Clarendon County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clarendon County in 2026
ClarendonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clarendon County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy protections.
Divorce records in Clarendon County may be searched through the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, the South Carolina Judicial Department's online case index, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health's vital records division. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court maintains case records for the Court of Common Pleas, which handles family law matters including divorce. Basic case information is available at no charge through the court's public index. Certified copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides a consolidated, statewide case search tool. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions using party names or case numbers. As noted on the portal, "nothing contained within this web site is an official record of the County or the elected officials responsible therefore. All official records of the County are maintained in the offices of the elected officials." The portal is suitable for locating case numbers and basic filing information prior to requesting official documents.
3. State Vital Records
The South Carolina Department of Public Health maintains divorce reports for dissolutions granted in South Carolina. Divorce certificates and reports may be obtained through the vital records office. Fees apply to certified copies.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Clarendon County:
Clarendon County Clerk of Court
411 Sunset Drive
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
Clerk of Court
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
South Carolina Department of Public Health — Vital Records:
SC Department of Public Health, Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Divorce Reports — SC DPH
By Mail
Written Request to Clerk of Court:
- Mail to: Clarendon County Clerk of Court, 411 Sunset Drive, Manning, SC 29102
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requester's contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (803) 435-4443
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in South Carolina may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The South Carolina Bar's lawyer referral service may assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel for complex record requests.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in South Carolina
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-60, a divorce action must be filed in the county where either spouse resides 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 of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a resident of South Carolina for a minimum of one year prior to filing, or both spouses must have been residents at the time the cause of action arose, pursuant to § 20-3-30.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
- Older divorces: Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations, including maiden versus married name
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
If a record cannot be located, members of the public may contact the Clerk of Court at (803) 435-4443, attempt alternate name spellings, search both spouses' names, or check the SC DPH divorce reports database.
What Are Clarendon County Divorce Records?
Clarendon County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the Clerk of Court and are subject to South Carolina's public records framework.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed with the court from initiation through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. As noted by USAGov, "a divorce decree establishes specific terms of the divorce. You will need a copy of it to get legal or government help." The final decree establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, 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 filed in the case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, child support calculation worksheets, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve multiple legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting terms for Social Security or pension benefit claims
- Supporting immigration proceedings
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of divorce case files and provides certified copies to authorized requesters. The SC Department of Public Health maintains a separate registry of divorce reports, which contain limited identifying information and are used primarily for statistical and vital records purposes.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in South Carolina are governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements. Public access to court records is governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq., which presumes that court records are open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies.
Are Clarendon County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clarendon County are public court records subject to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Final divorce decree and judgment
- Property division orders
- General case status and disposition
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decree |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of divorce terms.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requester's interest against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children. Certain entities, including child protective services investigators and court-appointed evaluators, have statutory access to restricted records without a separate court order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clarendon County?
The Clarendon County Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. The following fee structure reflects current rates; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $1.00 per page + $3.00 certification fee |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies by request |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Clarendon County Clerk of Court
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to confirmation with the office)
SC DPH Vital Records — Divorce Reports: The South Carolina Department of Public Health charges a fee for certified divorce reports obtained through the vital records office. Members of the public should confirm current fees at the SC DPH vital records page prior to submitting a request.
Fee Waivers: South Carolina law does not provide a general fee waiver for court record copies. Parties who are proceeding in forma pauperis in an active case may petition the court for relief from certain fees. Members of the public requesting records for genealogical or research purposes are subject to standard copy fees.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through the SC Judicial Department Public Index online
- Inspecting public case files in person at the Clerk's office (no copy fee for inspection only)
- Confirming case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clarendon County
A complete Clarendon County divorce case file contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information regarding any minor children, and the relief requested. South Carolina recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce under § 20-3-10, including adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness, desertion, and one year's continuous separation. The response or answer sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterclaims.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, and personal property, as well as all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and responses to requests for admission. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements are filed as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
The case file includes a marital asset inventory, a debt inventory, and any appraisals or expert valuations of real property, business interests, or personal property. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are filed separately when retirement accounts are divided.
Children-Related Documents:
When minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan addressing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and summer arrangements, a child support calculation worksheet, and any court-ordered custody evaluations or guardian ad litem reports. Certain children's records, including psychological evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, may be sealed or restricted from public access.
Settlement Documents:
A marital settlement agreement, if reached, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements may be incorporated into the settlement agreement. Mediation communications themselves are confidential and are not part of the public record.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property may be entered during the pendency of the case. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order ending the marriage, setting forth findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all terms of the dissolution. The final judgment bears the judge's signature and the court's seal.
Post-Judgment Documents:
The file may include petitions to modify custody or support, motions for contempt, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions filed after the final judgment is entered.
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 in cases involving protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clarendon County?
Proof of divorce in Clarendon County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final decree from the Clerk of Court or a certified divorce report from the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
Step 1 — Determine the Appropriate Source:
- A certified copy of the final decree, which contains the full terms of the dissolution, is obtained from the Clarendon County Clerk of Court.
- A certified divorce report, which confirms the fact of divorce with limited identifying information, is obtained from the SC Department of Public Health Vital Records.
Step 2 — Gather Required Information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the filing
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Step 3 — Submit Request:
In Person:
Clarendon County Clerk of Court
411 Sunset Drive
Manning, SC 29102
Phone: (803) 435-4443
Clerk of Court
By Mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above, including party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, requester contact information, and payment for applicable fees.
Vital Records — In Person or By Mail:
SC Department of Public Health, Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Divorce Reports — SC DPH
Members of the public may also review guidance on how to get a copy of a divorce decree or certificate through USAGov, which provides a plain-language overview of the process applicable across jurisdictions.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clarendon County?
A divorce proceeding in Clarendon County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, through a court order sealing the record. Confidentiality is not automatic; a party must petition the court and demonstrate good cause for sealing.
The following categories of information may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Domestic violence cases: Records in cases involving allegations of domestic violence or where a protective order is in effect may be sealed to protect the safety of the victim, consistent with South Carolina's victim protection statutes.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children are subject to heightened protection and may be redacted or sealed.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records introduced in evidence may be restricted from public access.
- Mediation communications: Under South Carolina law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public record.
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal the terms of a settlement agreement upon a showing that disclosure would cause harm.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court. The court applies a balancing test under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, § 30-4-10, weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests at stake.
How Long Does Clarendon County Keep Divorce Records?
Clarendon County retains divorce records in accordance with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History's records retention schedules applicable to court records. Divorce records are permanent records of the court and are not subject to routine destruction.
The following retention principles apply:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum period established by the South Carolina Judicial Department's records management policies; active and recently closed cases are maintained in the Clerk's office, while older cases may be transferred to archival storage.
- Archived paper records: Cases filed prior to electronic filing may be held in off-site storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request to the Clerk of Court.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the SC Judicial Department Public Index.
- Vital records divorce reports: The SC Department of Public Health retains divorce reports in its vital records registry on a permanent basis.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Clerk of Court directly at (803) 435-4443 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. South Carolina's public records retention framework is established under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-10 et seq., which governs the preservation and disposition of public records statewide.