Spartanburg County Divorce Records
What Are Spartanburg County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Spartanburg County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court's Office pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 20-3-10 et seq., which governs divorce proceedings in the state.
Divorce records typically include:
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody arrangements
- Property division documents
- Financial support orders
- Case numbers and filing dates
These documents constitute part of the public record in accordance with South Carolina's public records laws, specifically S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq., commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act. The records are maintained in both physical and electronic formats to ensure proper documentation and accessibility.
Spartanburg County Clerk of Court
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 596-2591
South Carolina Judicial Branch
Are Spartanburg County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Spartanburg County are generally considered public records under South Carolina law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection.
Members of the public may access divorce records through the following means:
- In-person requests at the Spartanburg County Courthouse
- Online access through the Spartanburg County Public Index
- Written requests to the Clerk of Court
However, certain limitations apply to public access:
- Records may be sealed by judicial order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information may be redacted
- Records involving minors have additional privacy protections
- Financial affidavits and certain medical information may be restricted
The Clerk of Court's office serves as the custodian of these records and processes requests in accordance with state law and court rules. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, the office may charge reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying requested records.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Spartanburg County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Spartanburg County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Spartanburg County Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with South Carolina Code § 14-17-560.
To locate a divorce record, requesters should follow these procedures:
-
Prepare necessary information:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Personal identification
-
Visit the Spartanburg County Courthouse:
- Family Court Division, Spartanburg County Courthouse
- 180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306
- Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- (864) 596-2591
-
Submit a written request:
- Complete the Record Request Form available at the courthouse
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail
- Enclose appropriate search and copy fees
-
Provide proper identification:
- Government-issued photo ID required for in-person requests
- Notarized authorization if requesting on behalf of another person
The Clerk's office typically processes requests within 5-7 business days, though complex searches may require additional time. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310, standard fees apply for record searches and certified copies.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Spartanburg County Online?
Spartanburg County provides digital access to divorce records through the South Carolina Judicial Branch's electronic case management system. This service enables remote retrieval of public divorce documents in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(A)(1).
To access divorce records online, users should:
- Visit the Spartanburg County Public Index portal
- Accept the terms and conditions of use
- Select "Family Court" from the available court types
- Enter search criteria:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Review search results and select the relevant case
- Note that certain documents may require in-person retrieval
Important considerations for online searches include:
- The system requires a web browser that supports cookies and JavaScript as noted by the South Carolina Judicial Branch
- Records prior to 1988 may not be available in the electronic system
- Sealed or confidential cases will not appear in public search results
- Document images may not be available for all cases
- Certified copies cannot be obtained through the online system
The online system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except during scheduled maintenance periods. Technical support is available during regular business hours at (864) 596-2591.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Spartanburg County?
Spartanburg County residents may access divorce records without payment through several public resources. While obtaining certified copies typically involves fees, viewing records is available at no cost through designated channels.
Free access options include:
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Public computer terminals at the Spartanburg County Courthouse
- 180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306
- Available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
-
Spartanburg County Public Index online portal
- Accessible 24/7 from any internet-connected device
- No subscription or access fees required
- Limited to basic case information and non-confidential documents
-
Spartanburg County Public Library - Main Branch
- 151 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306
- (864) 596-3500
- Public computers available with library card
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(B), while viewing records may be free, reproduction costs may apply. Standard fees include:
- $0.25 per page for photocopies
- $5.00 for record searches requiring more than 15 minutes
- $5.00 for each certified copy
Individuals should note that while basic case information is freely accessible, obtaining complete divorce files may require payment of statutory fees.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Spartanburg County
Divorce records in Spartanburg County contain comprehensive documentation of marriage dissolution proceedings as prescribed by South Carolina Family Court Rules. These records provide a detailed account of the legal process and resulting judgments.
Standard components of Spartanburg County divorce records include:
- Summons and Complaint - Initial filing documents stating grounds for divorce
- Financial Declarations - Sworn statements of assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Marital Settlement Agreement - Terms for property division and financial arrangements
- Final Decree of Divorce - Judicial order terminating the marriage
- Child Custody and Support Orders - Determinations regarding minor children
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - Instructions for dividing retirement accounts
- Affidavits and Witness Testimonies - Sworn statements submitted as evidence
- Court Hearing Transcripts - Official record of proceedings before the judge
- Name Change Orders - If applicable to either party
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-170, these records must contain specific findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting the court's decisions. The records are maintained by the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court in accordance with state retention schedules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Spartanburg County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Spartanburg County must obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the appropriate court authority. This document serves as legal verification of marital dissolution for various administrative purposes.
To secure proof of divorce, requesters should:
-
Submit a written request to the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court:
- Include full names of both parties
- Provide the case number (if known)
- Specify the approximate date of divorce
- Include a copy of photo identification
-
Pay the required fees:
- $5.00 for certification (pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310)
- $0.25 per page for photocopies
- Payment methods: cash, money order, or credit card (in person)
-
Indicate preferred delivery method:
- In-person pickup
- Mail delivery (include self-addressed stamped envelope)
- Expedited courier service (additional fees apply)
Spartanburg County Clerk of Court - Family Court Division
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 596-2591
South Carolina Judicial Branch
Processing time for certified copies typically ranges from 3-5 business days. For urgent requests, expedited service may be available for an additional fee. The certified divorce decree bears the official seal of the court and signature of the clerk, rendering it acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, and immigration matters.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Spartanburg County?
Divorce proceedings in Spartanburg County may be subject to confidentiality measures under specific circumstances. While South Carolina law generally maintains divorce records as public documents, certain protections exist to safeguard sensitive information.
Mechanisms for confidentiality include:
- Sealing of Records - Pursuant to Rule 41.1 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, a judge may order records sealed upon showing good cause
- Redaction of Information - Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's names may be redacted
- Use of Initials - In cases involving domestic violence or other sensitive matters, parties may be identified by initials rather than full names
- In Camera Review - Certain testimony or evidence may be reviewed privately by the judge
To request confidentiality, parties must:
- File a motion with the Family Court demonstrating compelling reasons for privacy
- Specify which documents or information should be protected
- Cite relevant legal authority supporting the request
- Attend a hearing where the judge will determine if confidentiality is warranted
The court balances privacy interests against the public's right to access judicial records. Factors considered include risk of harm, presence of minors, allegations of abuse, and protection of business or financial information. Even when records are sealed, certain government agencies may retain access for official purposes.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Spartanburg County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Spartanburg County varies according to case complexity and statutory requirements. South Carolina law establishes specific timeframes that govern the divorce process.
Minimum timeframes for divorce in Spartanburg County:
- No-fault divorce (one-year separation): Minimum 90 days from filing to finalization after the one-year separation period
- Fault-based divorce: Minimum 90 days from filing to finalization
- Mandatory waiting period: None, but practical processing time applies
Factors affecting timeline:
- Case complexity and contested issues
- Court docket congestion
- Attorney scheduling
- Discovery process duration
- Mediation or settlement negotiations
- Judicial availability
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-80, divorce cases must be heard in the term of court following the expiration of 90 days from the date of filing. However, actual scheduling depends on court availability at the Spartanburg County Family Court.
For expedited processing, parties may consider:
- Uncontested filing with comprehensive settlement agreement
- Waiver of financial disclosure (if appropriate)
- Joint motion for special setting
- Utilization of temporary hearings to resolve immediate issues
The Spartanburg County Family Court prioritizes cases involving children's welfare and domestic violence situations, which may affect scheduling of other divorce matters.
How Long Does Spartanburg County Keep Divorce Records?
Spartanburg County maintains divorce records in accordance with South Carolina's records retention schedules as established by the Department of Archives and History pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90. These records are preserved for both historical and legal purposes.
Retention periods for divorce records in Spartanburg County:
- Final Divorce Decrees: Permanent retention
- Case Files: Permanent retention
- Docket Books: Permanent retention
- Indexes: Permanent retention
- Financial Declarations: 15 years after case closure
- Temporary Orders: Retained with case file permanently
The Spartanburg County Clerk of Court implements a multi-tiered storage system:
- Active Records (recent cases): Maintained in the courthouse
- Semi-active Records (older cases): Stored in county records center
- Historical Records: May be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History
Records from different time periods may be accessed through different means:
- Contemporary Records (1988-present): Available through electronic case management system
- Intermediate Records (1950-1987): Microfilm or physical storage
- Historical Records (pre-1950): May require specialized archival research
Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact:
Spartanburg County Clerk of Court - Archives Division
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 596-2591
South Carolina Judicial Branch
How To Get a Divorce In Spartanburg County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Spartanburg County must follow specific legal procedures established by South Carolina family law. The process requires adherence to statutory requirements and court rules.
To initiate divorce proceedings:
-
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 grounds for divorce:
- No-fault: One year of continuous separation without cohabitation
- Fault-based: Adultery, habitual drunkenness/drug use, physical cruelty, or desertion
-
Prepare and file required documents with the Family Court:
- Summons and Complaint
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Exemption
- Filing fee of $150 (subject to change)
-
Serve documents on the other spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Certified mail with restricted delivery
- Publication if spouse cannot be located
-
Attend required hearings:
- Temporary hearing (if requested)
- Final hearing
Spartanburg County Family Court
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 596-2591
South Carolina Judicial Branch
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 et seq., the court will address matters including property division, alimony, child custody, and support. Parties are encouraged to reach agreements on these issues when possible, as contested matters typically extend the process duration and increase costs.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Spartanburg County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Spartanburg County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms as prescribed by the South Carolina Judicial Department. These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce action.
Divorce papers may be acquired through the following methods:
-
Spartanburg County Family Court Clerk's Office:
- 180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- (864) 596-2591
- Basic forms available for nominal fee
-
South Carolina Judicial Department website:
- Self-represented litigant forms section
- Downloadable PDF format
- No cost for digital copies
-
South Carolina Legal Services:
- 148 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306
- (864) 582-0369
- Assistance for income-qualifying individuals
-
Private attorneys:
- Customized documentation
- Legal guidance throughout process
- Fees vary by practitioner
Required documents typically include:
- Family Court Cover Sheet
- Summons (Family Court)
- Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration
- Certificate of Exemption
- Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
- Final Decree of Divorce (for judge's signature)
Pursuant to Rule 11, SCRFC, all family court pleadings must be signed by the filing party or their attorney. Forms must be completed accurately and notarized where indicated. Incomplete or improperly executed documents may result in processing delays or rejection by the court.
Lookup Divorce Records in Spartanburg County
Spartanburg County Public Index