Anderson County Divorce Records
What Are Anderson County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Anderson County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained by the Anderson County Clerk of Court and contain information pertaining to divorce proceedings that have taken place within the jurisdiction of Anderson County, South Carolina. Pursuant to South Carolina state law, divorce records are considered part of the public record and are maintained for legal and historical purposes.
Divorce records typically include:
- The original divorce petition or complaint
- Court orders and judgments
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Financial affidavits
- Final divorce decree
The Anderson County Family Court, a division of the South Carolina Judicial Branch, processes all divorce cases in the county. The Family Court in Anderson County has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters related to divorce, including annulment, legal separation, and the division of marital assets.
Anderson County Clerk of Court
100 S. Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4053
Anderson County Clerk of Court
Are Anderson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Anderson County are considered public records in accordance with South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.). Members of the public may access these records through the Anderson County Clerk of Court's office or through online resources provided by the South Carolina Judicial Branch.
However, certain limitations apply to public access:
- Records may be sealed by court order in specific circumstances
- Documents containing sensitive personal information (such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children) may be redacted
- Certain exhibits or attachments may be restricted from public view
The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains that public access to court records serves the important function of ensuring transparency in the judicial process while balancing individual privacy concerns. Pursuant to Rule 41.2 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, judges have discretion to seal records when necessary to protect legitimate privacy interests.
Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware that while the records are generally accessible, certain information within those records may be restricted or redacted in accordance with applicable laws and court rules.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Anderson County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Anderson County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Anderson County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of all court records, including divorce proceedings.
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Anderson County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form available at the Clerk's office
- Provide the names of the parties involved and approximate date of divorce
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (fees are subject to change)
- Allow time for staff to locate and process the request
Anderson County Courthouse
100 S. Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Anderson County Courthouse information
For written requests, individuals may send a letter to the Clerk of Court that includes:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date is unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Contact information for response
- Check or money order for applicable fees
The Clerk's office typically processes requests within 5-10 business days, though complex searches or older records may require additional time. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310, fees for copies of public records are set by state statute and may be subject to periodic adjustment.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Anderson County Online?
Anderson County divorce records may be accessed online through the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index system. This electronic resource provides convenient access to court records without requiring an in-person visit to the courthouse.
To access divorce records online:
- Navigate to the Anderson County Public Index
- Select "Family Court" from the available court types
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Review the case information displayed
- Note that only basic case information may be available online
The Public Index provides information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties involved
- Type of action (divorce, separation, etc.)
- Case status and disposition
- Scheduled hearings
- Names of attorneys representing the parties
It is important to note that while the Public Index provides case information, complete divorce records with all associated documents may not be available online. Pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department policies, certain documents may only be accessible by visiting the Clerk's office in person.
For cases filed after the implementation of the Family Court Case Management System, additional information may be available through the SC DSS Portal.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Anderson County?
Members of the public may access basic divorce record information in Anderson County without charge through several methods. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides resources that allow for free searches of case information.
Free access options include:
- Using public access terminals located at the Anderson County Courthouse
- Searching the online Public Index for basic case information
- Visiting the South Carolina Judicial Branch website for general court information
While searching for records may be free, fees typically apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page as of 2024)
- Certified copies of divorce decrees ($5.00 per certification as of 2024)
- Research assistance for cases older than 10 years
The Anderson County Law Library, located within the courthouse, also provides public access to legal resources and may assist with locating publicly available information about divorce cases. Library staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct patrons to appropriate resources.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, public bodies may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Anderson County
Divorce records in Anderson County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal proceedings that dissolved a marriage. These records are maintained by the Anderson County Clerk of Court and typically include multiple documents created throughout the divorce process.
Standard components of a divorce record include:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce
- Financial Declarations - Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Property Settlement Agreements - Documents outlining the division of marital property
- Child Custody and Support Orders - Legal determinations regarding minor children
- Temporary Orders - Court directives in effect during the pendency of the divorce
- Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment dissolving the marriage
Additional documents that may be included:
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Guardian ad Litem reports (in cases involving children)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
- Name change orders
- Restraining orders or protective orders, if applicable
Pursuant to South Carolina Family Court Rule 20, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these documents, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and in some cases, information identifying minor children.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Anderson County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Anderson County may obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Clerk of Court's office. This document serves as legal evidence that a marriage has been dissolved and is often required for remarriage, name changes, or immigration purposes.
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree:
- Submit a written request to the Anderson County Clerk of Court
- Include the names of both parties to the divorce
- Provide the approximate date of divorce
- Include the case number if known
- Enclose the required fee ($5.00 per certification as of 2024)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail if requesting by mail
Anderson County Clerk of Court
100 S. Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4053
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For expedited service, individuals may visit the Clerk's office in person with proper identification. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 14-17-260, the Clerk of Court is authorized to certify copies of court records under the seal of the court, which provides official authentication of the document.
For divorces that occurred more than 50 years ago, individuals may also contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records office, which maintains historical divorce records.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Anderson County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings in Anderson County may be conducted with varying levels of confidentiality. While South Carolina law generally favors public access to court records, provisions exist to protect sensitive information when necessary.
Mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality include:
- Sealing of Records - Pursuant to Rule 41.2 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, a judge may order records sealed upon showing of good cause
- Redaction - Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account information, and children's names may be redacted from public documents
- In Camera Proceedings - Certain hearings may be conducted in the judge's chambers rather than in open court
- Protective Orders - The court may issue orders limiting disclosure of sensitive information
To request confidentiality measures:
- File a motion with the Family Court requesting specific confidentiality protections
- Demonstrate compelling reasons why public access would cause harm
- Propose the least restrictive means necessary to protect legitimate privacy interests
The court balances privacy concerns against the presumption of public access to judicial proceedings. Complete sealing of divorce records is rare and typically requires extraordinary circumstances such as risk of physical harm, protection of trade secrets, or prevention of identity theft.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Anderson County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Anderson County varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the case and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. The South Carolina Family Court system establishes timeframes that govern the process.
For uncontested divorces:
- Minimum waiting period of 90 days from filing to final hearing (pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-80)
- Typically resolved within 3-6 months if all paperwork is properly filed
- Requires complete agreement on all issues including property division, alimony, and child custody
For contested divorces:
- May take 12-18 months or longer to reach resolution
- Subject to court scheduling and availability of hearing dates
- May involve multiple temporary hearings before final resolution
- Discovery process can extend timeframes significantly
Factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:
- Disputes over child custody or visitation
- Complex financial assets requiring valuation
- Business ownership interests
- Retirement accounts requiring Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
- High-conflict cases requiring mediation or guardian ad litem involvement
The Anderson County Family Court manages case scheduling in accordance with South Carolina Judicial Department guidelines, which prioritize cases involving children and domestic violence. Parties seeking expedited proceedings should consult with legal counsel regarding available options.
How Long Does Anderson County Keep Divorce Records?
Anderson County maintains divorce records permanently in accordance with South Carolina's records retention schedules. As legal documents of significant historical and genealogical value, divorce records are preserved indefinitely by the Clerk of Court's office.
Record retention practices include:
- Current records (less than 10 years old) - Maintained in active files at the courthouse
- Older records (10-25 years) - May be archived but remain accessible with advance notice
- Historical records (over 25 years) - May be preserved on microfilm or in digital format
While the records themselves are permanently retained, the accessibility and format may change over time:
- Recent records (post-2000) are typically available in electronic format
- Older records may require physical retrieval from archives
- Very old records may have been transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90, no public records may be destroyed without the approval of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. This ensures the preservation of important legal and historical documents, including divorce records, for future generations.
How To Get a Divorce In Anderson County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Anderson County must follow specific procedures established by South Carolina law. The process begins with filing the appropriate documents with the Family Court.
Requirements for filing for divorce include:
- At least one party must have been a resident of South Carolina for at least one year prior to filing (or three months if both parties are residents)
- Filing must occur in the county where the defendant resides, where the plaintiff resides if the defendant is a non-resident, or where the parties last shared a residence
- Legal grounds for divorce must be established (South Carolina recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds)
Steps in the divorce process:
- Prepare and file a Summons and Complaint with the Anderson County Family Court
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $150 as of 2024, with fee waivers available for those who qualify)
- Serve the documents on the other spouse according to South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure
- File proof of service with the court
- Wait for the response period (30 days) to elapse
- Attend required hearings as scheduled by the court
- Obtain a Final Decree of Divorce
Anderson County Family Court
100 S. Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4041
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, South Carolina recognizes the following grounds for divorce: adultery, desertion for one year, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and living separate and apart for one year (no-fault).
How To Get Divorce Papers In Anderson County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Anderson County may obtain the necessary forms through several channels. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides standardized forms for self-represented litigants.
Sources for divorce forms include:
- The South Carolina Judicial Branch website - Offers downloadable PDF forms
- Anderson County Clerk of Court's office - Provides paper copies of forms for a nominal fee
- South Carolina Legal Services - Offers assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
- Anderson County Law Library - Maintains reference copies of form books
Basic forms required for divorce proceedings include:
- Family Court Cover Sheet
- Summons for Divorce
- Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Exemption (if applicable)
- Motion and Affidavit to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (for fee waiver requests)
Anderson County Courthouse
100 S. Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 260-4400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
While forms are available for self-represented litigants, the court cannot provide legal advice regarding how to complete the forms or which forms are appropriate for specific situations. Individuals with complex cases involving children, significant assets, or contested issues are advised to consult with an attorney.
Lookup Divorce Records in Anderson County
South Carolina Judicial Branch
Anderson County Clerk of Court