North Charleston Divorce Records
North Charleston divorce records are filed at the Charleston County Family Court. With a population of approximately 115,000, North Charleston is the third-largest city in South Carolina and one of the largest cities in Charleston County. Despite having its own city government, North Charleston residents file divorce cases at the Charleston County Family Court in downtown Charleston. The Clerk of Court manages all divorce files for the county and handles requests for copies of judgments and case documents.
North Charleston Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in North Charleston
North Charleston residents file for divorce at the Charleston County Family Court in downtown Charleston. Family court matters for all of Charleston County, including North Charleston, are handled at the county courthouse on Broad Street. This is where you submit your divorce paperwork, search existing case records, and obtain certified copies of divorce decrees. There is no separate family court located within North Charleston itself.
| Court | Charleston County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Broad St Charleston, SC 29401 |
| Phone | (843) 958-5000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | charlestoncounty.org |
The courthouse is located in historic downtown Charleston, roughly seven miles from North Charleston. Paid parking is available at nearby garages and metered spaces. All visitors go through a security checkpoint at the entrance, so bring a government-issued photo ID when you visit to search or obtain divorce records related to a North Charleston case.
How to Search North Charleston Divorce Records
Divorce records for North Charleston residents are part of the Charleston County court system and can be searched online or in person. Because North Charleston is within Charleston County, all divorce cases filed by North Charleston residents appear in the same court index as all other Charleston County cases. Online searches through the state's public portal are a convenient way to confirm a case exists and get basic details before making the trip to the courthouse.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org is the starting point for any online search. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The system shows party names, filing dates, and current case status at no charge. Actual document copies require a visit to the Clerk of Court office or a formal written request to the courthouse.
When searching for a North Charleston divorce record, it helps to have:
- The full name of at least one spouse
- The approximate year the divorce was filed
- A case number if you have one
In-person searches at the Clerk of Court in Charleston allow staff to pull files directly. They can locate records by name or case number and make copies on request. Certified copies cost more than uncertified ones. Call (843) 958-5000 before visiting to confirm what you need to bring and what the current copy fees are for North Charleston divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in North Charleston
North Charleston residents file for divorce under the same South Carolina statutes that apply statewide. The process does not differ from other parts of Charleston County, but filing must take place at the Charleston County Family Court rather than at any North Charleston city office. Every document filed in the case becomes a public record that others can request.
Before filing, at least one spouse must satisfy the residency requirement in S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30. One spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for at least one year. If both spouses currently live in South Carolina, only three months of residency is required. North Charleston residents who meet this threshold can file their case at the Charleston County Family Court.
Filing begins with submitting a complaint for divorce to the Clerk of Court. The standard filing fee is approximately $150. After the complaint is filed, the other spouse must be formally served. North Charleston residents can arrange service through the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, hire a private process server, or use another method allowed under South Carolina civil procedure rules. Proof that service was completed is filed with the court.
South Carolina offers one no-fault ground for divorce under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10: continuous separation for one year. The fault-based grounds are adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug addiction, and one year of desertion. A North Charleston resident must establish at least one of these grounds before a judge can enter a final divorce decree.
When all issues are resolved, whether by agreement or court decision, the judge signs a final decree. That decree dissolves the marriage and becomes a public record available under the SC Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10).
Note: Marital property is split through equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and child support are all part of the same divorce proceeding in Charleston County. North Charleston residents do not need to file separate actions for these issues.
North Charleston Divorce Fees
Divorce fees for North Charleston residents are collected at the Charleston County Family Court and follow the statewide South Carolina court fee schedule. The cost to file a new divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fees can change, so it is a good idea to call the Clerk of Court at (843) 958-5000 before you go to confirm current amounts.
Typical fees you may encounter when filing for divorce as a North Charleston resident include:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$150.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If paying the filing fee is a financial hardship, North Charleston residents can ask the court to waive the fee. This is done by filing an in forma pauperis petition. You will need to show documentation of your income or proof that you receive public assistance. A judge reviews the petition and makes the decision. Copy fees for existing divorce records in North Charleston are separate from filing fees. The Clerk of Court can tell you the per-page rates for both plain and certified copies when you call.
Legal Help for Divorce in North Charleston
North Charleston residents have access to several legal aid and referral organizations that handle family law cases in Charleston County. Some provide free legal representation based on income, while others offer consultations at a reduced rate or a referral to a private family law attorney familiar with the Charleston County courts.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Charleston County residents including those in North Charleston. Their attorneys handle civil legal matters including divorce for people who qualify based on income. More information and an eligibility screening tool are available at sclegal.org.
The South Carolina Bar's lawyer referral line at (803) 799-6653 can connect North Charleston residents with a licensed family law attorney. The Charleston County Bar Association also maintains a list of local resources. For those representing themselves, the South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers downloadable forms, guides, and procedural instructions for handling a divorce case in Charleston County.
North Charleston Community Resources
North Charleston has its own community services in addition to county-wide programs. These resources do not provide legal help, but they can address many of the practical problems that come up during and after a divorce. Housing instability, child care gaps, and emotional strain are common challenges for North Charleston residents going through divorce, and local programs can help fill those needs.
North Charleston community resources include:
- Child care assistance and subsidy programs through SC DSS
- Child protective services through South Carolina Department of Social Services
- Child support enforcement through the SC DSS Child Support Services Division
- Domestic violence shelter and legal advocacy
- Emergency and transitional housing assistance
- Mental health counseling and crisis intervention services
- Substance abuse treatment and referral programs
The Charleston County Department of Social Services serves North Charleston residents. For domestic violence emergencies, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 any time. The Charleston area has shelter organizations and victim advocacy programs available to North Charleston residents. Child support questions can be directed to the SC DSS Child Support Services Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in North Charleston
North Charleston residents who want to handle their own divorce without an attorney can do so by filing pro se at the Charleston County Family Court. Self-representation is most practical when both spouses agree on the divorce and the situation does not involve major disputes over property or children. The clerk's office can point you to the right forms, but they are not able to give legal advice.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides all the forms needed for a divorce case in Charleston County. Complaint forms, answer forms, parenting plans, financial declarations, and other required documents are available to download and print at no cost. These are the same forms used by attorneys and self-represented parties alike.
If minor children are involved in your North Charleston case, you will need additional documents including a proposed parenting plan and a child support worksheet. The Charleston County Family Court clerk can review your filing package before you pay the fee to make sure you have included everything required to open a divorce case as a North Charleston resident.
Divorce Certificates in North Charleston
After a divorce is completed in Charleston County, North Charleston residents may need documentation for legal or personal purposes. There are two forms of official documentation: the divorce decree from the court and the divorce certificate from the state. The decree is the complete court order. The certificate is a shorter document issued by the state confirming basic facts about the divorce.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates in South Carolina. To order one, mail a written request and a fee of $12 per certified copy to: Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
The full divorce decree is obtained from the Clerk of Court at the Charleston County Courthouse. The decree is typically required for legal purposes such as changing a name, remarrying, or handling property that was addressed in the divorce. The certificate alone usually is not sufficient for those purposes. North Charleston residents who need proof of their divorce for an official purpose should request the full decree from the Charleston County Clerk of Court.
Note: Divorce certificates from SC DHEC cover divorces recorded in South Carolina from 1962 to the present.
Charleston County Divorce Records
North Charleston is located within Charleston County, and all divorce cases for North Charleston residents are filed at the Charleston County Family Court. The county court system processes every family law matter in the county. For a full overview of the county court, fees, related records, and additional resources, visit the Charleston 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.