Greenville County Divorce Records

What Are Greenville County Divorce Records?

Greenville County divorce records are official documents that provide information about divorces filed and finalized in Greenville County, South Carolina. These records are maintained by the Greenville County Family Court and include details about the divorce proceedings, such as the names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce filing, and the final judgment.

Divorce records are part of the public record system and serve as legal documentation of the dissolution of a marriage. They are important for various purposes, including legal name changes, remarriage, and updating personal records.

Are Greenville County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Greenville County are generally considered public records. This means that any member of the public can request access to these documents, with some exceptions for sensitive information.

The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act allows citizens to access public records, including divorce filings. However, certain information within these records may be redacted or sealed by court order to protect privacy, especially in cases involving minors, domestic violence, or other sensitive matters.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Greenville County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Greenville County in 2025, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Greenville County Family Court in person at 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600, Greenville, SC 29601
2. Use the Public Index Search available through the Greenville County website
3. Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
4. Submit a written request to the Greenville County Clerk of Court
5. Provide necessary information such as the names of the parties involved and the approximate date of the divorce

You may need to pay a fee for copies of divorce records, which typically ranges from $5 to $25 depending on the type of search and number of copies requested.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Greenville County Online?

Looking up divorce records in Greenville County online is a convenient option. Here's how to do it:

1. Visit the Greenville County Public Index Search website at www2.greenvillecounty.org/scjd/publicindex/
2. Access the Greenville County Family Court Search at www.greenvillecounty.org/appsas400/FamilyCourtSearch/
3. Enter the required information, such as the names of the parties involved or the case number if you have it
4. Review the search results, which will provide basic information about the divorce case
5. Note that while basic information is available online, you may need to request complete records in person

The online search is free, but you may not be able to view all documents in their entirety. Some records may only be available for viewing at the courthouse.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Greenville County?

There are several ways to find divorce records for free in Greenville County:

1. Use the Greenville County Public Index Search online at no cost
2. Visit the Greenville County Family Court in person at 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600, Greenville, SC 29601 and request to view records (viewing is typically free, though copies may incur fees)
3. Check with local public libraries that may offer free access to public records databases
4. Contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court at 305 E. North Street, Suite 1300, Greenville, SC 29601 for assistance

While viewing records may be free, obtaining certified copies will typically involve a fee. Basic searches and information are generally available at no cost.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Greenville County

Divorce records in Greenville County typically include:

1. The petition for divorce, which states the grounds for divorce
2. Summons and proof of service
3. Financial declarations from both parties
4. Property settlement agreements
5. Child custody and support arrangements, if applicable
6. Visitation schedules for non-custodial parents
7. The final decree of divorce signed by the judge
8. Any post-divorce modifications or amendments

The level of detail can vary depending on the complexity of the divorce case and whether certain information has been sealed by the court.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Greenville County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Greenville County, you can:

1. Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Greenville County Family Court at 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600, Greenville, SC 29601
2. Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 for a divorce verification letter
3. Submit a written request to the Greenville County Clerk of Court with the required information and fee
4. Provide identification when requesting the documents in person

A certified copy of the divorce decree serves as legal proof of divorce and is typically required for name changes, remarriage, and other legal matters. The fee for a certified copy is usually around $15-25.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Greenville County?

While divorce records are generally public in Greenville County, there are ways to maintain some level of confidentiality:

1. Request that the court seal certain sensitive documents or information
2. File for a confidential divorce in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or other safety concerns
3. Use a confidential settlement agreement that keeps financial details private
4. Consider mediation or collaborative divorce, which can keep some details out of the public record

To request confidentiality, you'll need to file a motion with the court explaining why certain information should be sealed. A judge will determine whether the request meets the legal standards for confidentiality.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Greenville County?

The duration of a divorce in Greenville County varies depending on several factors:

1. Uncontested divorces with no children or significant assets may be finalized in as little as 90 days after filing
2. Contested divorces can take 6 months to over a year to complete
3. South Carolina requires a one-year separation period for no-fault divorces
4. Divorces based on fault grounds (adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness) may proceed without the one-year waiting period
5. Court backlogs and scheduling can affect timing

Factors that can extend the process include disputes over child custody, complex asset division, and disagreements requiring court intervention.

How Long Does Greenville County Keep Divorce Records?

Greenville County maintains divorce records indefinitely. As legal documents, these records are preserved permanently in the county's archives. However, the accessibility of older records may vary:

1. Recent records (within the past 10-20 years) are typically readily available through the Family Court
2. Older records may be archived and might require additional time to retrieve
3. Very old records may be stored in the South Carolina Department of Archives and History at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223
4. Digital records are becoming more common, making access to newer records easier

If you need access to older divorce records, you may need to submit a special request and allow additional time for retrieval.

How To Get a Divorce In Greenville County

To get a divorce in Greenville County, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you meet South Carolina's residency requirements (at least one spouse must have been a resident for at least one year, or both spouses must have been residents for at least three months)
2. Determine your grounds for divorce (one-year separation, adultery, physical cruelty, or habitual drunkenness)
3. Prepare and file a Summons and Complaint for Divorce with the Greenville County Family Court at 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600, Greenville, SC 29601
4. Pay the filing fee (approximately $150-$200)
5. Serve the divorce papers to your spouse according to state law
6. Attend all required hearings and mediation sessions
7. Finalize property division, child custody, and support arrangements
8. Obtain the final divorce decree from the court

Consider consulting with an attorney, especially for complex cases involving children or significant assets.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Greenville County

There are several ways to obtain divorce papers in Greenville County:

1. Visit the Greenville County Family Court at 301 University Ridge, Suite 1600, Greenville, SC 29601 and request the forms in person
2. Download forms from the South Carolina Judicial Branch website
3. Contact South Carolina Legal Services at 701 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 for assistance if you qualify for their services
4. Hire an attorney who will prepare and file the necessary paperwork
5. Use online legal document services, though these should be used with caution

Basic divorce packets typically include a Summons, Complaint for Divorce, Financial Declaration Form, and other required documents. The cost for blank forms is minimal, usually under $10, though some may be available for free online.

Lookup Divorce Records in Greenville County

For convenient access to divorce records in Greenville County, you can use the following resources:

• Greenville County Family Court Search - Search for family court cases by case number or party name
• County of Greenville, SC - Family Court - Information about the Greenville County Family Court, including contact details
• Public Index Search - Greenville County - Search for public court records in Greenville County, including divorce records
• Divorce Reports | South Carolina Department of Public Health - Information on obtaining certified copies of divorce reports

These resources provide various ways to access divorce records, from basic case information to certified copies of divorce decrees.