Search Beaufort County Divorce Records
Beaufort County divorce records provide evidence of the legal dissolution of marriage for county residents. These official documents are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the Beaufort County Family Court pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10. Beaufort County is located in the southern coastal region of South Carolina and includes popular communities like Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. The county seat is the city of Beaufort. A divorce decree issued by this court is the primary legal record proving that a marriage has been dissolved in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County Quick Facts
Beaufort County Family Court
The Beaufort County Clerk of Court at 102 Ribaut Road serves as the official custodian of all Family Court divorce records in the county. The office processes filings, maintains the permanent case archive, and issues certified and plain copies of court documents upon request. All Beaufort County divorce proceedings are maintained permanently per South Carolina records retention schedules. Staff can search by party name or case number to locate records.
The Beaufort County Family Court handles all divorce and family law matters for county residents. This includes dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, visitation rights, alimony, and equitable division of marital property. Beaufort County sees a significant volume of divorce filings given its large and growing population. Contested cases require multiple hearings and generate substantial case files. All documents, from the initial complaint through the final decree, are stored in the permanent Beaufort County court archive.
The image below is from the Beaufort County divorce records resource page, a useful reference for residents seeking guidance on obtaining records from the Clerk of Court.
Review the Beaufort County divorce records page at beaufortrecords.us/divorce-records for additional context on requesting documents from the clerk's office.
The official Beaufort County government website also provides information about the Clerk of Court and its services.
Visit the official Beaufort County Clerk of Court page at beaufortcountysc.gov/clerk-of-court/ for current hours, contact details, and office locations.
| Court | Beaufort County Clerk of Court 102 Ribaut Road Beaufort, SC 29902 Phone: (843) 255-5050 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | beaufortcountysc.gov/clerk-of-court/ |
How to Search Beaufort County Divorce Records
Basic case information for Beaufort County divorce records is publicly accessible. Party names, case numbers, filing dates, and final disposition are typically available through the SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org. Select Beaufort County and search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system is free to use and does not require account registration. The SC Family Court Case Management System also provides online access to basic Beaufort County divorce case details.
For a certified copy of the divorce decree, you may visit or write to the Beaufort County Clerk of Court at 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902. Requests require a written submission that includes the names of both parties as they appear on the decree and the approximate divorce date. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. Payment of the certification fee, which is $5 per document plus $1 per page, must be included. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the documents.
Limited access applies to certain categories of Beaufort County divorce documents. Financial declarations, records containing information about minor children, documents with Social Security numbers, and sealed court orders are restricted. For ordinary public access purposes, the main case documents including the complaint and final decree are available upon request. International use of Beaufort County divorce documents may require an apostille from the SC Secretary of State.
Note: For apostille requests, certified copies from the Beaufort County Clerk of Court must first be obtained before submitting the apostille application to the SC Secretary of State.
Beaufort County Divorce Filing Fees
The filing fee for a new complaint for divorce in Beaufort County is approximately $150. This is paid to the Clerk of Court at the time of filing. South Carolina uses a statewide fee schedule for Family Court filings. Confirm the current fee by calling (843) 255-5050 before submitting your paperwork.
Certified copies of divorce decrees carry a fee of $5 per document plus $1 per page. Plain copies cost less. Service of process fees are charged when papers must be served on the other party. The Beaufort County Sheriff can perform service for a set fee. Private process servers are available as well. Total costs vary depending on the length of the case and the documents involved.
Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals. File an Affidavit and Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with the Beaufort County Family Court. The judge reviews your financial situation and decides whether to grant the waiver. If approved, filing fees for your Beaufort County divorce case are reduced or waived entirely.
Divorce Filing Process in Beaufort County
Divorce proceedings in Beaufort County begin at the Clerk of Court with filing a complaint for divorce. The complaint identifies both parties, states the legal grounds for dissolution, and requests specific relief. Pay the approximately $150 filing fee at this time. The clerk assigns a case number and the Beaufort County divorce record officially begins. All subsequent documents are filed under that case number.
Residency requirements under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30 must be met. If only one spouse resides in South Carolina, that spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing. If both spouses reside in South Carolina, three months of residency is enough. Beaufort County is the proper venue when either spouse lives there. After filing, the other spouse must be served with the summons and complaint. Service may be accomplished through the Beaufort County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service is filed with the court.
South Carolina provides five grounds for divorce under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10: adultery, desertion for one year, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug dependency, and one year of continuous separation. The no-fault separation ground is the most commonly used in Beaufort County. After all required periods are satisfied and issues resolved, the court schedules a final hearing. The judge reviews the case and signs the final divorce decree. That decree is filed with the Beaufort County Clerk of Court and kept permanently as part of the public record.
Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Beaufort County courts divide marital assets and debts fairly, taking into account each spouse's individual circumstances. Equal division is not required by law.
What Beaufort County Divorce Records Contain
Beaufort County divorce case files include all documents from the initial complaint through the final judgment. The complaint states the grounds for divorce and what relief is sought. The other spouse's answer responds to those allegations. Financial declarations from both parties outline income, assets, and debts. Property settlement agreements, parenting plans, and temporary orders are included when they are filed during the case. All of these documents become part of the permanent Beaufort County divorce record.
The final divorce decree is the document most people need from a Beaufort County case file. It legally ends the marriage and reflects all rulings on property, support, children, and name restoration. Certified copies of the decree are required for name changes with government agencies, real estate transactions, remarriage applications, and international legal purposes. The Beaufort County Clerk of Court issues certified copies stamped and signed to confirm their authenticity.
Divorce records in Beaufort County are public under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10. Any member of the public may request access. Financial declarations, records containing minor children's information, SSN documents, and sealed orders are subject to limited access or redaction. Most primary case documents are available without restriction.
Divorce Certificates in Beaufort County
Certified divorce certificates are available from SC DPH Vital Records for divorces granted in South Carolina between July 1962 and December 2023. A divorce certificate is shorter than the full court decree and confirms the divorce occurred. It shows the names of both parties, the date, and the county. It does not include property terms or custody arrangements. Beaufort County residents frequently request certificates for name changes, remarriage applications, and international document submissions.
To obtain 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 must accompany the request. Full instructions are available at dph.sc.gov/public/vital-records/divorce-reports.
For divorces outside the DPH date range, or whenever the complete court order is required, contact the Beaufort County Clerk of Court at (843) 255-5050. The full decree is necessary for most legal transactions and government filings in Beaufort County.
Legal Help for Divorce in Beaufort County
Several resources exist for Beaufort County residents who need legal assistance with a divorce. South Carolina Legal Services provides free civil legal help to those who qualify based on income. Call 1-888-346-5592 to check eligibility and request assistance. They handle family law matters including divorce throughout Beaufort County and across the state.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284 connects callers with licensed family law attorneys who serve the Beaufort County area. Many offer a reduced-fee initial consultation. Meeting with an attorney early in the process can help clarify your rights and guide you through the Beaufort County divorce process more effectively.
Self-represented litigants can find court forms and procedural guidance at sccourts.org. Review the forms carefully before visiting the Beaufort County Family Court. Court staff can help with procedural questions but are not permitted to provide legal advice.
Related Records in Beaufort County
The Beaufort County Register of Deeds maintains property records that often reflect changes following a divorce. Real estate transfers ordered by the court are recorded here after a Beaufort County divorce decree is issued. The Probate Court holds marriage licenses and estate records that may be relevant during the divorce process.
Child support enforcement for Beaufort County is administered through the SC Department of Social Services. Post-divorce modifications to custody or support arrangements are filed with the Beaufort County Family Court. Protection from abuse orders related to divorce proceedings are also handled by this court. Checking these related records can provide a complete picture of a family's legal history in Beaufort County.
Cities in Beaufort County
Beaufort County is home to several cities and communities. All divorce cases for Beaufort County residents are filed at the Beaufort County Family Court in the city of Beaufort.
Nearby Counties
Divorce cases in South Carolina must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. If you live outside Beaufort County, check the nearby counties below to find the correct court.