Divorce records in Chester County, South Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ChesterSCCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Chester County. You can also request records directly from the Family Court that issued the decree, the Chester County Clerk of Court, or the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records office. Each source provides different types of documentation depending on whether you need a full court file or a certified divorce report.
Chester Divorce Records Search
In South Carolina, divorce cases are heard in the Family Court division of the Circuit Court. The Chester County Family Court handles all divorce proceedings filed in the county, including matters related to child custody, alimony, and property division. After a divorce is finalized, the court file — containing the decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, and related filings — is maintained by the Chester County Clerk of Court.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) also keeps a separate record called a Report of Divorce, which is a summary document rather than the full court file. You can search for Chester County family court case information through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index.
Chester County Clerk of Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Chester
Understanding which office holds the record you need will save time. Here is how divorce records are filed in Chester County:
- Family Court — The Chester County Family Court hears all divorce cases. The complete case file, including the complaint, answer, final decree, settlement agreement, and any custody or support orders, becomes part of the court record.
- Clerk of Court — After the judge signs the final divorce decree, it is filed with the Chester County Clerk of Court, who maintains all court records. Contact this office if you need copies of the actual decree or any documents from the court file.
- SC Department of Public Health — Vital Records — DPH maintains a Report of Divorce for divorces granted in South Carolina. This is a summary certification — not the full decree. It is useful for proving that a divorce occurred but does not include settlement terms or custody details.
Which office to contact:
| What You Need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Full divorce decree or court file documents | Chester County Clerk of Court |
| Settlement agreement or custody orders | Chester County Clerk of Court |
| Certified Report of Divorce (summary) | SC DPH Vital Records |
| Online case index search | SC Judicial Department Public Index |
SC Department of Public Health — Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Chester
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Report of Divorce (SC DPH Vital Records) | $12.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Each additional copy of same divorce report (same order, SC DPH) | $3.00 | Same as above |
| Court record copy (Clerk of Court, per page) | $0.25–$0.50 | Varies; in-person requests may be same day |
| Certified court document copy (Clerk of Court) | Varies; contact clerk for current fee | Varies |