Dissolution Of Marriage in Marion County
Marion County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the Marion County Family Court. The county has about 30,000 residents and is served by the 12th Judicial Circuit. All dissolution of marriage cases for Marion County residents are filed in the county seat of Marion. You can search these records through the state's online portal or by contacting the Clerk of Court directly in Marion County.
Marion County Quick Facts
Marion County Family Court Records
The Clerk of Court in Marion County holds the official record for every dissolution of marriage case filed in the county. The office stores all filed documents from start to finish. This includes the original complaint, any responses, temporary orders, settlement papers, and the final dissolution of marriage decree. The Clerk can search for cases by the name of either party or by case number.
Marion County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. The Family Court handles all dissolution of marriage cases along with custody and support matters. The county seat is Marion, and the courthouse is where you go to access physical files. For current hours and contact details, visit the Marion County government website.
The Marion County government portal at marionsc.org provides access to county office information. You can find contact details for the Clerk of Court and confirm office hours before making a trip to Marion County.
| Court |
Marion County Family Court Marion, SC |
|---|---|
| Circuit | 12th Judicial Circuit |
| Website | marionsc.org |
Searching Marion County Dissolution Of Marriage Cases
The South Carolina Family Court Case Management System gives the public a free way to search dissolution of marriage cases online. The FCCMS Public Portal at portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov covers all South Carolina counties including Marion County. You can search by the name of either spouse or by case number. The portal shows basic case details like the filing date, parties involved, and current case status.
For in-person searches, go to the Marion County Courthouse in Marion. The Clerk of Court staff can pull up cases and make copies of documents. Bring a photo ID. If you know the approximate year the case was filed, that will speed up the search. Older records may be stored off-site, so call ahead if you are looking for a case from many years ago.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch also provides a public case index that covers Marion County dissolution of marriage cases. This is a good backup option if you cannot find what you need through FCCMS.
Note: The FCCMS portal shows case information but not actual documents. Visit the Marion County Clerk of Court to get copies of filed papers.
Grounds and Requirements for Dissolution in South Carolina
South Carolina law sets out the rules for every dissolution of marriage case filed in Marion County. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10, there are five recognized grounds: one year of continuous separation with no chance of reconciliation, adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. The no-fault ground of one-year separation is the most common choice for Marion County residents.
Residency is also required before you can file in Marion County. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, one spouse must have lived in South Carolina for at least one year. If both spouses live in South Carolina, only three months of residency is needed. Once the residency requirement is met, you file the dissolution of marriage complaint at the Marion County Family Court.
Marion County courts also handle the division of marital property under the equitable distribution standard in S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Courts look at many factors when dividing property, including the length of the marriage and the contributions of each spouse. Property issues are resolved within the dissolution of marriage case in Marion County.
Dissolution Of Marriage Certificates for Marion County
The South Carolina Department of Public Health keeps dissolution of marriage records at the state level for divorces that took place from July 1962 through December 2023. A certified copy costs $12 and can be ordered by mail or through VitalChek. The Division of Vital Records address is 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Visit dph.sc.gov for full ordering instructions.
A vital records certificate from the state confirms that a dissolution of marriage occurred. It shows names, date, and county. For the full set of case documents, including the decree and any agreements, contact the Marion County Clerk of Court.
Public Access to Marion County Court Records
Dissolution of marriage records filed in Marion County are generally public records under South Carolina law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, found at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, gives any person the right to request and view public records held by state and local agencies. This includes court records maintained by the Marion County Clerk of Court.
You can submit a public records request to the Marion County Clerk of Court if you want copies of dissolution of marriage filings. The Clerk can tell you the fee per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Some parts of a dissolution of marriage file may be sealed or restricted, such as records that directly concern minor children. Most of the file, including the decree, is open to anyone who asks.
The Marion County public records process is straightforward. Start with the FCCMS portal to confirm the case exists, then contact the Clerk of Court to request the specific documents you need.
Help With Dissolution Of Marriage in Marion County
Marion County residents who need legal help with a dissolution of marriage case have several options. South Carolina Legal Services offers free help for those who qualify based on income. They assist with dissolution of marriage filings and related matters. Apply at sclegal.org or call their statewide intake line.
The Women's Law website has plain-language guides to South Carolina dissolution of marriage law at womenslaw.org. These guides explain the grounds for dissolution, how property is divided, and what the court process looks like. For a private attorney referral, call the South Carolina Bar at (803) 799-6653. For child support help, contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services at 1-800-768-5858 or visit dss.sc.gov.
Self-represented litigants filing without an attorney in Marion County can find forms and step-by-step instructions in the self-represented litigant divorce packets at sccourts.org.
Cities in Marion County
Marion County is served by a single Family Court located in the county seat of Marion. All dissolution of marriage cases filed by residents of Marion County go through this courthouse, regardless of which town or community you live in.
Marion is the county seat and home to the Family Court that handles all dissolution of marriage cases in Marion County, South Carolina.
Nearby Counties
Marion County borders several counties in northeastern South Carolina. File your dissolution of marriage case in the county where you reside. If you moved recently, confirm which county has jurisdiction before you file.