Divorce records in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ChesterfieldSCCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the Family Court that issued the decree, the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court, or the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records office. The type of document you need — a full court file or a certified divorce report — determines which office to contact.
Chesterfield Divorce Records Search
In South Carolina, divorce cases are heard in the Family Court division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Chesterfield County Clerk of Court maintains the official court files for all divorces granted in the county. These records typically include:
- Divorce decrees and final orders
- Settlement agreements and property division orders
- Custody and visitation orders
- Petitions, motions, and related filings
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) separately maintains a Report of Divorce — a shorter vital record document that confirms a divorce occurred. Certified copies of the Report of Divorce are available from DPH for divorces that took place in South Carolina.
You can search for Chesterfield County court case information through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, which provides an online lookup of family court records. Note that the Public Index displays case docket information but is not a source of official certified copies.
The primary local office for divorce court records is:
Chesterfield County Clerk of Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Chesterfield
Understanding which office holds the record you need can save time. In Chesterfield County, divorce records are split between two custodians:
Family Court — Chesterfield County Clerk of Court
All divorce actions in Chesterfield County are filed in the Family Court. Once a judge signs the final decree, it becomes part of the permanent court record maintained by the Clerk of Court. If you need the complete divorce file — including the decree, settlement agreement, custody orders, or any motions — contact the Clerk of Court directly.
Chesterfield County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit of South Carolina.
South Carolina Department of Public Health — Vital Records
After a divorce is finalized, the court reports it to DPH, which creates a Report of Divorce. This document confirms the divorce took place and lists basic information such as the names of the parties, date, and county. It does not include the full terms of the decree. If you need a certified copy of this report for legal proof that a divorce occurred, contact DPH Vital Records.
Which office should you contact?
- For the full divorce decree, settlement terms, or custody orders: Chesterfield County Clerk of Court
- For a certified Report of Divorce (vital record confirmation): SC DPH Vital Records
- For historical or genealogical research on older Chesterfield County records: The SC Department of Archives and History may hold older county records, though many early Chesterfield County courthouse records were destroyed in 1865
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Chesterfield
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of Report of Divorce (SC DPH) | $12.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional certified copies of Report of Divorce (same order, SC DPH) | $3.00 each | Same as above |
| Court record copy (Clerk of Court, per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page | Varies; typically 3–10 business days |
| Certified court document copy (Clerk of Court) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Varies; typically 3–10 business days |