Union County Public Records /Union County Divorce Records

Union County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Union County in 2026

UnionSCRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Union County, South Carolina. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents through official channels. Record categories available through official sources include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the South Carolina Judicial Branch case search portal, the Union County Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for divorce certificates.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains the Public Index case search portal, which allows members of the public to search Union County divorce cases by party name or case number at no charge. Basic case information, docket entries, and document summaries are available online. Obtaining copies of actual documents may require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a statewide portal through which users may search court records across all counties, including Union County. This consolidated database is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.

3. State Vital Records

South Carolina registers divorce certificates through the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office. Divorce certificates issued by DHEC provide limited information compared to full court case files and are subject to applicable fees.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Union County Clerk of Court
210 West Main Street
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1630
Union County Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Services available in person include searching case files, viewing documents, requesting certified copies, using public access terminals, and receiving staff assistance.

Records Department:

The Clerk of Court maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records and older cases may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the Clerk's office.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Union County Clerk of Court, 210 West Main Street, Union, SC 29379
Include the full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, case number if known, requestor's contact information, purpose of request if required, payment for copies, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Processing time is at present approximately one to two weeks, depending on case age and volume.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Clerk of Court: (864) 429-1630
Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, case status, and filing date.
Detailed document contents, copies of filings, and confidential information cannot be provided by phone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in South Carolina may access divorce records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with qualified family law attorneys.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in Union County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under South Carolina Code § 20-3-60, a divorce action must be filed in the county where either spouse resides. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of filing. Searching the county where the marriage occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there.

Residency Requirement:

South Carolina requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for a minimum of one year prior to filing, or that both parties be residents at the time of filing. The action is filed in the county of the filing spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately; members of the public should allow several days to weeks for processing after the final hearing.

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format, may not be digitized, and may require additional retrieval time upon request.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

Incorrect county of search
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
Case still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records held in off-site storage
Sealed or confidential case

Next Steps:

Contact the Clerk's office at (864) 429-1630
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check South Carolina DHEC Vital Records for a divorce certificate
Consult a licensed South Carolina family law attorney

What Are Union County Divorce Records?

Union County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Union County Family Court. These records are maintained by the Union County Clerk of Court as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access provisions under South Carolina law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and timesharing schedules
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree

The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, alimony or spousal support terms if applicable, child custody and timesharing arrangements if applicable, child support orders if applicable, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.

Supporting Documents

Original marriage certificate submitted as exhibit
Financial disclosure documents and supporting statements
Property inventories and appraisals
Modification orders entered after the final judgment

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for legal name change
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring marital history
Social Security benefit determinations

Personal Purposes

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

Clerk of Court

The Union County Clerk of Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk indexes records by party name, maintains complete case files, and provides certified copies upon request.

State Vital Records Office

The South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in South Carolina. These certificates contain limited information compared to the full court case file.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in South Carolina are governed by South Carolina Code § 20-3-10 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Access to court records is further governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act and applicable South Carolina Supreme Court rules regarding public access to judicial records.

Are Union County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Union County are public court records under South Carolina law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final judgments. Certain categories of information within a divorce case file are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled appearances
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to South Carolina court rules
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access
Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted

Children's Information

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access

Sensitive Personal Information

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sexual abuse allegations and related evidence

Sealed Records

Cases sealed by court order upon proper showing
Cases involving abuse or domestic violence where protective measures are warranted
Confidential mediation communications, which are not part of the public record

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The presumption of public access to court records in South Carolina is grounded in the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act and the rules of the South Carolina Supreme Court. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests.

Privacy Protections:

State-Specific Protections

South Carolina family law confidentiality rules
Domestic violence victim address protections
Child protection statutes limiting disclosure of minor children's information

Federal Protections

HIPAA governs medical information submitted in proceedings
Federal domestic violence protections under the Violence Against Women Act
Children's privacy protections applicable to records involving minors

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information pertaining to their matter.
Attorneys: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon proper showing.
Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court permission. First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting.

Restrictions on Use:

Prohibited uses of divorce records include stalking or harassment of any party, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and violation of any protective order issued in the case. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background checks conducted in accordance with applicable law, genealogical research, news reporting, academic research, and personal verification of divorce terms.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates the request on a case-by-case basis, provides notice to the parties, and applies a balancing test. Certain parties, including law enforcement, child protective services investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access by statute.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Union County?

The Union County Clerk of Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with South Carolina law. Under South Carolina Code § 8-21-310, the Clerk of Court is authorized to collect fees for copies of court records.

Current Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$10.00 (first page) + $0.50 per additional page
Certification fee	Included in certified copy fee
Search fee	No separate search fee at present
Electronic copies	Fees may vary; confirm with Clerk's office

Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
Copies obtained through the Public Index online portal may be subject to separate electronic access fees.
Divorce certificates obtained through South Carolina DHEC Vital Records are subject to a separate fee schedule; at present, the fee for a certified divorce certificate from DHEC is $12.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Accepted Payment Methods:

The Union County Clerk of Court accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Union County Clerk of Court. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the Clerk's office prior to submission.

Fee Waivers:

Fee waivers may be available to indigent parties upon proper application to the court. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should contact the Clerk's office or consult with a licensed South Carolina attorney regarding the applicable procedure.

What's Included in Divorce Records in Union County

A complete Union County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of the proceeding through post-judgment matters. The following describes the standard contents of a dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Union County Clerk of Court.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Case number assigned by the Clerk of Court
Court name: Union County Family Court
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the matter
Attorneys of record for each party

Filing Information:

Date of initial filing
Filing fees paid
Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
Jurisdictional basis

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:

Full names and addresses of both parties
Date and location of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce as specified under South Carolina law (including no-fault ground of one-year continuous separation)
Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
Claims regarding marital property
Requests for spousal support, child custody, and child support
Relief requested from the court

Response/Answer:

Respondent's admissions or denials
Counterpetition, if filed
Respondent's independent requests for relief

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties' income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
Standard of living during the marriage

Discovery Documents

Financial Disclosure:

Recent tax returns
Pay stubs and income verification
Bank and investment account statements
Retirement account statements
Credit card and loan statements
Business financial statements, if applicable

Interrogatories:

Written questions and sworn answers from each party
Background, financial, and custody-related information

Requests for Production:

Document requests and responses
Property inventories
Financial records produced by each party

Property-Related Documents

Marital Asset Inventory:

Real property descriptions and appraised values
Vehicles and current values
Bank and investment account balances
Retirement account values
Business interests and valuations
Personal property, jewelry, art, and collectibles

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card debt
Personal and business loans
Tax obligations

Appraisals and Valuations:

Real property appraisals
Business valuations
Personal property appraisals
Expert reports on asset values

Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)

Parenting Plan:

Legal custody and decision-making authority
Physical custody and primary residence designation
Regular, holiday, summer, and vacation timesharing schedules
Transportation arrangements
Communication provisions between parents and with children
Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
Relocation restrictions

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet
Income information for both parties
Number of overnights with each parent
Health insurance and childcare costs
Support amount ordered and payment schedule
Provisions for modification

Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):

Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
Home study findings
Parenting assessments and recommendations

Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Appointed):

Attorney for children's findings and recommendations regarding best interests

Support Documents

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Type of alimony ordered (periodic, lump sum, rehabilitative, or reimbursement as recognized under South Carolina law)
Amount and duration of support
Payment schedule and method
Conditions for modification or termination

Settlement Documents

Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA):

Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
Real and personal property division
Asset and debt allocation
Spousal support terms
Child-related provisions, if applicable
Tax treatment of transfers and support
Attorney fees allocation
Signatures of both parties and notarization

Mediation Agreement (If Mediated):

Terms reached through mediation
May be incorporated into the MSA or final judgment

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders (If Any):

Temporary custody and timesharing
Temporary support obligations
Temporary use and possession of marital property
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions

Final Judgment of Dissolution:

Official court order dissolving the marriage
Date of dissolution
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Property division awards to each party
Debt allocation
Real property transfer orders
Spousal support orders
Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order entered when retirement accounts are divided
Instructions to the plan administrator for division of benefits

Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)

Modifications:

Petitions to modify custody, timesharing, or support
Evidence of changed circumstances
Court orders on modification requests

Contempt Motions:

Allegations of non-compliance with court orders
Support enforcement actions
Custody violation claims and court orders

Enforcement Actions:

Income deduction orders
Liens filed against property
Contempt proceedings

Miscellaneous Documents

Proof of service of the initial petition and summons
Notices of hearings and depositions
Certificates of service for all filings
Certificates of compliance with mandatory disclosure requirements

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
Mental health and substance abuse evaluations (restricted)
Mediation communications (confidential and not part of the public record)
Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement

How Information Is Organized:

Documents in a Union County divorce case file are maintained in chronological order as received by the Clerk of Court. Each document is assigned a filing date and reflected in the case docket. The docket serves as an index of all filings, listing document types and filing sequence. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the South Carolina eFiling system; older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned digital copies.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Union County?

Proof of divorce in Union County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage from the Union County Clerk of Court, or as a divorce certificate from the South Carolina DHEC Vital Records office. A certified copy of the final decree is the most comprehensive and widely accepted form of proof for legal, immigration, and remarriage purposes.

Step 1 – Identify the Case

Members of the public should first locate the case using the South Carolina Public Index to obtain the case number, filing date, and confirmation that the final judgment has been entered.

Step 2 – Request a Certified Copy from the Clerk of Court

Certified copies of the final decree may be obtained in person, by mail, or in some instances electronically through the Clerk of Court.

Union County Clerk of Court
210 West Main Street
Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1630
Union County Clerk of Court

In-person requests are processed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mail requests should include the case number, names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, requestor's contact information, and payment by money order or check.
The current fee for a certified copy is $10.00 for the first page plus $0.50 per additional page.

Step 3 – Request a Divorce Certificate from DHEC (If Applicable)

For purposes requiring a state-issued divorce certificate rather than a court-certified copy, members of the public may submit a request to:

South Carolina DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
South Carolina DHEC Vital Records

The current fee is $12.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the DHEC portal.
Acceptable identification is required for all requests.

Step 4 – Verify Completeness

Upon receipt, the requestor should verify that the certified copy bears the court seal, the judge's signature, and the Clerk of Court's certification stamp, as these elements are required for the document to be accepted as legal proof of divorce.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Union County?

Divorce proceedings in Union County are presumptively public; however, South Carolina law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted upon a proper showing of good cause.

Records That May Be Confidential:

Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public records pursuant to South Carolina's Address Confidentiality Program and applicable protective order statutes.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect the children's welfare.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse history submitted in proceedings are subject to restricted access.
Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record under South Carolina court rules.
Sealed cases: A party may petition the court to seal the entire case file or specific documents upon demonstrating that the privacy interest at stake outweighs the public's interest in access. The court evaluates each request individually.
Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice.

The legal basis for sealing records in South Carolina family court proceedings is grounded in the court's inherent authority and the provisions of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. Members of the public seeking to seal records must file a written motion and demonstrate specific grounds for confidentiality.

How Long Does Union County Keep Divorce Records?

Union County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with South Carolina court records retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and applicable court rules.

Retention Periods:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with many records retained permanently given their legal significance.
Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; some financial documents may be purged after the minimum retention period if not incorporated into the final order.
Post-judgment modification and enforcement records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period following the last action in the case.
Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be held at the courthouse or transferred to off-site storage. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.

The South Carolina Department of Archives and History publishes the official records retention schedule applicable to court records, which governs the minimum periods for which Union County must preserve divorce case files. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Union County Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.