How to Find and Get Copies of South Carolina Divorce Records
Where South Carolina Keeps Divorce Records
South Carolina divorce records are held by the Family Court in the county where the divorce was filed, not by a state office. There is no single statewide database you can search online. If you need a copy of a divorce decree, judgment, or other court papers, you contact the specific county's Family Court clerk — and which county matters, because South Carolina has 46 of them.
The Family Court clerk's office is the only place that issues certified copies of divorce documents. Certified copies are what you need if you're changing your name on a driver's license, updating a bank account, or proving marital status to a government agency. An uncertified photocopy from a website or a friend is not legally sufficient for those purposes.
If you don't know which county the divorce was filed in, you'll need to figure that out first — usually the county where at least one spouse lived at the time of filing. If you're still unsure, you can call the Family Court clerk in the county where you think it happened and ask them to check their records.
Key Takeaways
- Divorce records are kept by the Family Court clerk in the county where the divorce was filed, and each county maintains its own records.
- You can request copies in person, by mail, by phone, or sometimes online through the county's court system, depending on the county.
- A certified copy costs money (usually $10 to $25 per document) and takes one to three weeks by mail, or same-day if you go in person.
- If the divorce is very recent, the record may still be in the judge's office and not yet filed with the clerk, so timing matters.
- Some counties allow you to search their records online for free before you order, so you can confirm the case number and filing date.
How to Request Records by Mail or Phone
The most common way to get a copy is to contact the Family Court clerk's office by mail or phone. You'll need to provide the names of both spouses, the approximate year the divorce was filed, and ideally the case number if you have it. The clerk will locate the file and send you a certified copy.
Each county's clerk's office sets its own fee and processing time. Fees typically range from $10 to $25 per certified copy, though some counties charge extra for rush service. Processing time is usually one to three weeks by regular mail. You can call ahead to ask about the current fee and turnaround time for your specific county.
When you call or write, be clear about what you need: the divorce decree, the judgment, a specific motion, or all documents in the file. If you're not sure, ask for "a certified copy of the final divorce decree." Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you're mailing your request, and ask whether the clerk accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card.
Searching Online and Requesting in Person
Many South Carolina counties now allow you to search their court records online through the state's SCACIS system (South Carolina Appellate Case Information System) or through their own county website. You can search by case number, by the names of the parties, or by the year filed. This search is free and helps you confirm the case exists, find the exact case number, and see the filing date.
However, the online search does not always show you the full text of the divorce decree or judgment — it shows you that the case exists and basic information about it. To get the actual document, you still need to request it from the clerk.
If you go to the Family Court clerk's office in person, you can often get a certified copy the same day or within a few hours. Bring the case number if you have it, or the names of both spouses and the approximate year. The clerk will pull the file, make copies, certify them, and you pay on the spot. This is the fastest option if you're in or near the county where the divorce was filed.
What to Do If You Don't Know the County
If you don't know which county the divorce was filed in, you have a few options. First, check any documents you have from the divorce — the decree, settlement agreement, or correspondence from your attorney. These almost always list the county and case number.
If you don't have documents, call the South Carolina Court Administration office at 803-734-1800 and ask whether they can tell you which county. They may not be able to search for you, but they can tell you how to find out. You can also contact the county where you or your ex-spouse lived at the time of the divorce and ask the clerk to check their records.
Another option is to contact your former spouse's attorney, if you know who it was, and ask them for the case number and county. Attorneys keep records of their cases and can usually provide this information quickly.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies and Why It Matters
A certified copy is an official document stamped and signed by the clerk, stating that it is a true and accurate copy of the original on file. Government agencies, banks, employers, and courts accept certified copies as proof of divorce. An uncertified copy is just a photocopy with no official seal or signature.
You need a certified copy when you're changing your legal name, updating your marital status with the Social Security Administration, applying for a passport, changing beneficiaries on insurance or retirement accounts, or proving to a court that you are divorced. Most of these agencies will not accept an uncertified copy.
Certified copies cost more than uncertified copies (usually $15 to $25 versus $5 to $10), but they are worth the cost because they are the only version that will be accepted for official purposes. If you're not sure whether you need a certified copy, ask the agency or court that is requesting the document.
What Happens If the Divorce Is Very Recent
If the divorce was finalized very recently — within the last few weeks — the record may not yet be in the clerk's file. After the judge signs the decree, it goes to the judge's office first, then to the clerk's office to be filed and indexed. This process usually takes one to two weeks, but can take longer if the court is busy.
If you call the clerk and they tell you the record is not yet filed, ask when it is expected. You can also ask whether the judge's office will provide you with a copy directly, though this is less common. In the meantime, you may be able to use a letter from your attorney stating that the divorce was finalized, though this is not a substitute for the official decree.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times by County
South Carolina counties do not have a uniform fee schedule for certified copies. The cost depends on the county and sometimes on how many pages the document is. Most counties charge between $10 and $25 for a certified copy of a divorce decree.
Payment methods vary by county. Some accept checks or money orders only; others accept credit cards or electronic payment. When you contact the clerk's office, ask what payment methods they accept and whether they offer rush service for an additional fee.
Processing time also varies. If you request by mail, expect one to three weeks. If you request by phone and pay by credit card, some counties will mail it within a few days. If you go in person, you may get it the same day. Call your county's clerk's office to ask about their specific timeline and any options for faster service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a divorce record if I'm not one of the people in the divorce?
Yes. Divorce records are public documents in South Carolina. Anyone can request a copy, though you will need to know the names of the parties and the county where the divorce was filed. The clerk will provide a copy to anyone who requests it and pays the fee.
What if my ex-spouse changed their name after the divorce?
The divorce record will show the names as they were at the time of filing. If your ex-spouse changed their name after the divorce was finalized, that change is recorded separately (usually with the clerk of court or vital records, depending on the method used). The divorce decree itself will not reflect the name change.
Do I need the original divorce decree or is a copy okay?
For most purposes, a certified copy is all you need and is actually preferred. Government agencies and courts want certified copies because they can verify the seal and signature. You should keep the original in a safe place, but you do not need to send it anywhere — send certified copies instead.
How long does a divorce record stay on file?
Divorce records in South Carolina are kept permanently. You can request a copy at any time after the divorce is finalized, even decades later. There is no time limit on how old the divorce can be.
What if the clerk says they can't find the record?
If the clerk cannot find the record after searching, ask them to check under both spouses' names and any former names. If it still cannot be found, ask whether the case might be in a different county or whether it was dismissed before the divorce was finalized. You can also ask the clerk to provide a letter stating that no record was found, which may be useful for legal purposes.