Spartanburg Divorce Records
Spartanburg divorce records are filed at the Spartanburg County Family Court. Spartanburg is the largest city in Spartanburg County and a key economic and cultural center in the Upstate region of South Carolina, with approximately 40,000 residents. All divorce cases for Spartanburg residents are processed at the Spartanburg County courthouse on Magnolia Street. The Clerk of Court keeps all divorce case files and makes copies of judgments and decrees available to the public.
Spartanburg Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Spartanburg
Spartanburg residents file for divorce at the Spartanburg County Family Court, which is located in downtown Spartanburg on Magnolia Street. This courthouse serves all of Spartanburg County and is where new divorce cases are initiated and where copies of divorce records can be obtained. The Clerk of Court handles all filings and records requests for Spartanburg County divorce cases.
| Court | Spartanburg County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 180 Magnolia St Spartanburg, SC 29306 |
| Phone | (864) 596-2575 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | spartanburgcounty.org |
The Spartanburg County courthouse is in the heart of downtown Spartanburg. Parking is available in county-designated lots and on nearby streets. Security screens all visitors at the entrance, so have a valid photo ID ready when you arrive to file paperwork or obtain divorce records in Spartanburg.
How to Search Spartanburg Divorce Records
Spartanburg divorce records are accessible online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index or in person at the Spartanburg County courthouse. Online searches give you free access to party names, filing dates, case status, and case numbers. To get certified copies of divorce documents, you need to contact the Clerk of Court or visit the courthouse in person.
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org covers all Spartanburg County Family Court cases. You can search by party name or case number and see basic case information without any charge. For full document copies, contact the Clerk of Court at (864) 596-2575 or visit the courthouse on Magnolia Street.
To locate a Spartanburg divorce record, have ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if available
When visiting the courthouse, Clerk of Court staff can search by name or case number and provide copies from the file. Certified copies are more expensive than plain ones. Call (864) 596-2575 ahead of your visit to confirm fees and what identification is needed for your Spartanburg divorce records request.
Divorce Filing Process in Spartanburg
Spartanburg residents follow South Carolina state law to file for divorce. All filings must be submitted at the Spartanburg County Family Court on Magnolia Street. Every document filed with the court is added to the case record, and the public has access to those records through the Clerk of Court.
Before filing, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirement under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30. One spouse must have lived in South Carolina for at least one year before filing. If both spouses currently reside in South Carolina, the residency requirement drops to three months. Spartanburg residents who qualify can file at the county courthouse.
Filing begins by submitting a complaint for divorce to the Clerk of Court. The standard filing fee is approximately $150. Your spouse must then be served with the divorce complaint. This can be done through the Spartanburg County Sheriff, a private process server, or another state-approved method. Proof of service is filed with the court and becomes part of your Spartanburg divorce case record.
South Carolina's no-fault divorce ground under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 is one continuous year of separation. Fault grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Spartanburg residents must prove at least one of these grounds before the court can grant the divorce.
When both spouses agree on all matters, they may submit a marital settlement agreement for the judge to review. After the judge approves the agreement and enters the divorce decree, the marriage is dissolved. The decree is a public record under the SC Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10).
Note: South Carolina divides marital property using equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and support are addressed in the same Spartanburg County Family Court proceeding rather than as separate cases.
Spartanburg Divorce Fees
Divorce fees in Spartanburg are set by the South Carolina statewide fee schedule and collected at the Spartanburg County courthouse. Filing a new divorce complaint costs approximately $150. Call the Clerk of Court at (864) 596-2575 before you file to confirm the most current fees for your Spartanburg divorce case.
Typical fees for a Spartanburg divorce include:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$150.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
Spartanburg residents with limited financial means may apply for an in forma pauperis fee waiver at the courthouse. This requires a petition and documentation showing hardship, such as proof of public assistance or low income. A judge reviews the request and determines whether to waive the fees. For obtaining copies of existing Spartanburg divorce records, plain copies cost less than certified copies. Ask the Clerk of Court for current copy fees when you call.
Legal Help for Divorce in Spartanburg
Several organizations provide legal help to Spartanburg residents facing a divorce. Free services are available to those who qualify, and referral services can connect you with family law attorneys who practice in Spartanburg County.
South Carolina Legal Services offers free legal help to income-eligible residents throughout the state, including Spartanburg County. Visit sclegal.org to apply for assistance or learn whether you qualify for free help with your Spartanburg divorce case.
The South Carolina Bar's lawyer referral service is available by calling (803) 799-6653. The Spartanburg County Bar Association can also assist you in finding a qualified family law attorney in Spartanburg. For self-help tools, visit the South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org for court forms, step-by-step guides, and instructions for handling a divorce case in Spartanburg on your own.
Spartanburg Community Resources
Spartanburg and Spartanburg County offer programs to help residents handle the personal and practical challenges that often come with divorce. These services cover housing support, child care, crisis assistance, and more. While they do not provide legal help, they can fill important gaps for Spartanburg residents going through a difficult transition.
Community resources available to Spartanburg residents include:
- Child care assistance programs through Spartanburg County
- Child protective services through SC DSS
- Child support enforcement through SC Department of Social Services
- Domestic violence advocacy and emergency shelter
- Emergency and transitional housing programs
- Mental health and crisis counseling services
- Substance abuse treatment and recovery resources
For domestic violence support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 at any time of day. Spartanburg-area organizations provide safety planning and advocacy for survivors. For help with child support, contact the SC Department of Social Services Child Support Division. The Spartanburg County Department of Social Services can also direct you to additional local resources.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Spartanburg
Spartanburg residents who want to manage their own divorce can file pro se, meaning without an attorney. This works best in uncontested cases where both spouses agree on all issues and there are no significant disputes over children or property. The court does not offer legal advice, but several resources can help you handle your Spartanburg divorce case on your own.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides all required forms for filing a divorce in Spartanburg at no cost. Complaint forms, financial disclosure documents, and other required papers are organized by case type and available for download.
The Spartanburg County Family Court Clerk's office on Magnolia Street can explain filing steps and identify which forms you need. If children are involved in the case, additional paperwork is required, including parenting plans and child support worksheets. Call (864) 596-2575 before visiting to find out exactly what to bring when you file your Spartanburg divorce.
Divorce Certificates in Spartanburg
After a Spartanburg divorce becomes final, you may need either the divorce decree or a divorce certificate. A divorce certificate is a short document issued by the state confirming that a divorce took place. A divorce decree is the complete court order that includes all the terms. Many legal and financial needs require the decree, while some only call for the certificate.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for South Carolina. To order one, mail a written request with a $12 fee per certified copy to: Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
To get the full divorce decree for a Spartanburg case, contact the Clerk of Court at the Spartanburg County courthouse on Magnolia Street. The decree contains the full terms of the divorce as ordered by the judge. The certificate provides only basic facts: the names of the parties, the date, and the county. For most situations where proof of a Spartanburg divorce is needed, the decree is the more thorough and useful document.
Note: Divorce certificates are available from the Division of Vital Records for South Carolina divorces that took place from 1962 forward.
Spartanburg County Divorce Records
Spartanburg is located in Spartanburg County, and all divorce filings go through the Spartanburg County Family Court. For more about the county court system, the full fee schedule, related records, and other resources, visit the Spartanburg 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.