Simpsonville Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Simpsonville dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Greenville County Family Court. Simpsonville is a city in Greenville County with about 24,000 residents. All dissolution of marriage cases for Simpsonville go through the Greenville County Family Court system. The Clerk of Court manages all case files and provides copies of final decrees and related documents. You can search Simpsonville dissolution of marriage records online or visit the court in person.
Simpsonville Quick Facts
Where to File in Simpsonville
Simpsonville residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the Greenville County Family Court. Simpsonville sits within Greenville County, which means all family court matters go through the county courthouse in Greenville. The court handles all dissolution of marriage filings for every city and town in Greenville County, including Simpsonville.
| Court | Greenville County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 350 Halton Road Greenville, SC 29616 |
| Phone | (864) 467-5800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | greenvillecounty.org/familycourt |
Simpsonville is part of the 13th Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers Greenville County and Pickens County. When you file a dissolution of marriage case in Simpsonville, the paperwork goes to the Greenville County courthouse at 350 Halton Road. You should bring a valid photo ID any time you visit the clerk's office. Call ahead at (864) 467-5800 to confirm what documents you need.
Searching Simpsonville Dissolution Of Marriage Records
You have two main ways to search dissolution of marriage records in Simpsonville. The first is the Greenville County Public Index, which lets you look up case information from a computer. The second is visiting the Clerk of Court at the Greenville County courthouse. Both paths lead to the same records. Which one you choose depends on what you need and how quickly you need it.
The Greenville County Public Index is available at greenvillecounty.org/publicindex. This tool lets you search by party name or case number. You can find out if a case was filed, see filing dates, and check the current status. The public index does not give you full document access, but it confirms whether a case exists in Simpsonville or elsewhere in Greenville County.
For copies of actual dissolution of marriage documents, you need to contact the Clerk of Court. Plain copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $10.00 per document. These fees are set by the state and apply to all Greenville County dissolution of marriage records, including those filed by Simpsonville residents.
The City of Simpsonville website at simpsonville.com provides general city information. For actual dissolution of marriage case records, you go through Greenville County, not the city. The county court system holds all family court filings for Simpsonville.
Simpsonville Dissolution Of Marriage Filing Process
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Simpsonville follows South Carolina state law. You must meet a residency requirement before you can file. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, at least one spouse must have lived in South Carolina for one year before filing. If both spouses currently live in South Carolina, only three months of residency is required. Simpsonville residents who meet this test can file at the Greenville County Family Court.
South Carolina has one no-fault ground for dissolution of marriage. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, you must show that you and your spouse have lived apart continuously for one year. No legal separation agreement is required. You just need proof that you have maintained separate residences for twelve months. Fault-based grounds also exist. They include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual use of alcohol or drugs, and desertion lasting one year.
Once you file the complaint at the Greenville County Family Court, you must have your spouse served. This can be done through the Greenville County Sheriff's Office or a private process server. After service, your spouse has a set time to respond. If both sides agree on all issues, the case can move quickly. Contested cases may take longer. Either way, every step in the process creates a record that becomes part of the public file for your Simpsonville dissolution of marriage case.
Property is divided through equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. This means the court splits marital property fairly, not always equally. Spousal support and child custody are also handled in the family court. All of these matters are resolved within a single dissolution of marriage case in Greenville County.
Dissolution Of Marriage Fees in Simpsonville
The filing fee to start a dissolution of marriage case in Simpsonville is $150. This fee is paid to the Greenville County Clerk of Court when you submit your complaint. Additional fees apply for copies. Plain document copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies of dissolution of marriage decrees cost $10.00 per document. Call the court at (864) 467-5800 to confirm the current fee schedule before you file.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may ask the court for a fee waiver. This is called filing in forma pauperis. You submit a petition that explains your financial situation. The court reviews your income and expenses and decides if you qualify. People receiving public assistance or with very low income may be approved. If the court grants the waiver, you can file your Simpsonville dissolution of marriage case without paying the fee upfront.
Note: Fees can change without notice, so always confirm the current amounts with the Greenville County Clerk of Court before you file.
South Carolina Dissolution Of Marriage Resources
Several state resources can help Simpsonville residents understand the dissolution of marriage process. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides self-help packets for people who want to file without an attorney. These packets include all required forms and step-by-step instructions. You can find them at sccourts.org.
The full text of South Carolina's dissolution of marriage laws is available at the SC State House website. Reading the statute helps Simpsonville residents understand what grounds they must meet and what rights they have during the case.
South Carolina Legal Services at sclegal.org provides free legal help to Simpsonville residents who qualify based on income. The SC Bar lawyer referral service is also available at (803) 799-6653. For questions about women's legal rights during dissolution of marriage, visit womenslaw.org. These resources are designed to help people navigate dissolution of marriage cases in Simpsonville and across South Carolina.
The South Carolina Family Court Case Management System (FCCMS) portal at portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov allows you to search dissolution of marriage cases from across South Carolina, including cases filed by Simpsonville residents at the Greenville County Family Court.
Legal Help for Simpsonville Residents
You do not need an attorney to file for dissolution of marriage in Simpsonville. Many people handle their own cases. However, getting legal advice helps you understand your rights before you file. If children or significant assets are involved, speaking with a family law attorney in Simpsonville or the Greenville area is worth the time.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Greenville County and can help Simpsonville residents who qualify for free assistance. The SC Bar referral line at (803) 799-6653 can connect you with a family law attorney in the Simpsonville area. The Greenville County Bar Association also keeps a directory of local attorneys. For detailed guidance on SC dissolution of marriage law, visit cordellcordell.com.
Dissolution Of Marriage Certificates in Simpsonville
Once your dissolution of marriage is final, you may need a copy for legal or personal use. Two types of documents confirm a completed case: the divorce decree and the divorce certificate. The decree is the full court order from Greenville County Family Court. The certificate is a shorter document issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
To get the divorce decree for your Simpsonville case, contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court at (864) 467-5800. Certified copies cost $10.00 per document. For the state divorce certificate, mail a request to the Division of Vital Records at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy. More information is available at dph.sc.gov. The state has records of divorces and dissolutions of marriage in South Carolina going back to 1962.
Note: The divorce certificate shows basic facts only. The decree shows the full terms of the dissolution, including property division, support, and custody orders from your Simpsonville case.
Public Records Access in Simpsonville
Dissolution of marriage cases in Simpsonville are public records. South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30 gives the public the right to inspect and copy records held by government agencies, including court records. This means that anyone can request copies of dissolution of marriage filings from Greenville County Family Court, not just the parties involved.
Some parts of a family court file may be sealed or restricted. Records involving minors may have limited public access. If you believe a record should not be public, you can ask the court about sealing options. For standard dissolution of marriage cases in Simpsonville, the file is open and available through the Greenville County Public Index and in person at the courthouse.
Greenville County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Simpsonville is located in Greenville County. All dissolution of marriage cases for Simpsonville residents are filed and maintained at the Greenville County Family Court. For full details on the county court system, fee schedules, and related resources, visit the Greenville County dissolution of marriage records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of cities near Simpsonville file dissolution of marriage cases at the courthouse for their own county. Select a city below to find information about dissolution of marriage records in that area.