Lexington Town Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lexington dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Lexington County Family Court. Lexington is the county seat of Lexington County and one of the fastest-growing municipalities in South Carolina, with about 22,000 residents. All dissolution of marriage cases for Lexington go through the Lexington County Family Court. The Clerk of Court holds all case files and can provide copies of decrees and other court documents. You can search Lexington dissolution of marriage records through the FCCMS portal or in person at the courthouse.
Lexington Quick Facts
Where to File for Dissolution Of Marriage in Lexington
Lexington residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the Lexington County Family Court. Lexington is the county seat, so the family courthouse is located right in town. Lexington County is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit. All dissolution of marriage cases for the town of Lexington and the surrounding county go through the same family court system.
| Court | Lexington County Family Court |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Lexington, SC |
| Circuit | 11th Judicial Circuit |
| Clerk of Court | lexingtoncountysc.gov/clerk-of-court |
| Online Records | portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov |
| Filing Fee | $150 |
Because Lexington serves as the county seat, most court services are available locally. Lexington residents do not need to travel to another city to file or access dissolution of marriage records. The Clerk of Court office at the Lexington County courthouse handles all filings, copies, and record requests. Visit lexingtoncountysc.gov for the latest office hours and contact details.
How to Search Lexington Dissolution Of Marriage Records
You can search Lexington dissolution of marriage records online or in person. The online option is the South Carolina Family Court Case Management System. Go to portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov and search by party name or case number. The portal covers all South Carolina counties, including Lexington County. Results show filing dates, case status, and party names at no charge.
The Town of Lexington website at lexsc.com provides local government information. For dissolution of marriage records specifically, you go through the Lexington County court system. The town and county handle these matters separately.
To get copies of actual dissolution of marriage documents from a Lexington case, contact the Lexington County Clerk of Court. Staff can pull the file by name or case number and make copies for you. Call the clerk's office or visit lexingtoncountysc.gov to ask about current copy fees and hours before your visit.
Lexington Dissolution Of Marriage Filing Requirements
To file for dissolution of marriage in Lexington, you must meet South Carolina's residency requirement. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, at least one spouse must have lived in South Carolina for one full year. If both spouses are currently SC residents, only three months of residency is required. Lexington residents who meet this rule can file at the Lexington County Family Court.
South Carolina recognizes one no-fault ground for dissolution of marriage. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, you must show continuous separation for one year. Fault-based grounds are also available in Lexington cases. They include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or narcotics use, and desertion that has lasted one year. You need to prove at least one of these grounds for the court to grant the dissolution of marriage.
Once the complaint is filed at the Lexington County Family Court, your spouse must be served. The sheriff or a process server can complete this step. After service, there is a waiting period for a response. Agreed cases move faster. Contested cases go to hearings and may take longer. Every step creates a document that goes into the public case file for your Lexington dissolution of marriage matter.
The filing fee for a new dissolution of marriage case in Lexington is $150. This is paid to the Lexington County Clerk of Court when you submit your complaint. If both spouses agree on all terms, you can include a settlement agreement with your filing. The agreement covers property division, support, and custody if children are involved.
Property Division in Lexington Dissolution Cases
When a dissolution of marriage in Lexington involves property or debt, South Carolina courts use equitable distribution. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620, the court divides marital property in a fair way. This is not always a 50-50 split. The judge looks at each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each party, and other factors. Separate property that was owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is generally not subject to division.
Spousal support and alimony may also be part of a Lexington dissolution of marriage case. The amount and duration depend on factors like the length of the marriage and each spouse's financial situation. If the case involves children, custody and child support are decided within the same family court proceeding. The Lexington County Family Court handles all of these issues together rather than in separate cases.
Note: A written settlement agreement signed by both spouses and approved by the court is the fastest way to resolve property and support issues in a Lexington dissolution of marriage case.
State Resources for Lexington Dissolution Cases
Several state resources can help Lexington residents understand and navigate the dissolution of marriage process. The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers free self-represented litigant packets with all the forms you need to file on your own. Download them at sccourts.org. Using the right forms from the start avoids delays at the Lexington County Family Court.
The FCCMS portal is the main online tool for searching dissolution of marriage cases from Lexington. Use it to confirm whether a case was filed, check its status, or find a case number before contacting the Lexington County Clerk of Court.
South Carolina Legal Services at sclegal.org provides free legal assistance to Lexington residents who qualify based on income. The SC Bar referral line at (803) 799-6653 can connect you with a family law attorney in the Lexington area. For guidance on women's rights during dissolution proceedings in South Carolina, visit womenslaw.org.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health manages state divorce records at dph.sc.gov. Lexington residents can request a certified divorce certificate from the DPH for dissolutions of marriage going back to 1962. The fee is $12 per copy, and you mail your request to 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Legal Help for Lexington Residents
Lexington residents have several options for legal help with dissolution of marriage. South Carolina Legal Services serves Lexington County and offers free legal assistance to those who qualify. The SC Bar at (803) 799-6653 runs a lawyer referral service that can connect you with a family law attorney near Lexington. For additional self-help resources, visit cordellcordell.com.
The Lexington County Family Court clerk's office can tell you what forms to file and explain basic procedures. Court staff cannot give you legal advice, but they can point you in the right direction. If your case involves contested custody or significant assets, consulting with an attorney in Lexington before filing can save time and help protect your rights.
Public Records Access in Lexington
Dissolution of marriage cases in Lexington are public records. South Carolina's FOIA law at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30 gives the public the right to inspect and copy government records, including court filings. Anyone can request copies of dissolution of marriage records from Lexington County Family Court. You do not need to be a party to the case.
Records that involve minors may have limited access. Sealed files are not available to the public. For standard dissolution of marriage cases in Lexington, the full file is open and available through the FCCMS portal and in person at the Lexington County courthouse. Contact the Clerk of Court to request copies of specific documents.
Lexington County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lexington is the county seat of Lexington County. All dissolution of marriage cases for town of Lexington residents are filed and managed by the Lexington County Family Court. For full details on county court resources, fee schedules, and additional filing guidance, visit the Lexington County dissolution of marriage records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Cities near Lexington each have their own county court for dissolution of marriage filings. Select a city below to find dissolution of marriage records information for that area.