Anderson Divorce Records
Anderson divorce records are filed at the Anderson County Family Court. Anderson is the county seat of Anderson County and home to approximately 30,000 residents. It is the largest city in the Upstate region outside of Greenville and Spartanburg. All divorce cases for Anderson residents are handled by the Anderson County Family Court, and the Clerk of Court maintains all divorce files and provides copies of decrees and related case documents.
Anderson Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Anderson
Anderson residents file for divorce at the Anderson County Family Court, which is located in downtown Anderson. As the county seat, Anderson is home to the courthouse that handles all family court matters for the county. This is where you submit your divorce complaint, attend hearings, and get certified copies of divorce records in Anderson.
| Court | Anderson County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 S Main St Anderson, SC 29624 |
| Phone | (864) 260-4053 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | andersoncountysc.org |
The Anderson County courthouse is located in the heart of downtown Anderson on South Main Street. Parking is available in the surrounding area. Security screens all visitors at the entrance. Bring a photo ID when visiting to file papers or search for divorce records in Anderson.
How to Search Anderson Divorce Records
Anderson divorce records can be searched online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or in person at the Anderson County courthouse. For basic case details, the online index is a fast and free option. A visit to the courthouse gives you access to the full case file and lets you order certified copies on the same day.
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org covers all Anderson County Family Court cases. You can search by party name or case number at no cost. The index shows filing dates, party names, and case status. For actual copies of filed documents, you will need to contact the Clerk of Court or go to the courthouse on South Main Street.
To search Anderson divorce records, have the following information ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if you have it
The Clerk of Court can assist with lookups and copy requests. Certified copies cost more than uncertified ones. Call (864) 260-4053 before visiting to confirm what to bring and what fees to expect when searching Anderson divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in Anderson
Anderson residents file for divorce under South Carolina law, the same process that applies throughout the state. Because Anderson is the county seat, the Family Court is right in the city, which makes the process convenient for local residents. Each document filed becomes part of the permanent court record, available to the public after the case concludes.
Before filing, you must satisfy the residency requirement under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30. At least one spouse must have lived in South Carolina for one year prior to filing. If both spouses are South Carolina residents, only three months of residency is required. Most Anderson residents can meet this requirement.
You file the complaint for divorce at the Anderson County Clerk of Court on South Main Street. The filing fee is approximately $150. After filing, you must serve the other spouse with the divorce papers. The Anderson County Sheriff's office, a licensed private process server, or other methods permitted by South Carolina law may be used. Proof of service is filed with the court to continue the case.
The no-fault ground for divorce under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 is living separate and apart for one continuous year. Fault grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Anderson residents must establish one of these grounds to obtain a divorce.
If both spouses agree on all issues, a written settlement agreement may be submitted for the judge's approval. The divorce decree dissolves the marriage and becomes part of the public record under the SC Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10).
Note: Marital property is divided through equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. The court addresses alimony, child custody, and child support within the same divorce case in Anderson.
Anderson Divorce Fees
Divorce fees in Anderson are set by the South Carolina court fee schedule and collected at the Anderson County courthouse on South Main Street. The standard fee to file a new divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fee amounts can change, so call the Clerk of Court at (864) 260-4053 to confirm the current schedule before you file.
Common fees for a divorce case in Anderson include:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$150.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If you have low income and cannot pay the filing fee, you may apply for a fee waiver under the in forma pauperis process. Submit a petition along with evidence of financial hardship, such as proof of public benefits or a low-income statement. The court evaluates your petition and decides whether to grant the waiver. Copies of Anderson divorce records also carry their own fees. Contact the Clerk of Court for current copy rates.
Legal Help for Divorce in Anderson
Anderson residents have access to legal resources for divorce cases through local and state programs. Free help is available to those who meet income guidelines, and attorney referral services can connect you with a family law lawyer who handles Anderson County cases. Whether you need advice before filing or representation throughout the process, these resources are worth exploring.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Anderson County. They provide free civil legal help to income-eligible residents, including those facing divorce. Visit sclegal.org to check eligibility and find the office that serves the Anderson area.
The South Carolina Bar's lawyer referral line is (803) 799-6653. The Anderson County Bar Association can also refer residents to qualified family law attorneys. The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org has step-by-step guides and court forms for those who want to manage their own case.
Anderson Community Resources
Anderson and Anderson County offer community services that can help residents navigate challenges that come with a divorce. These are not legal services, but they provide support in areas like child care, housing stability, and crisis intervention that often become urgent during a major life change.
Community resources available to Anderson residents include:
- Child care assistance programs
- Child protective services through SC DSS
- Child support enforcement through SC Department of Social Services
- Domestic violence legal advocacy
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing
- Crisis hotlines and counseling services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
Contact the Anderson County Department of Social Services for information on programs available in the Anderson area. For domestic violence help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 any time. For child support services, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Anderson
Anderson residents can file for divorce without an attorney, known as a pro se filing. This is most workable when both spouses agree on all terms and there are no major disputes over property, assets, or children. The Anderson County Family Court does not offer legal advice, but tools are available to help you prepare your own case.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers free downloadable court forms including the divorce complaint, response form, and related documents. Step-by-step filing guides are also on the site to walk you through each stage of the process in Anderson.
The Anderson County Clerk of Court can answer questions about which forms to use and how to submit them. Cases involving children require additional forms covering custody and child support. Call (864) 260-4053 before your visit to confirm what you need to bring for a pro se divorce filing in Anderson.
Divorce Certificates in Anderson
After your divorce is finalized in Anderson County, you may need a copy of the divorce decree or a divorce certificate. These documents serve different purposes. The divorce decree is the court's full order and is used for most legal matters. The divorce certificate is a brief state-issued document that confirms the divorce occurred. For most purposes such as name changes, estate matters, or remarriage, the decree is what is needed.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for South Carolina. You can request one by mail: Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree from an Anderson case, contact the Anderson County Clerk of Court on South Main Street. Because the courthouse is in Anderson, residents can stop in to request copies without a long drive. The decree is the most complete documentation of your divorce and is what most institutions require.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1962 to the present day in South Carolina.
Anderson County Divorce Records
Anderson is the county seat of Anderson County, and all divorce filings go through the Anderson County Family Court located here. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Anderson County divorce records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their own county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.