Divorce records in Florence County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. FlorenceCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Florence County. You can also obtain records directly from the Family Court that issued the decree, the Florence County Clerk of Court, or the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records office. The method you choose depends on whether you need a detailed court file or a certified divorce certificate.
Florence County Divorce Records Search
In South Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the Family Court division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Florence County Clerk of Court maintains the official court files for all divorce actions filed in the county. These records typically include:
- Divorce decrees (final orders)
- Complaints and answers
- Settlement and property division agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Motions and other related filings
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) also keeps divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred, the names of the parties, and the date of the decree. Court-level records contain far more detail than a state-issued certificate. You can search for Florence County case information through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, which provides online access to case data across the state's court system.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Florence County
Understanding which office holds the record you need will save time. South Carolina's court structure routes all divorce matters through the Family Court, a division of the Circuit Court system. Here is how records are distributed:
Florence County Family Court / Clerk of Court
All divorce complaints in Florence County are filed with the Clerk of Court, and the final divorce decree is entered and stored there. If you need the complete case file — including the decree, agreements, custody orders, or any motions — this is the office to contact. The Public Index allows you to look up case numbers and basic docket information online before visiting in person.
South Carolina Department of Public Health — Vital Records
The DPH Vital Records office issues certified divorce certificates for divorces that occurred anywhere in South Carolina. These certificates verify that a divorce took place but do not include the full terms of the decree. You can request a certified copy by mail or online through the DPH website. This is typically the faster route if you only need proof of divorce rather than the detailed court order.
Which Office Should You Contact?
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or court file | Florence County Clerk of Court |
| Settlement or custody agreements | Florence County Clerk of Court |
| Certified divorce certificate (proof of divorce) | SC DPH Vital Records |
| Apostille or authentication of a vital record | SC Secretary of State |
Keep in mind that some divorce records may have restricted access if the case involved sealed proceedings, juvenile matters, or protective orders. Ask the Clerk of Court whether any portions of a specific file are confidential before submitting a request.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Florence County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate (SC DPH — online or mail) | $12.00 | Approximately 10 business days by mail |
| Additional copy of same divorce certificate (same order) | $3.00 | Same as above |
| Court record copies (Clerk of Court — per page) | $0.25–$0.50 | Varies; often same day for short documents |
| Certified court document copy (Clerk of Court) | $1.00 per page (certification fee may apply) | 1–5 business days |