Beaufort County Divorce Records
What Are Beaufort County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Beaufort County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 20-3-10, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of various court documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition to the final decree.
The Beaufort County Family Court maintains these records as part of its official duties in handling domestic relations cases. Under South Carolina law, divorce records serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change proceedings
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The South Carolina Department of Public Health also maintains a centralized index of divorce certificates through its Vital Records division, which provides an additional official source for verification of divorce status.
Are Beaufort County Divorce Records Public?
Beaufort County divorce records have a complex public access status governed by both South Carolina Freedom of Information Act § 30-4-10 and family law provisions. The public accessibility of divorce records depends on the specific document type and the information contained therein:
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Generally Public: Basic case information including parties' names, case numbers, filing dates, and final disposition are typically available to the public through the Beaufort County Clerk of Court.
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Limited Access: Certain sensitive documents within divorce files may be restricted, including:
- Financial declarations and affidavits
- Records containing minor children's information
- Documents with Social Security numbers or financial account details
- Records sealed by judicial order
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Restricted Access: Certified divorce certificates from the South Carolina Department of Public Health are available only to:
- Former spouses named in the record
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with legitimate legal interest as determined by state law
The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains that court records are presumptively open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule, in accordance with the constitutional principle of open courts.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Beaufort County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Beaufort County may utilize several official channels to locate these documents:
- Visit the Beaufort County Family Court in person:
Beaufort County Family Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5660
Beaufort County Family Court
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
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Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court with the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment of applicable fees
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Contact the Records Management Department:
Beaufort County Records Management
100 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-2700
Records Management
- Request a certified divorce certificate from the state:
SC Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 898-3630
Vital Records
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 44-63-140, requestors must provide proper identification and pay the statutory fee for certified copies of vital records.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Beaufort County Online?
Beaufort County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms:
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South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index: The state's judicial case search system allows users to search for divorce cases by party name. This system provides basic case information including:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Party names
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
Access the Public Index at https://www.sccourts.org/caseSearch/
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Beaufort County Register of Deeds Online Search: While primarily for property records, this system may contain related documents if recorded as part of property settlements:
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South Carolina Department of Public Health Online Ordering: For certified divorce certificates, the state provides an online ordering system through VitalChek:
Important limitations of online searches include:
- Full divorce case files are not available for download
- Document images are generally not accessible online
- Older records may not be included in digital databases
- Sensitive or sealed information is excluded from online access
- User fees may apply for certain search functions
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Beaufort County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Beaufort County have several options available, though services may be limited:
- In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to South Carolina public records laws, individuals may inspect (but not copy) non-confidential divorce records at no charge by visiting:
Beaufort County Clerk of Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Clerk of Court
Public viewing hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to basic case information, though printing fees may apply:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Hearing schedules
- Case status
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Beaufort County Public Library: The library system maintains historical archives that may include older divorce records:
Beaufort County Library - Main Branch
311 Scott Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-6430
Beaufort County Library
- South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index: This free online resource provides basic case information without charge: https://www.sccourts.org/caseSearch/
It is important to note that while inspection may be free, fees will apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive research assistance. Additionally, access to confidential or sealed records requires court authorization regardless of fee payment.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Beaufort County
Divorce records in Beaufort County typically contain multiple document types that collectively constitute the official record of marital dissolution. The contents generally include:
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Initial Pleadings:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce
- Answer and Counterclaim (if applicable)
- Financial declarations from both parties
- Proof of service documentation
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Interim Orders and Filings:
- Temporary relief orders
- Motions and responses
- Guardian ad Litem reports (in cases involving children)
- Discovery documents
- Mediation agreements or results
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Final Documentation:
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property settlement agreement
- Child custody and support orders
- Alimony determinations
- Name change orders (if applicable)
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Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable):
- Modification requests
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
- Contempt proceedings
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Certified Divorce Certificate:
- Names of both parties
- Date and location of divorce
- Case number
- Official state certification
The Beaufort County Records Management Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. The level of detail in divorce records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of property division.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Beaufort County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Beaufort County have several options for obtaining legally recognized documentation:
- Certified Copy of Divorce Decree: The most comprehensive proof of divorce is available from:
Beaufort County Clerk of Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Clerk of Court
Requirements:
- Written request including names of both parties and approximate divorce date
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Payment of certification fee ($5 per document plus $1 per page)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
- Certified Divorce Certificate: A condensed official verification available from:
SC Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 898-3630
Vital Records
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Copy of valid ID
- $12 fee per certificate
- Proof of relationship to named parties (for restricted records)
- Divorce Verification Letter: For some purposes (particularly international use), a verification letter may be obtained from the Clerk of Court stating that a divorce was granted, including the date and case number.
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 44-63-30, certified copies of vital records constitute prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. For international use, documents may require additional authentication through apostille from the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Beaufort County?
Under South Carolina law, divorce proceedings and records are presumptively public. However, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information within divorce cases in Beaufort County:
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Sealing of Records: Pursuant to South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 41.2, a court may order divorce records sealed upon showing of good cause. Factors considered include:
- Risk of harm to minor children
- Presence of sensitive financial information
- Domestic violence concerns
- Privacy interests that outweigh public access rights
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Redaction of Sensitive Information: Even in public divorce files, certain information is routinely redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Medical records
- Tax returns
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Confidential Financial Declarations: Financial affidavits filed in divorce proceedings are maintained separately from public case files and are accessible only to:
- Parties to the case
- Their attorneys
- Court personnel
- Others with court authorization
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Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and collaborative divorce processes offer greater privacy as negotiations and settlements occur outside formal court proceedings, with only the final agreement becoming part of the public record.
The Beaufort County Family Court follows these confidentiality protocols in accordance with state law. Parties seeking additional confidentiality must file specific motions demonstrating compelling reasons that override the presumption of public access to court records.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Beaufort County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Beaufort County varies significantly based on several factors. Current processing times reflect the following timelines:
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Uncontested Divorces:
- Simple divorces with no children or significant assets: 3-4 months minimum
- Uncontested with settlement agreement: 4-6 months
- Mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing pursuant to South Carolina Code § 20-3-80
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Contested Divorces:
- With property disputes: 8-12 months
- With child custody issues: 10-18 months
- Complex asset division cases: 12-24+ months
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Factors Affecting Timeline:
- Court docket congestion in Beaufort County
- Complexity of property division
- Child custody evaluations
- Discovery disputes
- Mediation requirements
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Judicial availability
According to the South Carolina Judicial Branch's statistical reporting, the average time from filing to disposition for domestic relations cases in the 14th Judicial Circuit (which includes Beaufort County) is approximately 9 months, though individual cases may vary substantially.
The Beaufort County Family Court processes divorce cases according to statutory requirements and local rules of procedure, with priority often given to cases involving minor children or allegations of abuse.
How Long Does Beaufort County Keep Divorce Records?
Beaufort County maintains divorce records according to South Carolina's records retention schedules established under South Carolina Public Records Act § 30-1-10. The retention periods vary by document type:
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Permanent Retention:
- Final Divorce Decrees
- Property Settlement Agreements
- Child Custody Orders
- Name Change Orders
- Case Indices
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Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Cases involving minor children (retained until youngest child reaches age 21 plus 54 years)
- Cases with ongoing financial obligations
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Medium-Term Retention (15-25 years):
- Temporary orders
- Procedural motions
- Discovery materials
- Financial declarations
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Short-Term Retention (3-10 years):
- Administrative correspondence
- Scheduling notices
- Routine procedural documents
The Beaufort County Records Management Department oversees the preservation of these records in accordance with state archival requirements. Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History maintains historical divorce records of permanent value.
For divorce certificates, the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Vital Records division maintains these records indefinitely, with no expiration date for availability of certified copies.
How To Get a Divorce In Beaufort County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Beaufort County must follow specific procedures established under South Carolina law:
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Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for at least one year prior to filing, or
- Both spouses must be residents if neither has lived in the state for one year, with a minimum three-month residency
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Grounds for Divorce:
- No-fault: One-year continuous separation without cohabitation
- Fault-based: Adultery, habitual drunkenness/drug use, physical cruelty, or desertion
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Filing Process:
- Prepare and file a Summons and Complaint with the Family Court
- Pay filing fee (approximately $150) or request fee waiver if eligible
- Serve documents on spouse according to legal requirements
- File proof of service with the court
Beaufort County Family Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5660
Family Court
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Required Documentation:
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Exemption (if no children)
- Child Support Worksheets (if children involved)
- Settlement Agreement (if reached)
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Court Proceedings:
- Temporary hearing (if requested)
- Mediation (mandatory in most cases with contested issues)
- Final hearing or trial
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Post-Divorce:
- Implementation of property division
- Enforcement of support obligations
- Name change procedures (if applicable)
Self-represented litigants may obtain forms and guidance from the South Carolina Judicial Branch Self-Help Resources, though legal representation is strongly recommended for complex cases.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Beaufort County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Beaufort County can obtain the necessary documentation through several official channels:
- In-Person at the Courthouse:
Beaufort County Family Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5660
Family Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Available forms include:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration
- Certificate of Exemption
- Motion for Temporary Relief
- Final Decree templates
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South Carolina Judicial Branch Website: The state court system provides standardized divorce forms online at https://www.sccourts.org/forms/
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Beaufort County Law Library: Reference materials and form books are available for public use:
Beaufort County Law Library
102 Ribaut Road, Room 211
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5810
- South Carolina Legal Services: Low-income residents may qualify for assistance:
South Carolina Legal Services - Beaufort Office
69 Robert Smalls Parkway, Suite A
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 521-0623
SC Legal Services
- Private Attorneys: The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect individuals with family law practitioners in Beaufort County.
It is important to note that while forms are available to the public, the Clerk of Court staff cannot provide legal advice regarding how to complete forms or which forms are appropriate for specific situations.
Lookup Divorce Records in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Register of Deeds