Find Divorce Decrees in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County divorce decree records are held by the Clerk of Court at the Family Court in Chesterfield, South Carolina. Whether you need to verify a case outcome, get a certified copy of a divorce decree, or review filed documents, the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court is your official source. Searches can start online through the state portal or in person at the courthouse on Main Street in Chesterfield.
Chesterfield County Quick Facts
Chesterfield County Family Court
The Chesterfield County Family Court at 200 Main Street in Chesterfield handles all divorce cases filed by county residents. The Clerk of Court is the official custodian of every divorce case file. Staff can locate records by party name or case number and prepare certified copies of a divorce decree on request. The courthouse serves as the center for all Family Court matters in Chesterfield County and is open weekdays during standard hours.
Family Court in Chesterfield County has authority over divorce, separation, alimony, child custody, visitation, support, and division of marital property. South Carolina law places the correct venue in the county where either spouse resides. Chesterfield County is the right court when at least one party lives here. Court staff can direct you to the proper forms and explain the basic steps for filing, though they cannot provide legal advice.
The state-run SC Family Court Case Management System allows free online searches for Chesterfield County divorce cases. Enter a party name or case number to view the case type, filing date, and current status. No account is needed. The portal does not show full document text. For complete records or certified copies, contact the Chesterfield County Clerk directly at (843) 623-2574.
The image below connects to the SC Family Court Case Management System portal, used for searching Chesterfield County divorce decree records online. Locate your case number there before calling the Clerk for document copies.
Once you have a case number from the portal, call the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court at (843) 623-2574 to request certified copies of the divorce decree or other documents. Staff will give you the current fee schedule and processing time.
| Court | Chesterfield County Clerk of Court 200 Main Street Chesterfield, SC 29709 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (843) 623-2574 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
Searching Chesterfield County Divorce Decree Records
The quickest way to find a Chesterfield County divorce decree starts at the SC Family Court Case Management System. This free state portal lets you search by name or case number with no login required. Results show the case type, filing date, and status for Chesterfield County divorce cases. The search works from any web browser and takes only a few minutes.
For actual documents, go in person to the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court at 200 Main Street, or call (843) 623-2574 to ask about mail-in requests. Bring valid photo identification when you visit. For mail-in requests, include both spouses' full legal names and the approximate year the divorce was finalized. A case number will speed the process. Staff can confirm what documents are in the file and what fees apply.
The SC Court Case Finder can help you identify the county of record if you are unsure where a divorce was filed. The SC Judicial Branch site at sccourts.org provides additional court resource links. Chesterfield County divorce decree records are maintained permanently, so historical cases from many years ago are still accessible through the Clerk's office.
Documents in a Chesterfield County Divorce Decree File
A Chesterfield County divorce case file includes every document created from the time of initial filing through the final signed order. The complaint for divorce opens the file and states the grounds and requested relief. The respondent's answer comes next. A settlement agreement or consent order is included if the parties resolve the case by agreement. These records are all held by the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court.
The final Chesterfield County divorce decree is the document most people request. It is the Family Court judge's signed order that ends the marriage. The decree identifies both parties, states the order date, and addresses property, alimony, and any rulings about children. Government agencies, courts, financial institutions, and insurance companies often require a certified copy when you update accounts, transfer property, or document a name change. The Clerk of Court provides both plain and certified copies at established fees.
Additional documents in a Chesterfield County divorce file may include financial declarations, affidavits of separation, motions for temporary custody or support, parenting plans, proof of service filings, and transcripts of any hearings. Divorce records in Chesterfield County are generally public under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10. Sections with sensitive personal details may be redacted before release.
Note: The Clerk may need extra time to pull older Chesterfield County divorce decree files that have been placed in archive storage, so call ahead if your case is more than ten years old.
Chesterfield County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing a divorce complaint in Chesterfield County costs approximately $150, paid to the Clerk of Court at the time of submission. Call (843) 623-2574 before filing to confirm the exact current amount. Court fees can change, and you want to arrive with the right payment.
Certified copies of a Chesterfield County divorce decree carry a per-page fee set by the court. Plain photocopies cost less. Service of process fees apply when the other spouse must be formally served. If the Chesterfield County Sheriff's office performs the service, a separate fee is charged at the time of service. Ask the Clerk about the complete fee schedule when you call or visit.
Residents who cannot pay the filing fee may submit an Affidavit and Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with the Chesterfield County Family Court. A judge reviews your income and expenses and decides whether to grant the waiver. This process keeps the court accessible to all Chesterfield County residents regardless of financial means.
Filing for Divorce in Chesterfield County
A Chesterfield County divorce begins at the Clerk of Court office at 200 Main Street in Chesterfield. The filing spouse submits a complaint for divorce stating the grounds and the relief sought. The roughly $150 filing fee is paid at the counter. The Clerk assigns a case number that stays with the Chesterfield County divorce decree record through the entire process.
Residency rules under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30 require one year of South Carolina residency before filing if only one spouse lives in the state. Both spouses living in South Carolina shortens that period to three months. A Chesterfield County address for either spouse makes this the correct court for the case.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, the recognized grounds for divorce in South Carolina are adultery, desertion for one year, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or narcotics use, and one year of continuous separation. The separation ground is no-fault and is the most widely used basis for Chesterfield County divorce filings. After the complaint is filed, the other spouse must be served. Proof of service is then filed with the Chesterfield County Clerk. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-80, no final hearing may be held until at least two months after filing, and no divorce decree may be entered before three months have elapsed.
Marital assets are divided under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620, which sets out equitable distribution principles. Courts weigh multiple statutory factors to reach a fair outcome rather than an automatic equal split.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate in Chesterfield County
A Chesterfield County divorce decree and a South Carolina divorce certificate serve different purposes. The divorce decree is the full court order signed by a Family Court judge. It contains all terms of the divorce, including property division, alimony, and any orders about children. Only the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court can provide a certified copy of this document.
The South Carolina divorce certificate is a brief vital record produced by the SC Department of Public Health. It confirms that a divorce happened and lists basic facts: party names, the date of the divorce, and the county. SC DPH holds certificates for divorces that took place between July 1962 and December 2023. The certificate does not include settlement terms or court orders. Many Chesterfield County residents use the certificate for simple tasks like remarriage, while the full decree is required for tasks like updating a deed or proving support obligations. Request a certificate from SC DPH at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or call (803) 898-3630. VitalChek at 1-877-284-1008 handles online orders. The cost is $12 per copy. Visit dph.sc.gov/public/vital-records/divorce-reports for full details.
For divorces outside the DPH date range, or when the full court order is needed, contact the Chesterfield County Clerk. For certified copies that will be used abroad, the SC Secretary of State provides apostille services at sos.sc.gov.
Legal Help for Divorce in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County residents facing a divorce have several places to turn for help. SC Legal Services offers free legal assistance to income-eligible residents and covers family law matters including divorce and custody. Call 1-888-346-5592 or check their website to confirm eligibility. They serve clients throughout the state, including Chesterfield County.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects you with a licensed attorney. Call (803) 799-6653 to reach the referral line. Many family law attorneys in the Chesterfield County area offer a low-cost first consultation, which helps you understand your rights and options before committing to representation. The WomensLaw.org South Carolina page explains state divorce law in plain language and is a useful resource when preparing for a legal consultation.
If you plan to represent yourself in Chesterfield County Family Court, the SC Judicial Branch posts self-represented divorce packets at sccourts.org. These packets contain all forms required for a simple uncontested divorce. Review them before going to the courthouse. Court staff can verify you have the right forms but cannot give legal advice about your case.
Nearby Counties
Divorce cases must be filed where either spouse resides. Check nearby counties below.