Simpsonville Divorce Records
Simpsonville divorce records are filed at the Greenville County Family Court. Simpsonville is a city in the southern part of Greenville County with about 25,000 residents and one of the fastest-growing communities in the Upstate. All divorce cases involving Simpsonville residents are processed by the Greenville County Family Court in Greenville. The Clerk of Court manages all divorce files and handles requests for certified copies of decrees and related documents.
Simpsonville Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Simpsonville
Simpsonville residents file for divorce at the Greenville County Family Court, located in downtown Greenville. The courthouse is roughly 15 miles north of Simpsonville via I-385. This court handles all family law matters for Greenville County, including divorces filed by Simpsonville residents. It is where you submit your case documents, attend hearings, and obtain certified copies of divorce records in Simpsonville.
| Court | Greenville County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 305 E North St Greenville, SC 29601 |
| Phone | (864) 467-5756 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | greenvillecounty.org |
Parking is available near the courthouse in Greenville. Visitors must go through security at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID when you come to file papers or look up divorce records from Simpsonville cases.
How to Search Simpsonville Divorce Records
Simpsonville divorce records can be accessed online through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index or in person at the Greenville County courthouse. Online access is free and works well for verifying case details quickly. A visit to the courthouse gives you access to the complete court file and lets you get certified copies the same day.
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org includes all Greenville County Family Court cases, including those for Simpsonville residents. Search by name or case number at no charge. The index shows case status, party names, and key dates. For copies of actual documents, contact the Clerk of Court or visit in person.
To search Simpsonville divorce records, have ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you have it
The Greenville County Clerk of Court can assist with lookups and copy orders. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Call (864) 467-5756 before your visit to confirm current fees and what to bring when searching Simpsonville divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in Simpsonville
Simpsonville residents follow the same South Carolina divorce procedure that applies across the state. The court you file at is determined by where you live. Since Simpsonville is in Greenville County, your case goes to the Greenville County Family Court in Greenville. Each document you file becomes part of the public court record once the case is closed.
The residency requirement under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30 applies to all South Carolina divorces. At least one spouse must have been a resident of South Carolina for one year before filing. If both spouses live in the state, the requirement drops to three months. Simpsonville residents generally satisfy this condition without issue.
File the complaint for divorce at the Greenville County Clerk of Court. The fee is approximately $150. You must then serve your spouse with the divorce papers using the Greenville County Sheriff, a licensed process server, or another method allowed by South Carolina law. Proof of service must be filed with the court before the case can move forward.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, the no-fault ground for divorce is one continuous year of living separate and apart. Fault-based grounds are adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. One of these must be established before the court can grant a divorce to a Simpsonville resident.
When the parties agree on all terms, a settlement agreement can be submitted for the judge's review. Once approved, the judge signs the divorce decree, which dissolves the marriage and becomes a public record under the SC Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10).
Note: Property division follows equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and child support are all resolved within the same case at the Greenville County Family Court.
Simpsonville Divorce Fees
Divorce fees for Simpsonville residents are based on the South Carolina court fee schedule and are collected at the Greenville County courthouse. The base fee to file a divorce complaint is approximately $150. Rates are subject to change, so call the Clerk of Court at (864) 467-5756 to confirm current fees before filing.
Fees typically associated with a Simpsonville 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 have limited income, the in forma pauperis process allows you to petition the court to waive the filing fee. You must provide documentation of financial hardship, such as proof of public assistance or low income. The court decides whether to grant the waiver. Separate fees apply when ordering copies of Simpsonville divorce records, and certified copies cost more than plain ones. Contact the Clerk of Court for current copy fees.
Legal Help for Divorce in Simpsonville
Simpsonville residents can find legal assistance for divorce through several organizations. Free legal help is available to qualifying individuals, and attorney referral services can connect you with a family law lawyer who handles cases in Greenville County. These resources are a good starting point if you are unsure about your options or need guidance before proceeding.
South Carolina Legal Services offers free civil legal help to income-qualifying residents in Greenville County, which includes Simpsonville. Visit sclegal.org for eligibility information and office contact details.
The South Carolina Bar's referral service is available at (803) 799-6653. The Greenville County Bar Association also maintains a list of family law attorneys serving the Simpsonville area. The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides forms and instructions for pro se filers who want to handle their own divorce case.
Simpsonville Community Resources
Simpsonville and Greenville County offer community programs that can support residents during a divorce. These services are not legal in nature, but they address common needs that arise during major life changes, such as child care, housing, and mental health support.
Community resources available to Simpsonville 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 Greenville County Department of Social Services for information on programs serving Simpsonville and surrounding communities. For immediate domestic violence help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. For child support questions, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Simpsonville
Some Simpsonville residents choose to file for divorce without an attorney, which is called a pro se filing. This approach is most practical when both spouses agree on all issues and the case involves no major disputes over property or children. The court cannot give legal advice, but several free resources can help you prepare your own case.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers free downloadable court forms including the complaint for divorce and related filings. Step-by-step instructions are also available on the site to guide you through the process at the Greenville County courthouse.
The Greenville County Clerk of Court can tell you which forms apply to your situation and walk you through the submission process. If your case includes children, you will need additional custody and child support worksheets. Call (864) 467-5756 to ask what forms are required for a pro se Simpsonville divorce before heading to the courthouse.
Divorce Certificates in Simpsonville
Once your divorce is finalized in Greenville County, you may need the divorce decree or a divorce certificate. These are different documents. The decree is the full court order signed by the judge. The certificate is a brief state-level document that confirms the divorce occurred. Most institutions that need proof of your divorce will require the full decree.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for South Carolina. Requests can be mailed 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 a Simpsonville case, contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court. The decree is more detailed and is the document most commonly needed for legal, financial, or personal purposes after a divorce in Simpsonville.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1962 to the present day in South Carolina.
Greenville County Divorce Records
Simpsonville is located in Greenville County, and all divorce filings go through the Greenville County Family Court. 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 Greenville 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.