Divorce records in Beaufort County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. BeaufortCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Beaufort County. You can also access divorce records directly through the Beaufort County Family Court, the Beaufort County Clerk of Court, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health's Vital Records office. The method you use depends on whether you need a court filing or a vital record certificate.
Beaufort County Divorce Records Search
In South Carolina, divorce cases are heard in Family Court, and Beaufort County is no exception. The Beaufort County Family Court handles all divorce proceedings, including matters involving child support, alimony, separation and maintenance, and custody. Once a divorce is finalized, the decree and related filings become part of the court record maintained by the Clerk of Court.
The divorce records collection in Beaufort County typically includes:
- Divorce decrees and final orders
- Divorce complaints and petitions
- Settlement agreements and property division orders
- Custody and visitation orders
- Alimony and support orders
- Related motions and filings
The South Carolina Department of Public Health also maintains divorce certificates as vital records for divorces that occurred statewide since July 1, 1962. These certificates confirm that a divorce took place but do not include the full details found in court files.
For court-level divorce records, contact the Beaufort County Records Management office or the Family Court directly.
Beaufort County Family Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Beaufort County
South Carolina uses a unified Family Court system for all domestic matters. In Beaufort County, divorce cases are filed in and adjudicated by the Beaufort County Family Court, which is part of the state's Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.
Family Court / Clerk of Court — For Court Records
After a judge signs a divorce decree, the order is filed with the Beaufort County Clerk of Court. This office maintains the complete case file, including the complaint, answer, settlement agreement, final decree, and any custody or support orders. If you need a copy of the actual divorce decree or any document from the case file, this is the office to contact.
You can also search for case index information through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, which provides online access to family court case records statewide.
South Carolina Department of Public Health — For Vital Record Certificates
The state vital records office issues divorce certificates — short-form documents that verify a divorce occurred. These are useful for legal name changes, remarriage, or benefits applications. Certified copies of divorce certificates can be requested by mail or online through SC DHEC Vital Records.
Which Office Should You Contact?
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or court filings | Beaufort County Clerk of Court / Family Court |
| Divorce certificate (vital record) | SC Department of Public Health, Vital Records |
| Case index search | SC Judicial Department Public Index |
| Historical or archived county records | Beaufort County Records Management |
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Beaufort County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (SC DHEC Vital Records, by mail) | $12.00 | 4–6 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (SC DHEC Vital Records, online/expedited) | $12.00 + processing/shipping fees | 5–7 business days |
| Court record copies (Clerk of Court, non-certified) | $0.25 per page | Same day to several business days |
| Certified court document copies (Clerk of Court) | $1.00 for first page, $0.25 each additional page | Same day to several business days |