Mount Pleasant Divorce Records
Mount Pleasant is the fourth-largest municipality in South Carolina, with a population of approximately 95,000. It sits in Charleston County, across the Cooper River from downtown Charleston. All divorce cases for Mount Pleasant residents are handled by the Charleston County Family Court. This guide covers how to find the courthouse, search for divorce records online or in person, understand the filing process, and get certified copies of divorce documents for any purpose you need.
Mount Pleasant Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is part of Charleston County. Divorce cases are filed at the Charleston County Family Court in downtown Charleston. The court is about 10 miles from most parts of Mount Pleasant via US-17 or the Ravenel Bridge. There is no family court branch in Mount Pleasant itself. All filings, hearings, and records are handled at the main courthouse on Broad Street.
The Town of Mount Pleasant does not maintain divorce records or operate a family court. Town hall handles municipal permits, planning, and code enforcement. For any divorce filing or records request, contact the Charleston County Clerk of Court directly.
| Court | Charleston County Family Court 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 958-5000 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | charlestoncounty.org |
The image below shows the Town of Mount Pleasant's official website. It provides general town services, but all divorce records are maintained by the county court system.
Source: Town of Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant is one of the fastest-growing towns in the Southeast. Its population has roughly doubled in the past 20 years. This growth means the Charleston County Family Court handles a large and increasing volume of cases from Mount Pleasant each year.
Note: South Carolina Family Courts were established in 1976 and have exclusive jurisdiction over divorce matters statewide.
How to Search Mount Pleasant Divorce Records
The SC Judicial Branch case search portal is the best starting point for searching divorce records online. The system covers all South Carolina counties, including Charleston. You can search by party name or by case number. Results include the filing date, current case status, and a list of case events. The portal is free to use and available at any time.
For in-person searches, visit the Charleston County Clerk of Court at 100 Broad Street. Staff can locate case files and provide printed copies. Older case files may exist only in paper format and require a visit to the courthouse. Staff can usually help locate files by party name even without a case number.
The image below shows the Charleston County Clerk of Court website, the office responsible for all Mount Pleasant and Charleston County Family Court records.
Source: Charleston County Clerk of Court
The Clerk's office manages case files, accepts new filings, collects fees, and issues certified copies of court orders. It is the central repository for all Family Court records in Charleston County, including those for Mount Pleasant residents.
Information that helps with record searches:
- Full legal name of one or both parties at the time of divorce
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number, if known from prior contact with the court
- County — all Mount Pleasant cases are in Charleston County
Note: As of January 1, 2026, home addresses are no longer shown in publicly accessible court records across South Carolina.
Filing for Divorce in Mount Pleasant
To file for divorce in South Carolina, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirements set by SC Code § 20-3-30. If both spouses live in South Carolina, either can file after living in the state for one year. If only one spouse is a South Carolina resident, that person must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing.
South Carolina recognizes five grounds for divorce under § 20-3-10. They are adultery, desertion for one year, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and one-year separation. Most cases in Charleston County use the one-year separation ground. This requires no fault claim and is typically the simplest path to a final decree.
After the case is filed, the court sets a mandatory waiting period. For cases with minor children, the minimum wait is three months. For cases with no children, the wait may be shorter, but it depends on the court's schedule. During the waiting period, the court may issue temporary orders on matters such as use of the home, spousal support, or parenting time.
Property division in South Carolina follows equitable distribution under § 20-3-620. The court considers the length of the marriage, each party's contributions, and other relevant factors. Alimony may be awarded under § 20-3-130. Forms to start your case are available at sccourts.org/court-forms/.
Divorce Filing Fees in Mount Pleasant
Filing a divorce case in Charleston County costs approximately $150. This fee is paid to the Clerk of Court when you submit your complaint. It covers the initial filing only. Other costs may arise as the case progresses, including fees for certified copies, service of process, and any motions you file later.
Certified copies of the final divorce decree typically cost $1 to $3 per page. A short decree may cost only a few dollars. A longer decree with exhibits or attachments may cost more. Call the Clerk at (843) 958-5000 to ask about the current fee schedule before making the trip downtown.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver. You must complete a financial affidavit showing your income, household size, and monthly expenses. The judge reviews the application and may waive all or part of the fee. This option is open to anyone who qualifies.
Note: Fees are set by state statute but may be adjusted over time. Always confirm current amounts before filing.
What Mount Pleasant Divorce Records Contain
A divorce file at the Charleston County Family Court is a collection of documents that tracks the case from start to finish. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was contested, whether children were involved, and how many motions or hearings took place.
Common documents found in a divorce file include:
- Divorce summons and complaint
- Proof of service on the other party
- Financial disclosures and income statements
- Temporary orders covering support, custody, or the family home
- Parenting plan, if the couple has children
- Marital settlement agreement in uncontested cases
- Final decree of divorce
The final decree is the primary document most people need. It confirms the legal end of the marriage and states the court's rulings on property, support, and children. Certified copies are available through the Charleston County Clerk of Court.
Divorce Certificates for Mount Pleasant Residents
South Carolina provides two types of official divorce documents. The first is the divorce decree, which is the full court order issued by the Family Court judge. Certified copies of decrees come from the Charleston County Clerk of Court. The second is the divorce report, a shorter record kept by the SC Department of Public Health.
DPH reports are available for divorces finalized between July 1962 and December 2023. Each copy costs $12. You can order directly from DPH or through VitalChek, the state's authorized ordering vendor. The report confirms the divorce took place and identifies the county and year. It does not include property terms, custody arrangements, or financial agreements.
For legal uses such as a name change, passport update, or court filing, a certified copy of the full decree is usually required. Check with the requesting agency to confirm which document they need before you order.
If the document will be used in another country, the SC Secretary of State can provide an apostille certification to make the document valid abroad.
Legal Help for Mount Pleasant Residents
Mount Pleasant residents dealing with divorce have access to several legal resources in the Charleston area. Whether you need free assistance or a paid attorney referral, help is available nearby.
SC Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. Their attorneys handle divorce, custody, and support cases. Eligibility is based on household income. You can apply online or by phone, and their office serves the entire Lowcountry region.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a licensed family law attorney in the Charleston area. Call (803) 799-6653 to request a referral. The service provides an initial consultation at a reduced rate so you can evaluate your options without a large upfront cost.
Court self-help forms are available at no cost at sccourts.org/court-forms/. They cover uncontested divorces, financial disclosures, and parenting plans. These forms are designed for people who want to file without an attorney in straightforward cases.
Note: The Charleston County Family Court also has a self-help center at the courthouse that can answer procedural questions, though staff cannot give legal advice.
Self-Help Divorce in Mount Pleasant
An uncontested divorce is possible in South Carolina when both parties agree on all terms. This type of case is often called a pro se divorce when both spouses represent themselves. The SC Judicial Branch makes this easier with free forms at sccourts.org/court-forms/. The packet includes the complaint, financial forms, a settlement agreement template, and a proposed final order.
The most common ground used in uncontested divorces is one-year separation under § 20-3-10. Both spouses must have lived apart for at least one year before the case can be finalized on this ground. Both parties sign the marital settlement agreement, which is filed with the court along with the complaint and supporting documents. The judge reviews the paperwork and schedules a brief hearing to confirm the terms.
The image below shows the SC Judicial Branch's court forms page, the starting point for any Mount Pleasant resident who wants to file a pro se divorce.
Source: SC Judicial Branch — Court Forms
Even in a simple case, a one-time review with a family law attorney can catch errors before you file. Mistakes in financial disclosures or settlement agreements can delay the case or create problems after the decree is entered.
Charleston County Divorce Records
Mount Pleasant is located in Charleston County, and all divorce filings go through the Charleston County Family Court. For more on the county court, full fee lists, and related records, visit the county divorce records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their county courthouse. Pick a city to learn about divorce records in that area.