Easley Divorce Records
Easley divorce records are filed at the Pickens County Family Court, located in the town of Pickens. Easley is the largest city in Pickens County with approximately 22,000 residents. Although Easley is the most populous city in the county, the Pickens County courthouse is situated in the town of Pickens, the county seat. All divorce cases for Easley residents must be filed at that courthouse. The Clerk of Court maintains all divorce records and provides copies of decrees and case documents.
Easley Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Easley
Easley residents file for divorce at the Pickens County Family Court in Pickens, the county seat. Pickens is about 15 miles northwest of Easley along SC-8. This is the only court that handles divorce filings for residents of Pickens County, including Easley. You go here to file a new case, attend hearings, and get certified copies of divorce records from Easley cases.
| Court | Pickens County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 222 McDaniel Ave Pickens, SC 29671 |
| Phone | (864) 898-5863 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.pickens.sc.us |
The Pickens County courthouse is in the town of Pickens, a short drive from Easley. Parking is available near the courthouse. All visitors must pass through a security checkpoint at the entrance. Bring a photo ID when you go to the courthouse to file papers or request Easley divorce records.
How to Search Easley Divorce Records
Easley divorce records can be searched online through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index or in person at the Pickens County courthouse in Pickens. The online index is free and lets you look up basic case information quickly. Visiting the courthouse in Pickens gives you access to the full case file and lets you order certified copies the same day.
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org covers all Pickens County Family Court cases. Search by party name or case number at no charge. The index provides case status, party names, and filing dates. For copies of actual case documents, you need to contact the Clerk of Court in Pickens or go in person.
To search Easley divorce records, have the following ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if available
The Pickens County Clerk of Court can help with name searches and copy requests. Certified copies carry a higher fee than plain ones. Call (864) 898-5863 before your visit to confirm what you need to bring when searching Easley divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in Easley
Easley residents file for divorce following South Carolina law, the same process that applies statewide. Because Easley is in Pickens County, all divorce cases must be filed at the Pickens County Family Court in Pickens. Each document you file becomes part of the permanent case record, which is a public record once the case is closed.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, at least one spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for one year before filing. If both spouses live in South Carolina, three months of residency satisfies the requirement. Easley residents can generally meet this standard.
File the divorce complaint at the Pickens County Clerk of Court in Pickens. The filing fee is approximately $150. After filing, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The Pickens County Sheriff's office, a licensed private process server, or another method approved by South Carolina law can be used. Proof of service is filed with the court to allow the case to proceed.
South Carolina's no-fault divorce ground under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 is living separate and apart for one continuous year. Fault grounds are adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Easley residents must establish one of these grounds before the divorce can be granted.
If the parties reach a full agreement, a written settlement can be submitted for the judge's approval. The divorce decree is then signed, dissolving the marriage and creating a public record under the SC Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10).
Note: Property is divided through equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and child support are all addressed within the same case at the Pickens County Family Court.
Easley Divorce Fees
Divorce fees for Easley residents are based on the South Carolina court fee schedule and are collected at the Pickens County courthouse in Pickens. The standard fee to file a new divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fees can change, so call the Clerk of Court at (864) 898-5863 to confirm current rates before you file.
Common fees in an Easley divorce case include:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$150.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a waiver through the in forma pauperis process. A petition and supporting financial documentation must be submitted to the court. The court reviews your application and decides whether to grant the waiver. Fees for obtaining copies of Easley divorce records are separate, and certified copies cost more than plain ones. Contact the Clerk of Court for current copy rates.
Legal Help for Divorce in Easley
Easley residents can find legal assistance through state and local programs. Free civil legal help is available to income-eligible residents, and attorney referral services can connect you with a family law attorney who handles Pickens County cases. These resources can help you understand the divorce process and determine the best path forward for your situation.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Pickens County, including Easley, and provides free civil legal help to people who meet income eligibility requirements. Visit sclegal.org for eligibility details and contact information.
The South Carolina Bar's referral line is (803) 799-6653. The Pickens County Bar Association can also refer Easley residents to qualified family law attorneys. The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers court forms and guides for pro se filers who want to manage their own divorce in Easley.
Easley Community Resources
Easley and Pickens County provide community services that can help residents going through a divorce. These programs are not legal services, but they address everyday challenges like child care, housing, and emotional support that often become pressing during a divorce.
Community resources available to Easley 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 Pickens County Department of Social Services for information on programs serving Easley and the surrounding area. For domestic violence emergencies, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 any time. For child support help, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Easley
Easley residents may choose to file for divorce without hiring an attorney, known as a pro se filing. This is most practical when both spouses agree on all issues and there are no contested matters involving property or children. Because the courthouse is in Pickens rather than Easley, it is helpful to call ahead and confirm what forms and documents you need before making the trip.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers free downloadable court forms including the complaint for divorce, response forms, and other required documents. Guides on the site walk you through filing step by step.
The Pickens County Clerk of Court in Pickens can tell you which forms are required for your case and how to properly submit them. Cases involving children will also need custody and child support forms. Call (864) 898-5863 before your visit to ask about the specific requirements for a pro se divorce from Easley.
Divorce Certificates in Easley
After a divorce is finalized in Pickens County, you may need a copy of the divorce decree or a divorce certificate. The decree is the full court order and is needed for most legal purposes. The certificate is a shorter document from the state that simply confirms a divorce occurred. Most banks, courts, and agencies that need proof of divorce require the full decree rather than the certificate.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for all South Carolina divorces. Mail your request to Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy.
To get the full divorce decree for an Easley case, contact the Pickens County Clerk of Court in Pickens. The decree contains all the terms ordered by the judge and is the most authoritative proof of your divorce. It is the document you will need for matters like name changes, estate planning, or remarriage.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1962 to the present day in South Carolina.
Pickens County Divorce Records
Easley is located in Pickens County, and all divorce filings go through the Pickens County Family Court in Pickens. The county court handles all cases within the county. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Pickens 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.