Anderson County Public Records /Anderson County Divorce Records

Anderson County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Anderson County in 2026

AndersonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available data related to divorce records in Anderson County. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through authorized sources include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness may vary depending on the age of the record and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through the Anderson County Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, the South Carolina Judicial Department's online case search portal, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for divorce certificates. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Department maintains the Public Index case search portal, which allows members of the public to search Anderson County court records by party name or case number at no charge. Basic case information, docket entries, and case status are available without a fee. Copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The South Carolina Judicial Department provides a statewide portal through which users may search court records across all counties, including Anderson County. This consolidated database allows cross-jurisdictional searches and is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.

3. State Vital Records

South Carolina registers divorce certificates through the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office. Divorce certificates issued by DHEC provide limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees. These certificates serve as official proof of divorce for legal and administrative purposes.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Anderson County Clerk of Court
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Phone: (864) 260-4053
Anderson County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records

Records Department:

The Clerk of Court maintains archived and historical divorce records. Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the Clerk's office.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Anderson County Clerk of Court, 100 South Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624
Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (864) 260-4053
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

Members of the public involved in complex matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted records, may retain legal counsel. An attorney licensed in South Carolina may access case files, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and assist with obtaining records that are not available through standard public access channels. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to attorneys practicing family law.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Anderson County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Divorce proceedings in South Carolina are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.

Under § 20-3-60 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, one spouse must have been a resident of South Carolina for at least one year prior to filing, or both spouses must have been residents for at least three months prior to filing.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
Contacting the Clerk's office directly may confirm availability sooner

Older Divorces:

Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
Digitization of older records is not uniform
Additional retrieval time should be anticipated for archived cases

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county of search
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk of Court at (864) 260-4053
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office for a divorce certificate
Retain a licensed attorney for complex searches

What Are Anderson County Divorce Records?

Anderson County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Anderson County Family Court. These records are maintained by the Anderson County Clerk of Court as part of the permanent court file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws and confidentiality provisions.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file for a divorce proceeding includes:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and child custody agreements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and rulings issued during the proceeding
Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:

The date the marriage was dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support obligations, if any
Child custody and timesharing arrangements, if applicable
Child support orders, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents within the case file may include:

The original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan details and modifications
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for legal name change
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records

The Anderson County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in Anderson County. The Clerk indexes records by party name and case number, maintains the complete case file, and provides certified copies upon request.

The South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for divorces granted in South Carolina. These certificates contain limited information and are distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Clerk of Court.

Legal Framework

Divorce proceedings in South Carolina are governed by Title 20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedures for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and the state's Freedom of Information Act, codified at § 30-4-10 et seq. of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Privacy protections for sensitive information within family law cases are addressed through court rules and applicable state statutes.

Are Anderson County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Anderson County are public court records under South Carolina law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing pursuant to court rules and applicable statutes.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the parties (both spouses)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and times
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status
Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case

What May Be Restricted

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings pursuant to court rules
Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access
Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain filings
Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
Medical and psychological information about children is restricted
Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse records are restricted
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
Medical records submitted as exhibits are subject to HIPAA protections

Sealed Records:

Cases may be sealed in whole or in part by court order
High-profile cases may be subject to protective orders
Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Confidential settlement terms may be withheld from public access

Legal Basis for Public Access

The presumption of public access to court records in South Carolina is grounded in the state's Freedom of Information Act at § 30-4-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as well as the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis and are applied on a case-by-case basis, balancing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and their children.

Who Can Access Records

General Public:

May access most case information and public documents
May view docket summaries and case status through the Public Index portal
May obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
May be required to present identification at the courthouse

Parties to the Case:

Have full access to their own case file, including confidential documents
May obtain all documents filed in their case
Are not subject to the same access restrictions as third parties

Attorneys:

Have professional access to case files for matters in which they are counsel of record
May petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a showing of good cause
Are subject to professional responsibility obligations regarding confidential information

Researchers and Media:

May access the public portions of divorce records
May petition the court for access to sealed records, subject to First Amendment considerations
Academic researchers may seek court permission for access to restricted materials

Restrictions on Use

Prohibited Uses:

Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of parties
Identity theft or fraud
Violation of protective orders
Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law

Permitted Uses:

Legal proceedings and background verification
Genealogical and family history research
News reporting protected by the First Amendment
Academic research conducted in accordance with applicable ethical standards

Obtaining Confidential Records

Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the Anderson County Family Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the requestor's need and the privacy interests of the parties. Certain parties, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access restricted records by statute.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Anderson County?

The Anderson County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with South Carolina law. The following fee structure reflects current charges applicable to divorce record requests.

Service	Current Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$1.00 per page + $10.00 certification fee
Exemplified/authenticated copy	Additional fee applies
Search fee (in-person)	No charge for basic search
Online case information (Public Index)	Free

Additional Fee Details:

Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
Electronic copies, where available, are subject to the same per-page fee as paper copies
Certification fees are charged per document certified, in addition to per-page copy fees
Fees for copies of records are governed by § 8-21-310 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which establishes the schedule of fees for clerks of court

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check or money order made payable to the Anderson County Clerk of Court
Credit and debit cards (subject to a processing fee)

Fee Waivers:

Fee waivers are not routinely available for record copy requests
Parties who qualified for in forma pauperis status during their case may inquire with the Clerk's office regarding applicable provisions

What Is Available at No Charge:

Online case status and docket information through the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index portal
In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse during business hours

Vital Records Fees (DHEC):

Divorce certificates obtained through the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office are subject to a separate fee schedule
The current fee for a certified divorce certificate from DHEC is $12.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time

Anderson County Clerk of Court
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Phone: (864) 260-4053
Anderson County Clerk of Court

South Carolina DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
South Carolina DHEC Vital Records

What's Included in Divorce Records in Anderson County

A complete Anderson County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Clerk of Court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Assigned case number
Name of the court and division (Family Court, Anderson County)
Petitioner and respondent names
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date the petition was filed
Filing fees paid
Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
Basis for jurisdiction

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

Full legal names and addresses of both parties
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (South Carolina recognizes five statutory grounds: adultery, desertion, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and one year's continuous separation under § 20-3-10 of the South Carolina Code of Laws)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property and debts
Requests for spousal support
Relief requested by the petitioner

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials of the petition's allegations
Counterpetition, if filed
Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing:
- All sources and amounts of income
- Monthly living expenses
- All assets, including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- All liabilities, including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
- Standard of living during the marriage

Discovery Documents

Financial Disclosure:

Recent tax returns
Pay stubs and employer verification
Bank and investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Credit card and loan statements
Business financial statements, if applicable

Interrogatories:

Written questions submitted by one party to the other
Answers provided under oath
Cover financial details, custody matters, and background information

Requests for Production:

Formal requests for documents
Property inventories
Financial records and supporting documentation

Property-Related Documents

Marital Asset Inventory:

Descriptions and estimated values of all real property
Vehicles and their values
Bank and investment account balances
Retirement account balances
Business interests and valuations
Personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances and terms
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card debt
Personal and business loans
Tax obligations
Other liabilities

Appraisals and Valuations:

Real property appraisals
Business valuations prepared by qualified experts
Personal property appraisals
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody (decision-making authority for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities)
Physical custody and primary residence designation
Timesharing schedule, including regular, holiday, summer, and vacation provisions
Transportation arrangements between households
Communication protocols between parents and with children
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet based on South Carolina Child Support Guidelines
Income information for both parties
Number of overnights with each parent
Health insurance and childcare costs
Amount of support ordered
Payment method and schedule
Provisions for modification

Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):

Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Recommendations regarding custody and timesharing
Home study findings
Parenting assessments

Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Appointed):

Report of the attorney appointed to represent the children's best interests
Findings and recommendations to the court

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony awarded (periodic, lump sum, rehabilitative, or reimbursement)
Amount and duration of payments
Payment schedule and method
Conditions for modification or termination
Tax treatment provisions

Settlement Documents

Marital Settlement Agreement:

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues between the parties, including:
- Division of real property and personal property
- Allocation of marital debts
- Spousal support terms
- Child custody and support provisions, if applicable
- Tax filing provisions
- Allocation of attorney fees
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Mediation Agreement (If Mediated):

Terms reached through mediation
May be incorporated into the marital settlement agreement
Mediator identification information

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders (If Any):

Temporary custody and timesharing
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital property
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions

Final Judgment of Dissolution:

The court's definitive order dissolving the marriage
Date of dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Property division awards to each party
Debt allocation
Spousal support orders
Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order required when retirement accounts are divided
Instructs the retirement plan administrator on the division of benefits
Filed separately from the final judgment

Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)

Modifications:

Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
Evidence of changed circumstances
Court orders granting or denying modification

Contempt Motions:

Allegations of non-compliance with court orders
Support enforcement actions
Custody violation claims
Court orders on contempt findings

Enforcement Actions:

Income deduction orders for support enforcement
Liens filed against property
Contempt proceedings

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
Mental health evaluations and records
Substance abuse treatment records
Trade secrets contained in business valuations
Settlement negotiations (not filed with the court)
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)

How Information Is Organized

Documents within the case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. The docket reflects the filing sequence and assigns a document number or filing date to each item. The case file index lists all document types and their corresponding locations within the file. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system; older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned images.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Anderson County

Proof of divorce in Anderson County is obtained through either the Anderson County Clerk of Court or the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office, depending on the level of detail required.

Certified Copy of Final Decree (Clerk of Court):

A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof of divorce. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:

Visiting the Anderson County Clerk of Court in person at 100 South Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Submitting a written request by mail with the required identifying information and payment
Searching the Public Index case search portal to locate the case number prior to requesting copies

Divorce Certificate (DHEC Vital Records):

For purposes requiring only basic proof of divorce (such as remarriage or name change with certain agencies), a divorce certificate issued by the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office may be sufficient. This certificate confirms the fact of divorce, the names of the parties, and the date of dissolution, but does not contain the full terms of the court's order.

Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the DHEC Vital Records office
Current fee: $12.00 for the first certified copy; $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
Eligible requestors include the parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, and certain authorized agencies

Anderson County Clerk of Court
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Phone: (864) 260-4053
Anderson County Clerk of Court

South Carolina DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
South Carolina DHEC Vital Records

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Anderson County?

Divorce proceedings in Anderson County are presumptively public, but certain records or portions of records may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances. The Anderson County Family Court has authority to seal records or restrict access when the privacy interests of the parties or their children outweigh the public interest in access.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a protective order or when disclosure of an address or personal information could endanger a party, the court may seal relevant portions of the record
Cases involving minor children: Information identifying children's residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records is routinely restricted or redacted
Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account numbers may be sealed or redacted upon motion of a party
Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record
Court-ordered sealing: Either party may petition the court to seal the entire case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test between transparency and privacy
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse are protected under both state and federal law and are not disclosed as part of the public record

The legal basis for confidentiality in South Carolina family court proceedings is found in the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and the state's Freedom of Information Act at § 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which enumerates categories of records exempt from public disclosure.

How Long Does Anderson County Keep Divorce Records?

Anderson County divorce records are maintained for extended periods in accordance with South Carolina court records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Supreme Court and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.

Retention periods for divorce records in Anderson County are as follows:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents are never destroyed
Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final order
Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case
Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period applicable to the underlying case
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file; subject to the same retention schedule as the complete file
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system indefinitely, subject to applicable archival policies
Paper records: Older paper records may be transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm or digital format; retrieval may require additional time

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History publishes records retention schedules applicable to court records, which govern the minimum periods for which records must be preserved. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Anderson County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.

Anderson County Clerk of Court
100 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Phone: (864) 260-4053
Anderson County Clerk of Court