Anderson Dissolution Of Marriage Lookup
Anderson dissolution of marriage records are filed and kept at the Anderson County Family Court. Anderson is the county seat of Anderson County with about 27,000 residents and serves as the hub for all county court operations. All dissolution of marriage cases for Anderson residents go through Anderson County, which is part of the 10th Judicial Circuit. The Anderson County Clerk of Court handles all case filings, certified copies, and public access to dissolution of marriage records.
Anderson Quick Facts
Where to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Anderson
The City of Anderson provides municipal services to Anderson residents, but dissolution of marriage cases are handled by Anderson County rather than the city government. The Anderson County Family Court is where you file a new case, request copies of decrees, or search for existing dissolution of marriage records. Because Anderson is the county seat, the courthouse is located in the center of town and is easy to reach from all parts of the city.
The Anderson County courts operate under the 10th Judicial Circuit. All dissolution of marriage filings from Anderson and the surrounding areas within Anderson County are processed at this location. The Anderson County Clerk of Court office maintains records going back many years, giving residents access to both recent and older dissolution of marriage cases. Online access is also available through the county and the state portal.
| Court | Anderson County Family Court |
|---|---|
| County Resources | andersoncountysc.org/courts/clerk-of-court |
| Family Court | andersoncountysc.org/departments-a-z/family-court |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit |
Bring a valid photo ID when visiting the Anderson County courthouse. Security screens all visitors at the entrance. Having your case number saves time at the Clerk of Court window.
Searching Anderson Dissolution of Marriage Records
The Anderson County Clerk of Court is the main source for dissolution of marriage records in Anderson. You can call ahead before visiting to confirm what you need to bring and whether your case is on file. The Clerk of Court staff can search records by party name or case number.
For online searches, the South Carolina FCCMS public portal covers Anderson County. Enter the full name of either spouse or the case number to pull up basic case information at no cost. This is a good starting point before making the trip downtown. For certified copies or full document review, the Anderson County courthouse is the only option.
The Anderson County Family Court department page at andersoncountysc.org/departments-a-z/family-court offers additional resources for residents navigating a dissolution of marriage case in Anderson. This page covers court procedures, contact information, and related services available through Anderson County government.
Note: Anderson County dissolution of marriage records are public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, but some portions of case files may be sealed by the court if ordered by a judge.
Dissolution of Marriage Filing Process in Anderson
Anderson residents follow South Carolina state law when filing for dissolution of marriage. You file at the Anderson County Family Court, pay the $150 filing fee, and start the process of serving your spouse. Each document you file becomes part of the permanent case record and is accessible to the public once submitted.
The residency requirement under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30 requires at least one spouse to have lived in South Carolina for one year before filing. If both spouses currently live in South Carolina, the requirement is three months. Anderson residents who meet the residency standard can file their dissolution of marriage case right at the county courthouse.
South Carolina has one no-fault ground for dissolution of marriage: living separate and apart for one continuous year under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10. Fault grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. At least one ground must be established before the Anderson County court will grant the dissolution of marriage.
After filing, you serve your spouse using the Anderson County Sheriff, a private process server, or another lawful method under South Carolina law. Proof of service must be filed with the Anderson County Clerk of Court. Once all issues are resolved and a judge signs the decree, the dissolution of marriage is final. The decree becomes a public record under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Marital property is divided through equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620.
State Resources for Anderson Dissolution of Marriage
The South Carolina Family Court Case Management System at portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov is the primary online tool for searching Anderson dissolution of marriage records. The portal covers all South Carolina counties, including Anderson County. You can look up case status, party names, and filing dates at no cost. This tool is available any time and is the fastest way to check on an Anderson dissolution of marriage case without making a trip to the courthouse.
South Carolina Legal Services at sclegal.org provides free help to Anderson residents who cannot afford a family law attorney. The South Carolina Judicial Branch has free self-represented litigant packets at sccourts.org that include all forms needed for a simple dissolution of marriage case. For a plain-language overview of the law, Women's Law has a guide specific to South Carolina. The SC Bar lawyer referral service at (803) 799-6653 is another resource for Anderson residents who want a consultation with a local family law attorney.
Anderson Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Anderson County follows the South Carolina standard fee schedule for dissolution of marriage cases. The filing fee for a new complaint is approximately $150. Additional fees apply for certified copies, motions, and other documents. Call the Anderson County Clerk of Court before you visit to confirm the current rates. Fees can change over time.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may apply for a fee waiver at the Anderson County court. You submit a petition showing you cannot pay, such as evidence of public assistance or income below the court's threshold. The court reviews waiver requests individually. Ask the clerk for the correct waiver form when you call to inquire about your case.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Anderson
Some Anderson residents choose to file for dissolution of marriage on their own. This is called pro se filing. It works well when both spouses agree on everything and the case is simple. The Anderson County court cannot provide legal advice, but free tools are available to guide you through the steps.
The free self-represented litigant packets at sccourts.org cover all the forms needed for a simple Anderson dissolution of marriage case. The packets include clear instructions and all required documents. Download and print everything for free. The Anderson County Family Court Clerk can confirm which forms apply to your situation.
For those who want to understand the law before filing, Cordell and Cordell has a South Carolina divorce FAQ that covers common questions about dissolution of marriage. SC Legal Services is also available to Anderson residents with low income who need direct legal assistance filling out and submitting their papers.
Anderson Dissolution of Marriage Certificates and Decrees
After your dissolution of marriage is final in Anderson, you may need official copies of the documents. Two types exist: the decree and the certificate. The decree is the full court order from the Anderson County Family Court. The certificate is a shorter summary document issued by the state. Most legal purposes require the decree, not the certificate.
Get the divorce decree from the Anderson County Clerk of Court. The decree contains all the terms of your dissolution of marriage, including property, custody, and any support orders. For a divorce certificate, contact the SC Department of Public Health by mailing a request to the Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per copy. Certificates are available for South Carolina divorces from 1962 to the present.
Anderson County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Anderson is the county seat of Anderson County, and all dissolution of marriage cases are filed and maintained at the Anderson County Family Court. For the full county overview, fee schedule, and complete list of Anderson County resources, visit the county records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for dissolution of marriage at their respective county courthouses. Pick a city below to find out more about dissolution of marriage records in that area.