North Charleston Divorce Records
North Charleston is South Carolina's third-largest city, with a population of about 115,000. One important detail sets it apart from other cities: it spans two counties. Parts of North Charleston fall in Charleston County, and other parts fall in Dorchester County. This matters for divorce filings. The county where you live determines which Family Court handles your case. This guide explains how to find the right court, search for records, and get copies of divorce documents from either county.
North Charleston Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in North Charleston
North Charleston crosses the boundary between Charleston County and Dorchester County. Your home address determines which court handles your divorce. If you live in the Charleston County portion of North Charleston, you file at the Charleston County Family Court on Broad Street in downtown Charleston. If you live in the Dorchester County portion, you file at the Dorchester County Family Court in St. George.
The City of North Charleston does not operate a divorce court. All divorces are handled by the county Family Courts. If you are unsure which county your address falls in, check with your county assessor's office or look up your address in the county property records system.
Charleston County Family Court:
| 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 |
Dorchester County Family Court:
| Court | Dorchester County Family Court 101 Ridge Street, St. George, SC 29477 Phone: (843) 563-0160 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | dorchestercountysc.gov |
The image below shows the Charleston County Clerk of Court website, where you can find contact details, filing information, and links to online case search tools.
Source: Charleston County Clerk of Court
Charleston County is the larger of the two counties for North Charleston. Most of the city falls within Charleston County, so the majority of North Charleston divorce cases go through the Charleston County Family Court.
Note: Venue rules under SC Code § 20-3-60 require filing in the county where you or your spouse lives. Do not file in the wrong county, as this can cause delays or dismissal.
How to Search North Charleston Divorce Records
The fastest way to search divorce records for North Charleston residents is the SC Judicial Branch public case search. This free tool covers all counties in South Carolina, including both Charleston and Dorchester. You can search by name or case number. Results include filing dates, case status, hearing history, and the names of the parties.
For in-person searches, visit the Clerk of Court in whichever county handled the divorce. Clerks can pull physical files and provide printed copies. For cases finalized before electronic records were standard, the paper file may be the only complete record available.
The image below shows the North Charleston city portal, which provides general city services information but does not maintain divorce case records.
Source: City of North Charleston
City offices in North Charleston do not hold divorce records. All divorce case files are stored at the Clerk of Court in the respective county. Do not contact city hall for divorce record requests.
Information that helps with searches:
- Full legal name of either party at time of divorce
- Year or approximate range when the divorce was filed
- Which county — Charleston or Dorchester — handled the case
- Case number, if available
Note: As of January 1, 2026, residential addresses are no longer displayed in public court records across South Carolina.
Filing for Divorce in North Charleston
North Charleston residents must meet the residency requirement before filing. Under SC Code § 20-3-30, if both spouses live in South Carolina, either may file after one year of residency. If only one spouse lives in the state, that spouse must have been a resident for at least one year before filing.
South Carolina law allows divorce on five grounds under § 20-3-10. These are adultery, one year of desertion, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and living separately for at least one year. Most North Charleston divorce cases use the one-year separation ground. It requires no fault allegation and is generally the most straightforward path to a final decree.
After filing, the case enters a mandatory waiting period. Cases involving minor children must wait at least three months from the date of filing. During this time, a judge may issue temporary orders covering custody, support, or use of the family home. Both parties are required to exchange financial disclosures.
South Carolina divides marital property under § 20-3-620, which follows equitable distribution. The court weighs each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, and each party's economic situation. Alimony may also be awarded under § 20-3-130. Court forms for filing in either Charleston or Dorchester County are available at sccourts.org/court-forms/.
Divorce Filing Fees in North Charleston
Filing fees are approximately $150 in both Charleston and Dorchester counties. This fee covers the initial complaint filing. Separate fees apply if you need to file motions, request certified copies, or pay for service of process on the other party.
Certified copy fees for court documents typically run $1 to $3 per page, depending on the type of document. A full certified decree may cost more if the document is lengthy. Contact the Clerk's office directly for an exact fee schedule before your visit.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may apply for a fee waiver. Submit a financial affidavit showing your household income and expenses. The Clerk of Court can provide the correct form. If the judge approves your waiver, you will not have to pay the filing fee.
Note: Fee amounts can change without public notice. Always confirm current fees by calling the appropriate Clerk of Court before filing.
What North Charleston Divorce Records Contain
A divorce case file at either the Charleston County or Dorchester County Family Court may include a range of documents. The specific contents depend on whether the case was contested, whether children were involved, and how long the case took to resolve.
Typical documents in a divorce file include:
- Divorce complaint and summons
- Proof of service or waiver of service
- Financial disclosure statements from both parties
- Temporary orders for custody, support, or property use
- Parenting plan or custody agreement, if applicable
- Marital settlement agreement in uncontested cases
- Final decree of divorce signed by the judge
The final decree is the most commonly requested document. It confirms the marriage is legally dissolved and includes the judge's rulings on all major issues. Certified copies are available through the Clerk of Court.
Divorce Certificates for North Charleston Residents
Two types of documents confirm a divorce in South Carolina. The divorce decree is the court's official order, issued by the Family Court judge. The Clerk of Court provides certified copies of decrees upon request. The divorce report is a shorter summary record maintained by the SC Department of Public Health.
DPH reports cover divorces that were finalized between July 1962 and December 2023. Each copy costs $12. You can order through the DPH directly or through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor. The report shows the names of the parties and the county and year of the divorce. It does not include property, custody, or financial terms.
For uses such as passport applications, name changes, or legal proceedings, a certified copy of the full decree is usually required. The DPH report alone may not meet that standard. Check with the requesting agency first.
The SC Secretary of State's office can also provide apostille certification for divorce documents intended for use in another country.
Legal Help for North Charleston Residents
Divorce cases can involve many complicated issues. North Charleston residents facing disputes over property, children, or support have several places to turn for legal assistance.
SC Legal Services offers free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Their attorneys handle family law matters, including divorce and custody. You can apply online or call their intake line to check eligibility. The office serves residents throughout the Lowcountry region, including North Charleston.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects you with local attorneys. Call (803) 799-6653 to request a referral. The service typically provides an initial consultation at a reduced rate, which helps you evaluate your options before committing to full representation.
Self-help forms are free at sccourts.org/court-forms/. These cover uncontested divorce, temporary orders, and financial disclosures. If your case has children or disputed assets, getting at least a brief consultation with an attorney can help you avoid errors that slow the process down.
Note: The South Carolina Bar can also verify whether an attorney is licensed and in good standing before you hire them.
Charleston County Divorce Records
North Charleston is located in both Charleston and Dorchester counties, and all divorce filings go through the respective county Family Court. For more on the county court, full fee lists, and related records, visit the county divorce records page.
View Charleston County Divorce Records
If your address is in the Dorchester County portion of North Charleston, see the Dorchester County Divorce Records page for court details and local fee information.
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.