Dillon County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Dillon County in 2026
DillonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Dillon County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find case numbers, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution judgments, settlement agreements, custody orders, support determinations, and property division records. Access and completeness 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's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, state vital records agencies, and authorized online portals.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Dillon County Clerk of Court maintains family court case records and serves as the primary custodian of divorce filings. Members of the public may access basic case information at no charge through the clerk's public index. Certified copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides a statewide consolidated database allowing searches across jurisdictions. Users may search by party name or case number to locate divorce proceedings filed in Dillon County or any other South Carolina county.
3. State Vital Records — Divorce Reports
The South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records Division maintains divorce reports for statistical and verification purposes. These records provide confirmation of a dissolution but contain less detail than full court case files. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Court Division
Dillon County Clerk of Court
405 W. Main Street
Dillon, SC 29536
Phone: (843) 774-1425
Dillon County Government
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Services available in person include case file searches, document viewing, certified copy requests, public access terminal use, and staff assistance for locating records.
A separate records department handles archived and historical cases. Older paper files may require additional retrieval time and may not be available in digitized format.
By Mail
Written requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Dillon County Clerk of Court at the address above. Each request should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, though older or archived records may require additional time.
By Phone
The Clerk of Court may be reached at (843) 774-1425 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Detailed document contents, certified copies, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
Licensed attorneys may access divorce case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing of need. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law practitioners for complex records matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in South Carolina
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under South Carolina law, divorce proceedings are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the proceeding. Searching the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there.
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-60, one spouse must have been a resident of South Carolina for at least one year prior to filing, or both spouses must have been residents at the time the grounds for divorce arose and one must still be a resident at the time of filing.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Electronic filing has reduced processing delays for more recent cases
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Special retrieval requests may be necessary
- Digitization of older records varies; allow additional time
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Wrong county searched
- 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 of Court at (843) 774-1425
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the South Carolina Department of Public Health divorce reports database
- Engage a licensed attorney or professional records search service
What Are Dillon County Divorce Records?
Dillon County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings in the South Carolina Family Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. They serve as the legal documentation of the dissolution of a marriage and may be accessed by members of the public subject to applicable restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.
The Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, alimony or spousal support arrangements, child custody and visitation schedules, child support obligations, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, and any post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and estate planning
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security and benefits determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal verification of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files in Dillon County. The South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records Division maintains a separate registry of divorce reports for statistical purposes, and the SC Secretary of State's office provides certification services for vital records including divorce decrees intended for use abroad.
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 rules. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act governs public access to government records, including court documents maintained by county offices.
Are Dillon County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Dillon County are public court records subject to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public copies)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be sealed or limited access)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
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. Parties seeking access to sealed materials must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: Access to most case information and public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- Attorneys of record: Access to case files consistent with their professional representation
- Researchers and media: Access to public portions; court permission required for sealed records
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by state law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Dillon County?
The Dillon County Clerk of Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents consistent with South Carolina court fee schedules. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $10.00 (first page) + per-page copy fee |
| Certification seal/stamp | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies; confirm with Clerk's office |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by case |
Fees for divorce reports obtained through the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records Division are set separately and may differ from court copy fees.
Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Dillon County Clerk of Court. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the office prior to submission.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon proper application. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Clerk of Court.
Basic case information — including case number, filing date, party names, and case status — is available at no charge through the public access terminals at the courthouse and through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Dillon County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Dillon County Clerk of Court contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information: Case number, court name and division, names of petitioner and respondent, assigned judge, attorneys of record, filing date, and case type.
Initial Pleadings: The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition.
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit sworn financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement funds, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents: These may include interrogatories and sworn answers, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents: Marital asset inventories, debt inventories, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on asset values are filed as part of contested property proceedings.
Children-Related Documents: Where minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, a timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and summer arrangements, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and any court-ordered custody evaluations or guardian ad litem reports.
Support Documents: Alimony provisions, if ordered, specify the type, amount, duration, payment schedule, and conditions for modification or termination consistent with S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130.
Settlement Documents: A marital settlement agreement, if the parties resolve issues by agreement, addresses all property division, support, and child-related matters. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments: Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution, and any qualified domestic relations orders dividing retirement accounts are all part of the permanent case file.
Post-Judgment Documents: Petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, enforcement actions, and income deduction orders filed after entry of the final decree are maintained as part of the ongoing case file.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- 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 formally filed with the court
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Dillon County
Proof of divorce in Dillon County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Clerk of Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
- In person at the Dillon County Clerk of Court, 405 W. Main Street, Dillon, SC 29536, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). The requestor should provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of the divorce, along with payment of applicable fees.
- By mail by submitting a written request to the Clerk of Court with the required identifying information, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Through the SC Secretary of State for apostille certification of divorce decrees intended for use in foreign countries. The SC Secretary of State's certification of vital records page provides current procedures and fee information for this service.
- Through the South Carolina Department of Public Health for a divorce report, which serves as a state-level verification of the dissolution. The SCDHP divorce reports page provides instructions for submitting requests by mail or in person at a regional vital records office.
Dillon County Clerk of Court
405 W. Main Street
Dillon, SC 29536
Phone: (843) 774-1425
Dillon County Government
South Carolina Department of Public Health — Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
SC Department of Public Health Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Dillon County?
A divorce proceeding in Dillon County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific circumstances, though the default presumption under South Carolina law is that court records are open to public inspection.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:
- Court-ordered sealing: A judge may seal all or part of a case file upon a finding of good cause, such as the presence of trade secrets, sensitive business information, or compelling privacy interests.
- Domestic violence protections: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are present, personal addresses and identifying information may be withheld from public copies pursuant to state 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 from publicly accessible documents.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected under both state law and federal HIPAA provisions and are not part of the publicly accessible case file.
- Mediation communications: Under South Carolina law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion of either party.
Parties seeking to seal records must file a motion with the Family Court and demonstrate that the interest in confidentiality outweighs the public's right of access under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.
How Long Does Dillon County Keep Divorce Records?
Dillon County retains divorce records in accordance with South Carolina court records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Supreme Court and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Retention periods for divorce records are as follows:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final order.
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained according to the applicable schedule, with the final decree preserved permanently.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged after the minimum retention period has elapsed.
- Post-judgment modification files: Retained as part of the ongoing case record for the applicable period following the last action in the case.
- Archived paper records: Older records not yet digitized are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time upon request.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Dillon County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History provides guidance on state records retention schedules applicable to court records.