Anderson County Divorce Case Lookup
Anderson County divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the Anderson County Family Court. Located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, Anderson County has a population of more than 200,000 residents. The Family Court is the sole venue for all divorce proceedings in the county. The county seat is the city of Anderson. Whether you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or want to confirm that a case was filed, the Clerk of Court and the Family Court are your primary resources for Anderson County divorce records.
Anderson County Quick Facts
Anderson County Family Court
Anderson County Family Court is the sole forum for all divorce cases, legal separation, child custody, visitation, alimony, and division of marital property in the county. The court also has jurisdiction over minors under age 17 alleged to have violated state law or municipal ordinances. All case files, from the initial complaint through the final decree, are maintained permanently by the Clerk of Court at the Anderson County Courthouse.
The Anderson County Family Court handles a high volume of divorce and family law matters each year. Court staff can assist with procedural questions and help you locate the correct forms for your case. However, Family Court staff are not permitted to provide legal advice. If you are unsure how to file, consult an attorney licensed in South Carolina. For self-represented parties, you are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules, and procedures, including obtaining, completing, and timely filing all appropriate documents.
The image below shows the Anderson County Family Court page, which provides information about divorce and other family law matters handled by the court.
Visit the Anderson County Family Court page at andersoncountysc.org for current procedural information and contact details.
| Court | Anderson County Family Court Anderson County Courthouse Anderson, SC 29621 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | andersoncountysc.org |
How to Search Anderson County Divorce Records
Anderson County maintains a public access system called ACPASS (Anderson County Public Access System) for searching court records online. This system allows searches by party name, case number, and other identifiers. It returns basic case details at no charge. Keep in mind that South Carolina law prohibits using information obtained from state agency public access systems for commercial solicitation purposes.
The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org also provides a statewide case search tool. Selecting Anderson County and searching by party name or case number returns results for divorce and other Family Court cases. This is a useful tool when you are not sure which court handled a case or when confirming basic filing details before contacting the clerk.
For full document access, visit the Clerk of Court at the Anderson County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if you have it. Staff can retrieve the file and make plain or certified copies. Mail requests are accepted with payment enclosed. You can also search basic case information through the SC Family Court Case Management System.
Note: Court-appointed attorneys in juvenile criminal or DSS abuse and neglect cases require a $40 application fee, payable in cash only, which is non-refundable.
Anderson County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing a complaint for divorce in Anderson County costs approximately $150. This fee is collected by the Clerk of Court at the time the complaint is submitted. South Carolina sets fees at the state level, so the amounts are consistent across all counties. Call the Anderson County Family Court to confirm current rates before submitting your filing.
Certified copy fees are charged per document and per page. Plain copies cost less. If service of process is needed, the Anderson County Sheriff can serve papers for an additional fee. Private process servers are another option. Fees vary depending on circumstances. Review all potential costs before initiating a divorce filing in Anderson County.
Fee waivers are available for individuals who qualify. File an Affidavit and Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with the Anderson County Family Court. The judge considers your financial situation and rules on the waiver request. If approved, you proceed without paying the standard filing fees in Anderson County. For legal aid or attorney referral questions, contact SC Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 or the SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284.
Divorce Filing Process in Anderson County
Starting a divorce in Anderson County begins with filing the complaint for divorce at the Clerk of Court. The complaint names both parties, states the grounds for dissolution, and identifies what the filing party wants the court to decide. Pay the approximately $150 fee at this time. The Clerk of Court assigns a case number and the record is created. Every document filed in the Anderson County divorce case is identified by that number going forward.
Residency requirements under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30 must be satisfied before filing. One spouse must be a South Carolina resident for at least one year if the other spouse lives outside the state. If both spouses live in South Carolina, three months of residency is enough. If you live in Anderson County, this is the proper court for your filing. After the complaint is filed, you must serve the other spouse. Options for service include the Anderson County Sheriff, a licensed private process server, or certified mail with return receipt requested. Proof of service goes into the court record.
South Carolina allows divorce on five grounds under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10. These are adultery, desertion for one year, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and continuous separation for one year. The no-fault separation ground is the most common in Anderson County. After all required periods are met and contested issues are resolved, the case proceeds to a final hearing. The judge reviews everything and signs the divorce decree. The decree is filed with the Anderson County Clerk of Court and becomes a permanent public record.
Property division is governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Anderson County courts use equitable distribution, meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly based on each spouse's situation, not necessarily split equally.
What Anderson County Divorce Records Contain
Anderson County divorce case files include all documents submitted from the start of the case through the final judgment. The complaint is the first document and sets out the legal basis for the divorce. The answer responds to the allegations. Financial declarations detail each party's income, assets, and liabilities. Motions for temporary support, custody, and protective orders may also appear in the file before the final hearing.
Settlement agreements and parenting plans become enforceable court orders when incorporated into the final decree. They outline how property is divided, how children are cared for, and what financial support is owed. When a case goes to trial, the judge's rulings on all contested issues appear in the final decree. Anderson County divorce records are comprehensive and reflect the full legal history of the dissolution proceeding.
The divorce decree is the document most people need from an Anderson County case file. Certified copies are required for name changes, real estate transfers, and remarriage applications. They are also frequently used for international purposes such as immigration filings or foreign legal proceedings. The Clerk of Court issues certified copies that are stamped and signed to confirm authenticity.
Anderson County divorce records are public under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10. Any person may request to view them. Documents containing Social Security numbers, minor children's identifying information, or financial account numbers may be redacted. Sealed records are not publicly accessible without a court order.
Divorce Certificates in Anderson County
A divorce certificate from SC DPH Vital Records is a shorter document than the full decree. It confirms that a divorce occurred and shows the names of the parties, the date, and the county. It does not include the terms of any settlement or custody arrangement. Many Anderson County residents obtain a divorce certificate for name changes, remarriage applications, or international document requests.
SC DPH holds records for divorces granted in South Carolina between July 1962 and December 2023. To request a certified divorce certificate, contact SC DPH Vital Records at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, by phone at (803) 898-3630, or through VitalChek at 1-877-284-1008. The fee is $12 per certified copy. A copy of your government-issued photo ID is required. Visit dph.sc.gov/public/vital-records/divorce-reports for full instructions.
When a complete court record is needed, contact the Anderson County Clerk of Court. The full divorce decree provides all terms and rulings from the case and is required for most legal transactions.
Legal Help for Divorce in Anderson County
Anderson County residents who need legal help with a divorce have access to several resources. South Carolina Legal Services offers free civil legal aid to those who meet income requirements. Call 1-888-346-5592 to check eligibility. They handle family law cases including divorce in Anderson County and throughout the state.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects people with licensed family law attorneys. Call 1-800-868-2284 to reach a referral specialist. Many attorneys in the Anderson area offer a reduced-fee initial consultation. Meeting with an attorney early can clarify your rights and help you decide the best approach for your Anderson County divorce.
Self-represented litigants can access forms and instructions at sccourts.org. The SC Judicial Branch posts court forms that are commonly used in Anderson County divorce proceedings. Review the forms carefully before filing. If you are filing without an attorney, you are responsible for meeting all deadlines and following all applicable rules in the Anderson County Family Court.
Related Records in Anderson County
The Anderson County Register of Deeds holds property records that frequently change hands after a divorce. When the court orders a real estate transfer as part of the divorce settlement, the new deed is recorded here. The Anderson County Probate Court maintains marriage licenses and estate records, both of which may be relevant during a divorce proceeding.
The SC Department of Social Services Child Support Services Division manages child support enforcement for Anderson County cases. Post-divorce modifications to child support or custody arrangements are filed with the Anderson County Family Court. Contempt proceedings and protection from abuse orders connected to prior divorce cases are also handled there. Checking these related records can provide a fuller picture of family legal matters in Anderson County.
Cities in Anderson County
Anderson County includes the city of Anderson, which serves as the county seat. All divorce cases for Anderson County residents are filed at the Anderson County Family Court in the city of Anderson.
Nearby Counties
Divorce cases must be filed in the county where either spouse resides in South Carolina. If you live outside Anderson County, check the nearby counties below to confirm the correct court for your case.