Divorce records in Charleston County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels depending on what you need and how far back the record dates. CharlestonCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information for Charleston County. You can also request records directly from the Family Court through the Charleston County Clerk of Court's Office, or obtain a divorce report (certificate) from the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Vital Records.
Charleston County Divorce Records Search
In South Carolina, divorce cases are heard in Family Court, which is a division of the state Circuit Court system. The Charleston County Clerk of Court maintains the official case files for divorces granted in the county. These records typically include:
- Divorce decrees (final orders)
- Complaints for divorce and responsive pleadings
- Settlement agreements and property division orders
- Custody and visitation orders
- Motions, affidavits, and other filings made during the case
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DHEC) keeps a separate statewide index of divorce reports — a short-form certificate confirming that a divorce was granted, the names of the parties, the date, and the county. DHEC records date back to July 1962.
For court-level records — the full divorce decree, settlement terms, or custody arrangements — contact the Clerk of Court. For a simple verification that a divorce occurred, the state vital records office may be faster.
Charleston County Clerk of Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Charleston County
Understanding which office holds what you need saves time. Here is how divorce records are split between the court and the state:
Family Court – Charleston County
All divorce actions in Charleston County are filed in and decided by the Family Court. After a judge signs the final divorce decree, the order becomes part of the permanent case file maintained by the Clerk of Court. If you need the actual decree, the settlement agreement, or any pleading from the case, this is the office to contact.
You can search for case information online through the Charleston County Public Index or the Clerk of Court's online services portal. Note that some Family Court records — particularly those involving minors or sealed by court order — may have restricted access.
South Carolina Department of Public Health – Vital Records
DHEC maintains divorce reports (certificates) for divorces granted anywhere in South Carolina from July 1962 to the present. These are not full court files — they confirm the fact of divorce, the parties' names, the date, and the county. Only the individuals named on the report, their adult children, or a legal representative may request a copy.
You can order online through VitalChek or by mail.
Which office to contact:
- Need the full divorce decree, property settlement, or custody order? → Charleston County Clerk of Court (Family Court records)
- Need a certificate confirming a divorce occurred? → SC DHEC Vital Records
- Divorce was before July 1962? → Contact the Clerk of Court, as DHEC records do not cover earlier dates
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Charleston County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce report (certificate) from SC DHEC – standard mail | $12.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks |
| Divorce report from SC DHEC – via VitalChek (online/phone) | $12.00 + VitalChek processing fee | 7–10 business days (standard shipping) |
| Court record search – Charleston County Clerk of Court | Contact Clerk for current fee | Varies; in-person requests often same day |
| Certified copy of divorce decree – Clerk of Court | Contact Clerk for current fee | Typically 1–5 business days |
| Online case index search (Public Index) | Free | Immediate |