Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Lancaster County
Lancaster County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Court and are part of the Family Court record system in Lancaster, South Carolina. Lancaster County is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit and has a population of approximately 98,000 residents. All dissolution of marriage cases filed in Lancaster County are on record with the Clerk of Court. You can search these records online or visit the courthouse in Lancaster to review case files and request copies of dissolution documents.
Lancaster County Quick Facts
Lancaster County Clerk of Court and Family Records
The Clerk of Court in Lancaster County maintains all Family Court records, including dissolution of marriage filings. Every complaint, motion, order, and final decree filed in a Lancaster County dissolution case is part of the Clerk's official record. The Clerk's office in Lancaster is the starting point for anyone who needs to file a new dissolution case or search for an existing one in Lancaster County.
Lancaster County's government portal at lancastercountysc.gov provides current information about the Clerk of Court office, including contact details and hours. Check the site before you visit the courthouse in Lancaster to confirm what you need to bring and whether the records you are looking for can be accessed online first.
Lancaster County is one of the larger counties in the northern part of South Carolina. Its family court handles dissolution cases for all residents in the county. The 6th Judicial Circuit covers Lancaster County, and all dissolution of marriage matters are heard within that circuit at the Lancaster County courthouse.
Searching Lancaster County Dissolution Of Marriage Cases
Online access to Lancaster County dissolution of marriage cases is available through the FCCMS public portal. The Family Court Case Management System at portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov lets you search by party name or case number. This tool covers Lancaster County family court cases including dissolutions, custody matters, and support orders. It is a free public resource provided by the state of South Carolina.
The South Carolina Courts public index at sccourts.org is another way to look up dissolution of marriage records in Lancaster County. Search by full name or case number to find basic case details. The index is updated regularly and includes Lancaster County filings. For older cases not yet in the online system, an in-person visit to the Lancaster County Clerk of Court is the most reliable option.
When you visit in person, staff at the Lancaster County Clerk of Court can help locate dissolution records by name or case number. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search the system and point you to the right file. Copy fees apply when you need printed records from Lancaster County dissolution cases.
Note: Searching by the exact legal name used at the time of filing gives the most accurate results in the Lancaster County system.
Dissolution Of Marriage Law in Lancaster County
South Carolina law sets the rules for all dissolution of marriage cases, including those filed in Lancaster County. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, South Carolina allows no-fault dissolution based on one year of continuous separation. Fault grounds are also available. These include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or narcotics use, and desertion for one year.
Residency is a key requirement before filing in Lancaster County. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, at least one spouse must have lived in South Carolina for one year prior to filing. If both spouses are South Carolina residents, that requirement drops to three months. Lancaster County residents who meet this standard file their dissolution cases at the Lancaster County courthouse.
Property division in Lancaster County follows equitable distribution. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620, the court divides marital property in a fair manner. This does not always mean a 50-50 split. The court looks at each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, income, and other factors when dividing assets in Lancaster County dissolution cases.
How to File a Dissolution Case in Lancaster County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Lancaster County begins at the Clerk of Court office in Lancaster. You submit a complaint for dissolution and pay the required filing fee of approximately $150. The Clerk's office assigns a case number and the court file is opened. From that point, all documents filed by either party become part of the Lancaster County court record.
Service of process comes next. You must deliver the dissolution papers to your spouse. The Lancaster County Sheriff's office can handle service, or you may use a private process server approved under South Carolina law. Proof of service is then filed with the Clerk of Court. The case moves forward once service is confirmed in the Lancaster County court file.
For people who do not have an attorney, South Carolina offers a self-represented litigant simple divorce packet. It walks you through each step of the process. Download the packet at sccourts.org. The packet covers the forms needed for an uncontested dissolution of marriage in Lancaster County and throughout South Carolina.
Lancaster County Dissolution Certificates and Vital Records
South Carolina's Division of Public Health issues dissolution of marriage certificates for divorces that took place in the state, including those filed in Lancaster County. These certificates are shorter documents that confirm the dissolution occurred. They show the names of both parties, the date, and the county where the case was filed. A certificate does not contain the full terms of any settlement or property agreement.
Order a Lancaster County dissolution certificate online at dph.sc.gov. You can also mail a written request to the Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy. Records are available for dissolutions from July 1962 through December 2023. For the full court record including the final decree, contact the Lancaster County Clerk of Court directly.
Legal Resources for Lancaster County Residents
Several organizations provide legal help for dissolution of marriage matters in Lancaster County. South Carolina Legal Services offers free assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Their website at sclegal.org has more information on eligibility and how to apply. The South Carolina Bar's lawyer referral service at (803) 799-6653 can connect you with a family law attorney who handles Lancaster County cases.
Online guidance is also available. The Women's Law website at womenslaw.org explains South Carolina dissolution law in plain terms. It covers grounds, residency rules, property rights, and the overall process. Lancaster County residents can use this resource to understand what to expect before filing. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30 guarantees your right to access dissolution records from the Lancaster County Clerk of Court.
The SC Department of Social Services handles child support matters that often run alongside dissolution cases. Reach DSS child support services at dss.sc.gov or by phone at 1-800-768-5858.
Cities in Lancaster County
Lancaster County's county seat is the city of Lancaster. All dissolution of marriage cases for residents throughout Lancaster County are filed at the Family Court in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Nearby Counties
Lancaster County borders several counties in northern South Carolina. File your dissolution of marriage case in the county where you live. Jurisdiction follows your current residential address, not where the marriage took place.