Divorce records in Anderson County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels, including online search tools, the court that issued the decree, the county clerk's office, and the state vital records office. AndersonCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Anderson County. You can also request records directly from the Anderson County Family Court, the Clerk of Court, or the South Carolina Department of Public Health's vital records division.
Anderson County Divorce Records Search
In South Carolina, divorce cases are heard exclusively in Family Court, and Anderson County is no exception. The Anderson County Family Court is the sole forum for all divorce, annulment, legal separation, child custody, and visitation matters filed in the county. Once a divorce decree is entered, the official case file — including the decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, and related filings — is maintained by the Anderson County Clerk of Court.
The state also keeps a record. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDHP) maintains divorce certificates for divorces granted statewide since July 1, 1962. These certificates confirm that a divorce occurred but do not contain the full terms of the settlement or decree.
You can search Anderson County court case records online through the Anderson County Public Index, which is part of the South Carolina Judicial Branch's statewide system. For in-person requests, visit the Clerk of Court at the Anderson County Courthouse.
Anderson County Clerk of Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Anderson County
Understanding which office holds the record you need will save time. In South Carolina, divorce cases follow a specific filing path:
- Family Court — All divorce actions in Anderson County are filed in and adjudicated by the Family Court. This court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, equitable division of property, child custody, visitation, and support matters.
- Clerk of Court — After the Family Court enters a divorce decree, the complete case file is stored and maintained by the Anderson County Clerk of Court. This includes the original petition, the final decree, any settlement agreements, custody and support orders, and related motions. If you need a copy of the actual decree or any document from the case file, contact this office.
- South Carolina Department of Public Health (Vital Records) — SCDHP issues divorce verification letters and divorce certificates for divorces finalized in South Carolina from July 1962 onward. These records confirm the fact of divorce (names, date, county) but do not include the full terms. If you need a divorce certificate for identification, benefits, or remarriage purposes, contact SCDHP Vital Records.
Anderson County Family Court
SC Department of Public Health – Vital Records
The South Carolina Courts Self-Help Center provides forms and guidance if you need to file a divorce action or request court documents on your own.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Anderson County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copy (per page, non-certified) — Clerk of Court | $0.25 per page | Same day to several business days |
| Certified copy of court document — Clerk of Court | $1.00 per page (plus certification fee) | Same day to several business days |
| Divorce certificate — SC Department of Public Health | $12.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order) | $3.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Expedited divorce certificate processing — SCDHP | Additional fee applies | Approximately 5–10 business days |
| Online case search — Anderson County Public Index | Free | Immediate |