Greenville County Divorce Records
What Are Greenville County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Greenville County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Greenville County Family Court and the Clerk of Court's Office as part of their statutory responsibilities under South Carolina law. Divorce records typically consist of several documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, from the initial complaint to the final decree.
The Family Court, which has jurisdiction over divorce proceedings pursuant to South Carolina Code § 63-3-530, processes these cases and generates the associated documentation. These records serve multiple purposes:
- Legal verification of marital status change
- Documentation for name changes
- Evidence for property division and asset transfers
- Records of child custody and support arrangements
- Historical documentation for genealogical research
Divorce records are categorized as both court records and vital records in South Carolina, with different agencies responsible for maintaining various aspects of these documents.
Greenville County Family Court
301 University Ridge, Suite 300
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-5900
Greenville County Family Court
Are Greenville County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Greenville County are generally considered public records in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and the state's public records laws. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state statutes and court rules.
The public nature of these records means:
- Basic divorce case information is accessible through the Clerk of Court
- Court hearings related to divorce proceedings are typically open to the public
- Final divorce decrees become part of the public record
- Case indexes listing parties' names and case numbers are publicly available
However, certain components of divorce files may be restricted or sealed by judicial order, particularly when they contain:
- Sensitive financial information
- Details regarding minor children
- Allegations of domestic violence
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information deemed confidential by the presiding judge
The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains standards for public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Certain sensitive documents may require court approval before access is granted, even though the divorce record itself is public.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Greenville County in 2025
Locating divorce records in Greenville County requires following established procedures through the appropriate government offices. The primary repositories for these records are the Greenville County Clerk of Court and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Greenville County Clerk of Court's Office during regular business hours
- Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the applicable search and copy fees (typically $5-25 depending on certification needs)
For records by mail:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Purpose of request
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Greenville County Clerk of Court
301 University Ridge, Suite 1400
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-8551
Greenville County Clerk of Court's Office
For divorce verification certificates, contact:
SC DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3630
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Greenville County Online?
Greenville County offers limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a case records search system that includes Family Court cases, though access to full documents may be restricted.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index portal
- Select Greenville County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter party names in the search fields
- Filter results by selecting "Family Court" as the case type
- Review basic case information including filing date, case number, and status
Online searches typically provide:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of parties involved
- Names of attorneys representing each party
- General case status (pending, disposed, etc.)
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Basic docket information
It is important to note that complete divorce documents are not typically available for download through these systems. While case information may be viewable online, obtaining copies of actual divorce decrees and related documents generally requires direct contact with the Clerk of Court's office either in person, by mail, or through their official request procedures.
For assistance with online searches or to determine what information is available electronically, users may contact the Court's Records Department at 864-467-8551.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Greenville County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Greenville County have several options available, though these methods may provide limited information compared to paid requests. Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the Greenville County Courthouse, where individuals may view non-confidential divorce records without charge (copying fees still apply)
- Basic case information searches through the public access terminals located in the Clerk of Court's office
- Limited online case status information through the South Carolina Judicial Branch website
To conduct a free in-person search:
- Visit the Greenville County Clerk of Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request to use the public access terminals
- Provide the necessary search information (names, approximate dates)
- Review available case information on-screen
While viewing records may be free, standard fees apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.25 per page)
- Certified copies ($5 per document plus copy fees)
- Record searches conducted by staff ($5 per name searched)
Individuals may also submit FOIA requests for certain divorce record information, though processing fees may apply if extensive staff time is required for research or redaction.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Greenville County
Divorce records in Greenville County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. These files typically include multiple documents generated throughout the divorce proceedings, providing a detailed account of the case from initiation to conclusion.
Standard components of a complete divorce file include:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Answer and Counterclaim - The responding spouse's formal reply and any counter-requests
- Financial Declarations - Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Parenting Plans - Proposed or agreed arrangements for child custody and visitation
- Property Settlement Agreements - Documents outlining division of marital assets and debts
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - Instructions for dividing retirement accounts
- Final Decree of Divorce - The judge's final order terminating the marriage and resolving all issues
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary orders for support, custody, or property use during proceedings
- Guardian ad Litem reports if children are involved
- Depositions and interrogatory responses
- Court hearing transcripts
- Name change orders if applicable
The level of detail in these records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, with contested cases typically generating more extensive documentation due to litigation and court hearings.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Greenville County?
Individuals requiring official verification of a divorce in Greenville County may obtain documentation through established channels. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it is required.
For official proof of divorce, requestors may obtain:
-
Certified Copy of Divorce Decree - The most comprehensive proof, containing the judge's final order and all terms of the divorce
- Available from the Greenville County Clerk of Court
- Requires case number or names and approximate date
- $5 certification fee plus $0.25 per page
-
Divorce Verification Certificate - A concise document confirming the divorce occurred
- Issued by SC DHEC Vital Records
- Contains names, date, and county of divorce
- $12 fee per certificate
To request a certified divorce decree:
- Complete the court records request form
- Provide proper identification
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
For expedited service, requestors may visit the Clerk's office in person. Mail requests typically require 2-3 weeks for processing and return delivery.
Foreign countries often require additional authentication through apostille, which must be obtained from the South Carolina Secretary of State after the document is certified by the Clerk of Court.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Greenville County?
While divorce proceedings in Greenville County are generally matters of public record, South Carolina law provides mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The court balances the public's right to access with legitimate privacy concerns of the parties involved.
Circumstances where confidentiality may be granted include:
- Cases involving minor children where public disclosure would be harmful
- Situations involving domestic violence or abuse
- Instances where sensitive financial or proprietary business information is involved
- Cases where public disclosure would create risk of identity theft or fraud
- Matters involving vulnerable adults
To request confidentiality:
- File a motion to seal records with the Family Court
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of public access
- Request the least restrictive means of protecting sensitive information
Pursuant to Rule 41.2 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, judges may:
- Seal entire case files in exceptional circumstances
- Redact sensitive information from public documents
- Conduct proceedings in closed courtrooms
- Issue protective orders limiting disclosure of specific information
Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, such as the names of the parties and the case number. Complete confidentiality is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances where the court finds that privacy interests substantially outweigh the public interest in access.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Greenville County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Greenville County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of agreement between parties. South Carolina law establishes certain timeframes that affect all divorces in the state.
Minimum timeframes:
- One-year separation requirement before filing for no-fault divorce (S.C. Code § 20-3-10)
- 90-day mandatory waiting period between filing and final hearing
- Additional time for service of process (typically 30 days)
Typical timelines by case type:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 3-6 months from filing to finalization
- Contested divorces with property or custody disputes: 8-18 months
- Complex high-asset or high-conflict cases: 18-24+ months
Factors that may extend the timeline include:
- Court calendar congestion
- Discovery disputes
- Temporary hearings and motions
- Mediation sessions
- Guardian ad Litem investigations
- Expert witness evaluations
- Continuance requests
The Family Court attempts to process cases efficiently, but statutory requirements and due process considerations establish minimum timeframes that cannot be shortened. Parties seeking the most expeditious resolution should consider mediation and settlement negotiations to resolve contested issues outside of court.
How Long Does Greenville County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Greenville County are maintained permanently in accordance with South Carolina's records retention policies. As legal documents of significant importance, these records are preserved indefinitely for historical, legal, and genealogical purposes.
The retention system includes:
- Original case files maintained by the Clerk of Court's office
- Microfilm or digital archives for older records
- Index systems that allow retrieval by name and case number
- Backup systems to prevent loss of historical records
While the physical storage location may change over time, with older records potentially transferred to state archives or converted to digital formats, the legal obligation to maintain these records remains constant. This permanent retention policy ensures that individuals can obtain proof of divorce regardless of when the divorce occurred.
For practical purposes:
- Recent records (past 10 years) are typically readily accessible at the courthouse
- Older records may require additional search time or special requests
- Very old records (pre-1950) may be stored in state archives
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History may serve as a secondary repository for historical divorce records, particularly for cases predating modern recordkeeping systems. Researchers seeking very old divorce records may need to consult both county and state archives.
How To Get a Divorce In Greenville County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Greenville County must follow South Carolina's established legal procedures. The process involves multiple steps and adherence to statutory requirements.
To initiate a divorce:
-
Establish residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for at least one year
- If both spouses reside in South Carolina, the residency requirement is reduced to three months
-
Determine grounds for divorce:
- No-fault: One-year continuous separation without cohabitation
- Fault-based: Adultery, habitual drunkenness/drug use, physical cruelty, or desertion
-
Prepare and file initial documents with the Family Court:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Exemption
- Filing fee payment ($150-$170)
-
Serve documents on the spouse according to South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure
-
Navigate subsequent proceedings:
- Temporary hearings if immediate relief is needed
- Discovery process to exchange information
- Mediation (mandatory in most cases)
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial if issues remain unresolved
-
Attend final hearing where the judge will review all agreements or make final determinations on contested issues
Self-represented litigants can access forms through the Greenville County Court Support Forms website, though legal representation is strongly recommended, particularly for cases involving children, significant assets, or contested issues.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Greenville County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Greenville County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal documents. Several resources are available to access these forms, depending on the circumstances and needs of the parties involved.
To obtain divorce papers:
-
Visit the Greenville County Courthouse Self-Help Center located at: Greenville County Courthouse
301 University Ridge
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-8551 -
Access forms online through the Greenville County Court Support Forms portal
-
Download standardized forms from the South Carolina Judicial Branch website
-
Consult with South Carolina Legal Services for assistance if income-eligible
Basic divorce packet forms include:
- Family Court Cover Sheet
- Summons
- Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration
- Certificate of Exemption
- Service documents
Additional forms may be required for cases involving:
- Child custody and support
- Alimony requests
- Property division
- Name change requests
- Temporary relief
While forms are available for self-represented litigants, the Family Court recommends seeking legal counsel to ensure proper completion and filing of documents. Incorrectly prepared paperwork may result in delays or dismissal of the case.
Lookup Divorce Records in Greenville County
Greenville County Family Court
Greenville County Clerk of Court's Office
South Carolina Judicial Branch
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control