Florence County Public Records /Florence County Divorce Records

Florence County Divorce Records

What Are Florence County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Florence County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 20-3-10, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final decree.

The Family Court of Florence County maintains these records as part of its official court documentation. Under South Carolina law, divorce records serve several important functions:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change proceedings
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

The South Carolina Judicial Branch classifies divorce records as part of vital records that document significant life events. These records contain personal information about the parties involved, including financial data, custody arrangements, and the legal grounds for divorce as specified under South Carolina Code § 20-3-10.

Are Florence County Divorce Records Public?

Florence County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, but with significant exceptions and limitations.

The public components typically include:

Case numbers and docket information
Names of parties involved
Filing dates
General case status
Final divorce decrees (with certain information redacted)

However, several categories of information within divorce records are restricted from public access:

Financial affidavits and statements
Child custody evaluations
Guardian ad litem reports
Mental health evaluations
Information about minor children
Social Security numbers and financial account details
Allegations of domestic violence or abuse

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 44-63-140, these certificates are available only to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their immediate family members
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a demonstrable legal interest

The Family Court of Florence County follows these state regulations while maintaining the balance between public right to information and individual privacy protections.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Florence County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Florence County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the requester's relationship to the case and the specific information needed.

For court case records, individuals may:

Visit the Florence County Family Court Clerk's office in person:

Florence County Family Court
181 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3091
Florence County Family Court

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit a written request by mail, including:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Copy of photo identification
- Required search fee ($5.00 per name searched)
Access the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index for basic case information.

For certified divorce certificates, requesters must:

Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records:

SC DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3630
SC DHEC Vital Records

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Complete the DHEC Divorce Certificate Application
Provide proper identification
Pay the required fee ($12.00 for first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy)
Submit request by mail, online, or in person

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 44-63-80, requesters must demonstrate eligibility to receive certified copies of divorce records.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Florence County Online?

Florence County residents and authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information through online platforms. The digital accessibility of these records is governed by South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, which establishes parameters for electronic access to public records.

The primary online resources for divorce record searches include:

The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides basic case information for divorces filed after 1988. Users may search by:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Filing date range
This system displays:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Case type and status
- Scheduled hearings
- Register of actions (docket entries)
Note: The system does not provide access to actual document images or confidential information.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control offers an online portal for ordering certified divorce certificates. Eligible requesters must:
- Create an account
- Provide required identification
- Pay applicable fees ($12.00 for first copy)
- Verify eligibility under state law
Third-party subscription services like VitalChek provide an additional online option for ordering certified divorce records, though these services charge additional processing fees.

Online access to divorce records is limited by privacy protections established in South Carolina Code § 20-1-720, which restricts the disclosure of certain personal information contained in family court records.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Florence County?

Florence County residents seeking no-cost access to divorce records have limited but viable options. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, certain public records may be inspected without charge, though fees typically apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access methods include:

In-person inspection at the Florence County Family Court:

Florence County Family Court
181 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3091
Florence County Family Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitors may:
- Review public case files at no cost
- Take notes from records
- Use personal devices to photograph non-confidential documents (subject to court rules)
The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides free online access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Hearing dates
Public access computers at the Florence County Library:

Florence County Library
509 S. Dargan Street
Florence, SC 29506
843-662-8424
Florence County Library

Hours vary by branch

While inspection is free, pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(B), fees apply for:

Copies of documents ($0.25 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
Research assistance ($15.00 per hour after the first hour)

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Florence County

Divorce records in Florence County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records, maintained in accordance with South Carolina Code § 20-3-10, typically contain several distinct components.

The court case file generally includes:

Summons and Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
Financial Declarations - Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, debts, income, and expenses
Property Settlement Agreements - Documents outlining the division of marital property and debts
Child Custody and Support Orders - Legal determinations regarding minor children
Temporary Orders - Court directives in effect during the pendency of the divorce
Depositions and Interrogatories - Sworn testimony and written questions/answers
Court Hearing Transcripts - Official records of proceedings before the judge
Final Decree of Divorce - The judge's final order terminating the marriage

The certified divorce certificate, issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, contains more limited information:

Full names of both parties
Date and place of divorce
Case number
County where divorce was granted
Date of marriage
Official state seal and certification

Certain sensitive information is typically redacted or sealed in public versions of these records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's identifying information
Allegations of abuse or domestic violence
Mental health evaluations

The completeness of divorce records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Florence County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Florence County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The type of proof needed often determines which method is most appropriate.

For certified divorce certificates, which serve as official proof for most legal purposes:

Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC):

SC DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3630
SC DHEC Vital Records

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Complete the DHEC Divorce Certificate Application
Provide acceptable identification
Pay the required fee ($12.00 for first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy)
Submit request by mail, online, or in person

For certified copies of the divorce decree or judgment:

Visit or contact the Florence County Family Court:

Florence County Family Court
181 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3091
Florence County Family Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Provide the case number or names of parties and approximate date
Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)

For international use requiring authentication:

Obtain a certified copy from either source above
Contact the South Carolina Secretary of State for apostille or certification:

South Carolina Secretary of State
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-2170
SC Secretary of State

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit the certified document with required fee ($10.00 per document)

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 44-63-140, only eligible individuals may obtain certified divorce records, including parties to the divorce, their immediate family members, and legal representatives with proper authorization.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Florence County?

While divorce proceedings in Florence County are generally matters of public record, South Carolina law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The protection of sensitive information is governed by South Carolina Code § 20-1-720 and related statutes.

Aspects of divorce cases that may be kept confidential include:

Financial records and affidavits - Detailed financial information is typically not accessible to the general public
Child custody evaluations and reports - Documents concerning minor children are protected
Mental health and medical records - Health information remains confidential
Allegations of domestic violence or abuse - Sensitive allegations may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports - Assessments regarding children's best interests are protected

Parties seeking additional confidentiality may:

Request a sealing order from the presiding judge, which requires:
- Filing a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case
- Demonstrating compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest
- Obtaining judicial approval through a court hearing
Pursue alternative dispute resolution methods:
- Mediation - Confidential negotiation process with a neutral third party
- Collaborative divorce - Private process with attorneys committed to settlement
- Arbitration - Private hearing with a decision-maker outside the court system
Enter into confidentiality agreements regarding settlement terms

The Family Court may also issue protective orders sua sponte (on its own initiative) to shield sensitive information from public disclosure when necessary to protect privacy interests, particularly those of minor children.

Even when records are sealed, pursuant to South Carolina Court Administration Order, basic case information typically remains visible in public indexes, including party names and case numbers, unless extraordinary circumstances warrant complete anonymity.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Florence County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Florence County varies significantly based on several factors. Under South Carolina law, specifically South Carolina Code § 20-3-80, certain minimum timeframes apply to all divorce cases.

Key factors affecting timeline include:

Grounds for divorce - Fault-based grounds versus no-fault separation
Case complexity - Property division, child custody, and support issues
Level of agreement between parties - Contested versus uncontested
Court docket congestion - Current caseload of the Family Court
Statutory waiting periods - Required by state law

Typical timeframes for Florence County divorces:

Uncontested divorce based on one-year separation:
- Minimum 90 days from filing to final hearing
- Average completion time: 3-5 months
- Required one-year separation must be completed before filing
Contested divorce with property/custody issues:
- Discovery period: 3-6 months
- Mediation: 1-2 months
- Trial preparation: 1-3 months
- Trial and final order: 1-2 months
- Average completion time: 8-14 months
Fault-based divorce (adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness):
- No one-year separation requirement
- Higher evidentiary burden
- Average completion time: 6-12 months

According to the South Carolina Judicial Branch Annual Statistical Report, the average time from filing to disposition for all divorce cases in Florence County is approximately 9 months, though individual cases may vary significantly.

Statutory requirements that affect timing include:

Minimum 90-day waiting period from filing to final hearing
Mandatory financial disclosure requirements
Required parent education programs for cases involving minor children
Mediation requirements in contested cases

How Long Does Florence County Keep Divorce Records?

Florence County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under South Carolina Code § 30-1-90 and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History guidelines. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The retention schedule for divorce records includes:

Court Case Files (Family Court):
- Complete case files: Permanent retention
- Docket books and indexes: Permanent retention
- Microfilm/digital archives: Permanent retention
- Exhibits and evidence: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period (typically 30 days after final judgment)
Divorce Certificates (SC DHEC Vital Records):
- Original certificates: Permanent retention
- Index of divorces: Permanent retention
- Electronic database records: Permanent retention
Administrative Records:
- Case management system data: Permanent retention
- Statistical reports: 15 years
- Financial records related to filing fees: 7 years

Records maintained by the Florence County Clerk of Court are progressively migrated to different storage formats:

Active cases (0-2 years): Original paper documents in clerk's office
Semi-active cases (2-10 years): Combination of paper and digital formats
Archived cases (10+ years): Primarily microfilm or digital format

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History maintains historical divorce records dating back to the establishment of the Family Court system in 1977. Earlier divorce records may be found in Circuit Court records, which were the predecessor courts handling divorce matters.

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-1-30, the destruction of any public records must follow approved schedules and procedures, ensuring that legally significant documents are preserved indefinitely.

How To Get a Divorce In Florence County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Florence County must follow procedures established under South Carolina Code § 20-3-10 et seq. The process involves several distinct steps and varies based on the specific circumstances of the marriage.

To initiate a divorce proceeding:

Establish residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for at least one year prior to filing
- If both spouses reside in South Carolina, the residency requirement is reduced to three months
Determine appropriate grounds for divorce:
- No-fault ground: One year of continuous separation without cohabitation
- Fault-based grounds: Adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness/drug use, or desertion
File initial documents with the Florence County Family Court:

Florence County Family Court
181 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3091
Florence County Family Court

Required documents include:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Exemption or Mediation
- Filing fee ($150.00, with potential waiver for indigent parties)
Serve the non-filing spouse with divorce papers:
- Personal service by sheriff or private process server
- Certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt
- Publication in newspaper (if spouse cannot be located)
Wait for response period (30 days) and proceed accordingly:
- If uncontested: Schedule final hearing after 90-day waiting period
- If contested: Engage in discovery, mandatory mediation, and potential trial
Attend final hearing before Family Court judge:
- Present testimony and evidence
- Submit proposed Final Decree of Divorce
- Receive judge's ruling and signed decree
File certified copy of divorce decree with Vital Records:

SC DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3630
SC DHEC Vital Records

Self-represented litigants may access forms and guidance through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Self-Help Resources, though legal representation is strongly recommended for contested matters or cases involving significant assets or children.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Florence County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Florence County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal documents. These forms must comply with South Carolina Family Court Rules and local requirements.

Sources for divorce papers include:

Florence County Family Court Clerk's Office:

Florence County Family Court
181 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3091
Florence County Family Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Available documents:
- Basic divorce packet ($10.00 fee)
- Individual forms ($1.00 per page)
- Financial Declaration forms
- Service of Process forms
South Carolina Judicial Branch Website:
- Self-Represented Litigant Simple Divorce Packet
- Financial Declaration Form
- Child Support Worksheets
- Parenting Plan Templates
South Carolina Legal Services:

South Carolina Legal Services - Pee Dee Office
1732 W. Evans Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-413-9500
South Carolina Legal Services

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Services for income-eligible individuals:
- Free divorce forms
- Assistance completing paperwork
- Legal advice and possible representation
Florence County Law Library:

Florence County Law Library
181 N. Irby Street, 2nd Floor
Florence, SC 29501
843-665-3050

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Resources available:
- Reference materials on divorce procedure
- Sample forms and templates
- Public access computers for online resources
Private attorneys:
- Custom-drafted documents tailored to specific circumstances
- Legal advice on completing and filing
- Representation throughout the process

All divorce filings must comply with South Carolina Family Court Rule 20, which establishes requirements for form and content of pleadings. Individuals with complex cases involving significant assets, businesses, retirement accounts, or child custody disputes are strongly advised to seek legal counsel rather than relying solely on standardized forms.

Lookup Divorce Records in Florence County

South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index

Vital Records | South Carolina Department of Public Health

Certification of Vital Records | SC Secretary of State