Edgefield County Public Records /Edgefield County Divorce Records

Edgefield County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Edgefield County in 2026

EdgefieldRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Edgefield County. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final decree information through official court resources. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online case management systems.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains an online case search portal through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index, which allows members of the public to search Edgefield County family court cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of documents requires payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The South Carolina Courts case search system provides a statewide portal for searching court records across all counties, including Edgefield County. This consolidated database allows users to search across jurisdictions when the county of filing is uncertain.

3. State Vital Records

South Carolina does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office maintains limited divorce verification records for statistical purposes. For certified legal proof of divorce, the Clerk of Court remains the primary source.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Edgefield County Clerk of Court
129 Courthouse Square
Edgefield, SC 29824
Phone: (803) 637-4065
Edgefield County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 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:

Historical and archived divorce case files are maintained by the Clerk of Court. Older paper records may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the Clerk's office.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Edgefield County Clerk of Court, 129 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, SC 29824
Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- 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 correspondence
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (803) 637-4065
Staff may confirm the following by phone:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by phone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in South Carolina may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through appropriate court motions, and obtain certified copies. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys for complex record access situations.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing year
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in South Carolina
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 searching for a divorce record may need to search multiple counties if the county of residence is uncertain. A divorce cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there.

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 for divorce, and the action is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final order is entered.

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format.
Archived records may require special retrieval requests and additional processing time.
Not all historical records have been digitized.

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's office at (803) 637-4065
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office for verification records
Consult a licensed South Carolina family law attorney

What Are Edgefield County Divorce Records?

Edgefield County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Edgefield County Family Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as the primary custodian.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during the proceeding:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans and child custody agreements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree is the official court order legally ending the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, alimony or spousal support arrangements, child custody and visitation schedules, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.

Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, and post-judgment modification orders reflecting changes made after the original decree.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Assisting with immigration proceedings and Social Security benefit determinations
Supporting genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Edgefield County Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, maintains complete records indexed by party names, and provides certified copies upon request. The South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office maintains limited statistical divorce records but does not serve as the primary source for certified legal documentation.

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. Under § 20-3-10, South Carolina recognizes five statutory grounds for divorce, including one year of continuous separation as the no-fault ground. Public access to court records is governed by the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and the state's Freedom of Information Act.

Are Edgefield County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Edgefield 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. Certain categories of sensitive information are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (spouses) and attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled events
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Certain financial statements may be filed under seal

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
Schools children attend are not disclosed publicly
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
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
Medical records submitted as exhibits

Sealed Records:

A court may seal divorce records or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under South Carolina law and are not part of the public record.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case files, including documents subject to restricted public access.
Attorneys: May access case files and, with appropriate court authorization, request sealed documents.
Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings.

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 marital status.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Certain government entities, including law enforcement and child protective services, may be entitled to access by statute.

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

The Edgefield County Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with South Carolina law. Under § 8-21-310 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the following fee schedule applies to court record requests:

Service	Current Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of document	$1.00 per page + $3.00 certification fee
Certification seal	$3.00
Search fee (when applicable)	Varies

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Electronic copies, where available through the online public index, may be accessed at no charge for basic case information.
Certified copies of the final decree, which are required for remarriage, name changes, and legal proceedings, carry the per-page copy fee plus the certification fee.
Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, money order, and credit or debit card. Mail requests should include a money order or check made payable to the Edgefield County Clerk of Court.
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances for indigent parties. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should contact the Clerk's office directly.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Edgefield County

A complete Edgefield County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initial petition through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.

Basic Case Information includes the case caption with the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date filed, filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.

Initial Pleadings form the foundation of the case file. The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the statutory grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition. Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and all liabilities.

Discovery Documents may include interrogatories with answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.

Property-Related Documents include a marital asset inventory describing and valuing all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations may be filed for real property, businesses, and significant personal property.

Children-Related Documents, where applicable, include the Parenting Plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule for regular periods, holidays, and vacations, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support documentation includes the calculation worksheet, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare costs, and the support amount ordered. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered by the court, may be subject to restricted access.

Support Documents address alimony or spousal support, specifying the type, amount, duration, payment schedule, and conditions for modification or termination.

Settlement Documents include the Marital Settlement Agreement, which is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where the parties resolved issues through mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.

Court Orders and Judgments include any temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage containing the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, all property division and support orders, child custody and timesharing provisions, and any Qualified Domestic Relations Orders dividing retirement accounts.

Post-Judgment Documents reflect any modifications to custody, support, or other provisions, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, and enforcement actions including income deduction orders.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Edgefield County?

Proof of divorce in Edgefield County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Edgefield County Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change applications, immigration proceedings, and other official purposes.

Members of the public may obtain proof of divorce through the following methods:

In Person: Visit the Edgefield County Clerk of Court at 129 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, SC 29824, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Present the case number or the names of both parties and the approximate year of divorce. Pay the applicable certification fee at the time of request.
By Mail: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, the requestor's contact information, and a money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online: Basic case information may be verified through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index. Certified copies are not available through the online portal and must be obtained in person or by mail.
Through the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records Office: For statistical verification of a divorce recorded in South Carolina, members of the public may contact the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office. This office does not issue certified court copies but may provide verification letters for certain purposes.

Edgefield County Clerk of Court
129 Courthouse Square
Edgefield, SC 29824
Phone: (803) 637-4065
Edgefield 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 Edgefield County?

A divorce proceeding in Edgefield County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific legal circumstances, though the default presumption under South Carolina law is that court records are open to public inspection.

The following circumstances may result in confidential or restricted divorce records:

Court-Ordered Sealing: A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause. The court weighs the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
Domestic Violence Cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are central to the proceedings, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect victim safety.
Children's Information: Pursuant to South Carolina court rules, information identifying the residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children is subject to restricted access.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse history submitted as exhibits may be sealed or subject to limited access under applicable state and federal privacy laws.
Mediation Communications: Under South Carolina law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and do not become part of the public court record.
Financial Account Information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to South Carolina court rules.

Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure govern the procedures for sealing and unsealing court records.

How Long Does Edgefield County Keep Divorce Records?

Edgefield County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with South Carolina court records retention schedules, ensuring that legal documentation of marital dissolution remains accessible for future legal, personal, and genealogical purposes.

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

Final Judgments and Decrees: Permanent retention. Final orders dissolving a marriage are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
Complete Case Files: Family court case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under South Carolina court records management guidelines.
Financial Affidavits and Discovery Documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period. Documents not incorporated into final orders may be subject to earlier disposition.
Post-Judgment Modification Files: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental file, subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
Archived Paper Records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper format and may be held in off-site storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Electronic Records: Cases filed through the South Carolina electronic filing system are maintained in the court's electronic records management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History provides guidance on records retention schedules applicable to state and county government agencies, including court records. Members of the public seeking records from closed or archived cases should contact the Edgefield County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.