release. Individuals seeking access to divorce records should be prepared to provide case numbers or names of parties involved to facilitate record retrieval.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Charleston County in 2025
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Charleston County may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The Charleston County Clerk of Court's Office serves as the primary custodian of all divorce records filed within the county jurisdiction. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-560, the Clerk is required to maintain these records and make them accessible according to established procedures.
To locate a divorce record in Charleston County, individuals may:
• Visit the Charleston County Judicial Center in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) • Provide the names of the parties involved and approximate date of divorce • Present a valid government-issued photo identification • Complete a records request form available at the public service counter • Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by county ordinance
For records dating back more than 10 years, requestors should note that older records may be archived and require additional processing time. The Charleston County Clerk's Office maintains a comprehensive index of divorce proceedings that facilitates the location of specific case files upon request.
Charleston County Judicial Center
100 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-5000
Charleston County Government
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Charleston County Online?
Charleston County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through its online services portal. The online services platform allows members of the public to conduct preliminary searches of divorce cases filed within the county. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-540, the Clerk of Court maintains these electronic indices to facilitate public access to court records.
The online search process includes the following steps:
• Navigate to the Charleston County Clerk of Court's online services portal • Select the "Public Index Search" option from the available services • Enter search criteria such as party names, case numbers, or filing dates • Review the search results showing basic case information • Note that only case summaries and docket information are available online • Full case documents require in-person requests or formal document orders
Users should be aware that the online system provides limited information and does not display complete divorce records or attachments. The system is designed primarily as an index to help locate cases rather than to provide comprehensive record access. For complete divorce records, individuals must contact the Clerk's office directly or submit a formal records request.
Online access is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for the online system is available during regular business hours by contacting the Clerk's Office IT support desk at (843) 958-5050.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Charleston County?
Charleston County provides limited free access to basic divorce record information through several public channels. In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(c), certain public records may be examined without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free divorce record access options include:
• In-person inspection of public divorce records at the Charleston County Judicial Center during regular business hours • Use of public access terminals located in the Clerk of Court's office lobby • Basic case information searches through the Charleston County Public Index • Reference assistance from law librarians at the Charleston County Law Library
Individuals seeking free access should note the following limitations:
• Staff assistance time may be limited during busy periods • Only basic case information is available without fees • Printed copies, certified documents, and extensive searches incur standard fees • Records requiring extensive redaction or special handling may not be available for immediate inspection
The Charleston County Law Library, located within the Judicial Center, provides public access computers where individuals may conduct research on divorce cases. Library staff can provide guidance on using legal research tools, though they cannot offer legal advice or interpretation of court documents.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Charleston County
Divorce records maintained by the Charleston County Clerk of Court contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. In accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 et seq., these records document all aspects of divorce proceedings from initial filing through final judgment.
A complete Charleston County divorce record typically contains:
• Summons and Petition for Divorce stating grounds and requested relief • Financial declarations from both parties • Property and debt division agreements • Child custody, visitation, and support orders (if applicable) • Temporary orders issued during proceedings • Depositions and discovery materials • Guardian ad litem reports (in cases involving minor children) • Final Decree of Divorce signed by the presiding judge • Post-judgment motions and orders (if applicable)
The records also document procedural elements including:
• Service of process verification • Scheduling notices and continuances • Mediation results and settlement conferences • Court reporter transcripts (if hearings were transcribed) • Exhibits entered into evidence
These records are organized chronologically within case files and indexed according to the Charleston County Clerk of Court's record management system. The level of detail contained in divorce records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether matters were contested or resolved through settlement.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Charleston County?
Official proof of divorce in Charleston County is available through certified copies of divorce decrees issued by the Clerk of Court. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-570, the Clerk is authorized to certify copies of court records under the official seal of the court.
To obtain certified proof of divorce, requestors must:
• Submit a written request to the Charleston County Clerk of Court • Provide the names of both parties to the divorce • Include the approximate date of divorce (month and year) • Present valid photo identification • Pay the certification fee of $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page • Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting by mail
For expedited service, individuals may visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours. Certified copies are typically available within 1-3 business days for recent divorces, while older records may require additional processing time.
Alternatively, individuals may obtain divorce verification through the South Carolina Department of Public Health, which maintains a statewide index of divorce reports. This verification provides confirmation of the divorce but does not include the detailed decree available from the Clerk of Court.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Charleston County?
Under limited circumstances, divorce proceedings in Charleston County may be granted confidential status. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-190 and Rule 41.1 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, courts may seal divorce records when compelling privacy interests outweigh the public's right to access.
Confidentiality in divorce proceedings may be established through:
• Motion to seal filed with the Family Court • Judicial determination that privacy interests outweigh public access rights • Protective orders limiting disclosure of specific sensitive information • Redaction of personal identifiers from publicly accessible documents
Grounds that may support confidentiality include:
• Protection of minor children from harmful disclosure • Prevention of identity theft through protection of financial information • Safeguarding information about victims of domestic violence • Protection of trade secrets or proprietary business information • Prevention of serious harm to reputation based on unfounded allegations
Even when records are sealed, basic case information typically remains in the public index, though detailed documents are restricted. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding the specific procedures and standards applicable to their situation.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Charleston County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Charleston County varies based on multiple factors established by South Carolina family law. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-80, the state imposes a mandatory waiting period before certain divorces can be finalized.
The timeline for Charleston County divorces typically follows these parameters:
• Uncontested divorces based on one-year separation: 3-6 months from filing to final decree • Contested divorces involving property division or custody disputes: 8-14 months • Complex divorces with substantial assets or contentious issues: 12-24 months • Divorces based on fault grounds requiring proof: 6-12 months
Procedural requirements affecting timeline include:
• Mandatory 90-day waiting period after filing before final hearing • Required financial disclosure and discovery periods • Mediation requirements in cases involving children • Court scheduling availability and docket congestion • Temporary hearings that may be required during pendency
The Charleston County Family Court maintains specialized dockets to process cases according to complexity. Simple uncontested matters may qualify for expedited processing, while complex cases are assigned to management tracks with structured pretrial procedures.
How Long Does Charleston County Keep Divorce Records?
Charleston County maintains divorce records in perpetuity in accordance with South Carolina judicial record retention policies. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-540 and the South Carolina Court Administration's Record Retention Schedule, divorce records are classified as permanent judicial records.
The retention system for divorce records includes:
• Active records (recent cases) maintained in the Clerk's office for immediate access • Semi-active records (5-15 years old) transferred to on-site archival storage • Historical records (over 15 years old) preserved in the county's secure records center • Digital conversion of older records according to the county's digitization schedule • Microfilm backup of essential documents for disaster recovery purposes
While all divorce records are retained permanently, the accessibility and storage format may change over time. Older records may require additional retrieval time and may not be immediately available for public inspection without advance request.
The Charleston County Clerk of Court implements preservation measures for historical divorce records, including climate-controlled storage and conservation treatments for deteriorating documents. These preservation efforts ensure the long-term availability of divorce records for legal and historical research purposes.
How To Get a Divorce In Charleston County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Charleston County must follow procedures established under South Carolina family law. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, jurisdiction for divorce actions resides with the Family Court division of the Charleston County Circuit Court.
The process for obtaining a divorce includes these essential steps:
• Establishing residency requirements (plaintiff or defendant must have resided in South Carolina for at least one year, or both parties for three months) • Determining appropriate grounds for divorce under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 • Preparing and filing a Summons and Complaint with the Family Court • Paying the required filing fee ($150 as of 2025) • Serving the non-filing spouse according to court rules • Attending required hearings and mediation sessions • Submitting a proposed Final Decree for judicial approval
Charleston County provides self-help resources for individuals proceeding without legal representation, though complex cases typically benefit from professional legal assistance. The Family Court maintains a Self-Help Center located at:
Charleston County Family Court Self-Help Center
100 Broad Street, Suite 143
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-5125
Individuals must meet South Carolina's grounds for divorce, which include one year of separation, adultery, habitual drunkenness, physical cruelty, or desertion. The one-year separation ground is the only no-fault option available under state law.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Charleston County
Charleston County provides multiple channels for obtaining divorce forms and documentation necessary to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-20, specific documentation is required to commence divorce actions in Family Court.
Divorce papers may be obtained through:
• The Charleston County Family Court Clerk's Office public counter • The South Carolina Judicial Department's website, which provides standardized forms • The Charleston County Law Library's form bank • Legal aid organizations serving Charleston County residents • Private attorneys practicing family law in the jurisdiction
Required forms typically include:
• Family Court Cover Sheet • Summons (Family Court) • Complaint for Divorce • Financial Declaration Form • Certificate of Exemption from ADR (if applicable) • Service documents including Acceptance of Service or Affidavit of Service
The Charleston County Family Court Clerk's Office can provide basic procedural information regarding form completion but cannot offer legal advice. Staff can verify that forms are properly formatted for filing but cannot assist with substantive content.
Charleston County Family Court
100 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-5000
Charleston County Government
Lookup Divorce Records in Charleston County
Charleston County Clerk of Court records