Lexington Divorce Records
Lexington divorce records are filed at the Lexington County Family Court, which is located right in the town of Lexington. Lexington is both the county seat of Lexington County and a fast-growing community of about 23,000 residents just west of Columbia. Because the Lexington County courthouse is in town, Lexington residents have direct access to the Family Court without any long drive. The Clerk of Court maintains all divorce files and provides certified copies of decrees and other case records.
Lexington Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Lexington
Lexington residents file for divorce at the Lexington County Family Court, located on East Main Street in downtown Lexington. As the county seat, Lexington hosts the courthouse that serves all of Lexington County. The court is close for residents throughout the town. This is where you file new divorce cases, attend scheduled hearings, and get certified copies of divorce records in Lexington.
| Court | Lexington County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 205 E Main St Lexington, SC 29072 |
| Phone | (803) 785-8212 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | lex-co.sc.gov |
The courthouse is centrally located in Lexington on East Main Street. Parking is available nearby. All visitors pass through a security checkpoint when entering. Bring a valid photo ID when coming to file documents or search divorce records in Lexington.
How to Search Lexington Divorce Records
Lexington divorce records can be searched online through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index or in person at the Lexington County courthouse. The online system is free and convenient for looking up basic case information. A visit to the courthouse lets you review the complete case file and get certified copies the same day.
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org covers all Lexington County Family Court cases. You can search by party name or case number at no charge. The index displays case status, party names, and important filing dates. For copies of filed documents, contact the Clerk of Court or go to the courthouse in person.
To search Lexington divorce records, have ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if available
The Lexington County Clerk of Court can look up cases by name and assist with copy requests. Certified copies are more expensive than plain ones. Call (803) 785-8212 before your visit to ask about fees and what identification to bring when searching Lexington divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in Lexington
Lexington residents file for divorce following the South Carolina process that applies statewide. Since Lexington is the county seat and the courthouse is right in town, filing is especially straightforward for local residents. Each document filed in your case creates a permanent court record, which becomes part of the public record after the case concludes.
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 reside in the state, the residency requirement is reduced to three months. Lexington residents generally have no trouble meeting this requirement.
The divorce complaint is filed at the Lexington County Clerk of Court on East Main Street. The filing fee is approximately $150. After filing, your spouse must be served with the divorce papers. The Lexington County Sheriff's office, a licensed private process server, or other methods permitted by South Carolina law can all be used. Proof of service must be filed before the case can advance.
The no-fault ground for divorce under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 is one continuous year of living separate and apart. Fault grounds are adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Lexington residents must establish one of these grounds before the court grants a divorce.
When both parties agree on all issues, a settlement agreement can be submitted for the judge's approval. The divorce decree is then signed, dissolving the marriage and entering the 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 divorce proceeding at the Lexington County Family Court.
Lexington Divorce Fees
Divorce fees in Lexington follow the South Carolina court fee schedule and are paid at the Lexington County courthouse on East Main Street. The standard fee to file a divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fees are subject to change, so call the Clerk of Court at (803) 785-8212 before you file to confirm the current schedule.
Common fees in a Lexington 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 may apply for a fee waiver through the in forma pauperis process. You must file a petition and show evidence of financial hardship, such as proof of public assistance or low income. The court evaluates your petition and decides whether to grant the waiver. Separate fees apply for obtaining copies of Lexington divorce records, with certified copies costing more. Contact the Clerk of Court for current copy rates.
Legal Help for Divorce in Lexington
Lexington residents can find legal help through state and local resources. Free civil legal assistance is available to qualifying individuals, and attorney referral services can direct you to a family law lawyer serving Lexington County. These resources are helpful whether you need a quick answer or ongoing representation throughout your case.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Lexington County, including the town of Lexington. They provide free legal help to people who meet income requirements. Visit sclegal.org for eligibility information and office contact details.
The South Carolina Bar's referral line is (803) 799-6653. The Lexington County Bar Association can help local residents find a qualified family law attorney. The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers court forms and guides for pro se filers who want to handle their own Lexington divorce case.
Lexington Community Resources
Lexington and Lexington County offer community programs that can help residents manage the practical side of a divorce. These programs are not legal services, but they provide support in areas like child care, housing stability, and personal crisis that frequently come up during a major life change.
Community resources available to Lexington 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
Reach the Lexington County Department of Social Services for information on programs serving the Lexington area. For domestic violence emergencies, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 anytime. For child support questions, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Lexington
Some Lexington residents choose to file for divorce without an attorney, a process called pro se filing. This is most effective when both parties agree on all issues and there are no disputed property or child-related matters. Since the courthouse is located right in Lexington, pro se filers can easily stop by the Clerk of Court office to ask questions about the process.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides free downloadable forms for all stages of a South Carolina divorce, including the complaint form, response, and supporting documents. Step-by-step guides are also available on the site.
The Lexington County Clerk of Court on East Main Street can tell you which forms are required and how to submit them. If your case involves children, you will also need custody and child support forms. Call (803) 785-8212 to ask about the specific paperwork needed for a pro se divorce filing in Lexington before you visit.
Divorce Certificates in Lexington
Once your divorce is finalized in Lexington County, you may need the divorce decree or a divorce certificate. The decree is the complete court order with all terms and findings. The certificate is a shorter state document that confirms the divorce occurred and provides basic facts. Most purposes, from name changes to estate matters, call for the full decree.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for South Carolina divorces. You can request one by mailing your request and payment to Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree from a Lexington case, contact the Lexington County Clerk of Court. Because the courthouse is in Lexington, residents can visit in person to request documents. The decree is the most complete record of your divorce and is what attorneys, lenders, and government agencies typically require.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1962 to the present day in South Carolina.
Lexington County Divorce Records
Lexington is the county seat of Lexington County, and the Lexington County Family Court is right in town. All divorce filings for the county go through this courthouse. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Lexington 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.