Charleston County Divorce Records

What Are Charleston County Divorce Records?

Charleston County divorce records are official documents that detail the legal dissolution of marriages within Charleston County, South Carolina. These records are maintained by the Charleston County Family Court and include all relevant information about divorce proceedings, from the initial filing to the final decree. They serve as legal proof that a marriage has been terminated and outline the terms of the divorce settlement.

Are Charleston County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Charleston County are considered public records under South Carolina law. This means that any member of the public can request access to these documents, with certain exceptions. While most information in divorce records is accessible, some sensitive details may be redacted or sealed by court order, particularly in cases involving minors, domestic violence, or when both parties agree to confidentiality.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Charleston County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Charleston County in 2025, you can:

1. Visit the Charleston County Family Court Clerk's office in person Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, Charleston, SC 29401

2. Submit a written request by mail to the Family Court Charleston County Family Court, Post Office Box 1688, Charleston, SC 29402

3. Use the South Carolina Judicial Branch's Public Index online

4. Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for divorce certificates SC DHEC Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201

You'll need to provide basic information such as the names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Charleston County Online?

To look up divorce records in Charleston County online:

1. Visit the South Carolina Judicial Branch's Public Index website
2. Select "Charleston County" from the county dropdown menu
3. Choose "Family Court" as the court type
4. Enter the name of either party involved in the divorce
5. Review the search results for case information

While this system provides basic case information, it may not include all documents. For complete records, you might need to visit the courthouse in person.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Charleston County?

You can find basic divorce record information for free in Charleston County by:

1. Using the SC Judicial Branch Public Index online (free to search)

2. Visiting the Charleston County Family Court in person to view records Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, Charleston, SC 29401

3. Checking with the Charleston County Library for public records access Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

While viewing records may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Charleston County

Charleston County divorce records typically include:

• Names of both spouses
• Date and location of marriage
• Date of separation
• Grounds for divorce
• Property division agreements
• Child custody arrangements
• Child support determinations
• Alimony or spousal support details
• Final judgment and decree
• Court orders related to the divorce

The level of detail can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether any information has been sealed by the court.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Charleston County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Charleston County:

1. Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Charleston County Family Court Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, Charleston, SC 29401

2. Apply for a divorce certificate from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control SC DHEC Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201

3. Submit your request with proper identification and the required fee

A certified copy of the divorce decree serves as legal proof of divorce and is accepted for most official purposes.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Charleston County?

While divorce records are generally public in Charleston County, there are ways to maintain some confidentiality:

1. File a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case
2. Use alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation
3. Settle matters privately before filing court documents
4. Include only necessary information in filings

A judge may grant confidentiality in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, sensitive financial information, or when both parties agree and present compelling reasons.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Charleston County?

The timeline for a divorce in Charleston County varies:

• Uncontested divorces: Minimum of 90 days from filing to finalization
• Contested divorces: 6 months to over a year, depending on complexity
• No-fault divorces: Require a one-year separation period before filing

Factors affecting timeline include court backlog, cooperation between parties, complexity of assets, and whether children are involved.

How Long Does Charleston County Keep Divorce Records?

Charleston County maintains divorce records indefinitely. These records become part of the permanent court archives and are never destroyed. Older records may be transferred to microfilm or digital storage, but they remain accessible through the Charleston County Family Court or the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223

How To Get a Divorce In Charleston County

To get a divorce in Charleston County:

1. Ensure you meet residency requirements (at least one spouse must have been a SC resident for at least one year)

2. Prepare and file a Summons and Complaint for Divorce with the Family Court Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, Charleston, SC 29401

3. Serve the divorce papers to your spouse

4. Wait for your spouse's response

5. Complete financial declarations

6. Attend mediation if required

7. Prepare for and attend hearings

8. Obtain a Final Decree of Divorce

The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Charleston County

To obtain divorce papers in Charleston County:

1. Visit the Charleston County Family Court Clerk's office Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, Charleston, SC 29401

2. Download forms from the South Carolina Judicial Branch website

3. Consult with the Charleston County Self-Help Center Charleston County Self-Help Center, 100 Broad Street, Suite 143, Charleston, SC 29401

4. Work with a family law attorney

5. Use legal aid services such as South Carolina Legal Services South Carolina Legal Services, 2803 Carner Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405

Basic divorce packets are available for self-represented litigants, though complex cases may require professional legal assistance.

Lookup Divorce Records in Charleston County

Search Charleston County Divorce Records Online

Request Certified Divorce Records from Charleston County Family Court

Order a Divorce Certificate from SC DHEC

Access Historical Divorce Records through SC Archives

Get Legal Assistance with Divorce Records from SC Legal Services