Calhoun County Divorce Records
Calhoun County divorce records are created and maintained by the Calhoun County Family Court, located in St. Matthews as part of South Carolina's 11th Judicial Circuit. One of the state's smaller counties by population, Calhoun County handles all domestic relations filings — including divorce, custody, and support matters — through its Family Court division. Those searching for Calhoun County divorce records can use the state's online case portal for index data or visit the clerk's office in person at the courthouse in St. Matthews. This guide explains the full process, fees, legal requirements, and how to obtain official copies.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
Calhoun County Family Court
The Calhoun County Family Court sits in St. Matthews and holds exclusive jurisdiction over all family law matters for county residents. The court handles divorce, legal separation, custody disputes, child support orders, and alimony awards. It became part of South Carolina's unified Family Court system when that system was established in 1976. Before that, domestic relations cases moved through general civil courts. Today, Calhoun County Family Court operates as a dedicated division with its own docket and hearing calendar.
The Calhoun County Clerk of Court manages all case records. Divorce decrees and case files are available through the clerk's office upon request and payment of applicable fees. The courthouse is located at 102 Courthouse Drive in St. Matthews. Because Calhoun is a small, rural county, the clerk's office has limited staff, so calling ahead to schedule a records visit is recommended.
The image below is from the Calhoun County government portal, which provides contact information for county offices including the clerk of court.
The county portal is a good starting point for finding phone numbers, office hours, and links to court-related services in St. Matthews.
| Court | Calhoun County Family Court 102 Courthouse Drive, St. Matthews, SC 29135 Phone: (803) 874-2740 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | calhouncounty.sc.gov |
How to Find Calhoun Divorce Records
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a free public case search at sccourts.org. This online tool covers all 46 counties including Calhoun. You can search by party name, case number, or date range. Results show the case type, filing date, and hearing schedule. Full document access typically requires visiting the clerk's office in person in St. Matthews.
For an in-person search, call the clerk's office at (803) 874-2740 before driving to St. Matthews. Staff can confirm whether the record you need is on-site or in archive storage, which saves time. Bring identifying information for your visit. Helpful details include:
- Full legal name of at least one party to the case
- Approximate year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number (if already known)
- Both spouses' names to narrow search results
Older records from the period before the 1976 Family Court formation may be stored in a different format or location. Staff can direct you to the correct archive. Note: As of January 1, 2026, party addresses are no longer shown in the public online index, though they remain in the physical file at the courthouse.
The image below is from the SC Courts courthouse search tool, which lists Calhoun County court details and location information.
Use the SC Courts courthouse search to confirm current contact details and hours before visiting or mailing a request.
South Carolina Divorce Law and Calhoun County Filings
Divorce in South Carolina is governed by Title 20, Chapter 3 of the state code. Under § 20-3-10, recognized grounds for divorce are adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, desertion lasting at least one year, and living continuously separate and apart for one year. The one-year separation ground is the most common and does not require proving any wrongdoing by either spouse.
Residency rules under § 20-3-30 require that when only one spouse lives in South Carolina, that person must have been a state resident for at least one year before filing. If both spouses reside in the state, the required period is three months. Under § 20-3-60, venue is generally in the county where the defendant resides. This means most Calhoun County divorce cases are filed in Calhoun County Family Court when the defendant lives there.
The court imposes waiting periods under § 20-3-80. A two-month period must pass before a reference hearing can be held, and three months must pass from the date of filing before a final decree can issue. Marital property is divided under equitable distribution rules at § 20-3-620. The court looks at many factors — length of marriage, contributions of each spouse, and economic circumstances — to divide assets fairly. Alimony is governed by § 20-3-130 and may take one of six forms including periodic, lump sum, and rehabilitative types.
Documents in a Calhoun County Divorce File
The contents of a Calhoun County divorce case file depend on the complexity of the case. A simple uncontested divorce involving no children and few assets may include only a handful of documents. More complex cases generate larger files with multiple hearings and filings. Common documents found across most Calhoun County divorce cases include:
- Complaint for divorce with civil summons
- Proof of service or signed acceptance of service
- Defendant's answer or entry of default
- Financial declarations from both parties
- Temporary restraining orders or temporary support orders
- Marital settlement or property division agreement
- Final Order of Divorce (form SCCA299)
The SCCA299 form is the standard final divorce order used throughout South Carolina. It states the court's findings and the full terms of the divorce. Certified copies of this form are frequently needed for remarriage, name change proceedings, and estate administration. The clerk's office charges a per-page fee for copies and an additional fee for certification.
Filing Fees and Fee Waivers
Filing a divorce in Calhoun County costs approximately $150 for the initial complaint. Other fees apply to additional court filings and service of process. Court costs can add up, especially in cases that involve multiple hearings or motions. The clerk's office can provide a full fee schedule when you call or visit.
Copy fees for records are set by the South Carolina Supreme Court and apply statewide. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. If you need a copy for official use — such as to change your name with the Social Security Administration or DMV — a certified copy is required. Call (803) 874-2740 to confirm current rates before your visit.
For those who cannot afford court costs, the clerk's office can provide a fee waiver application. The form asks about income, assets, and expenses. The judge reviews the application and may grant a full or partial waiver. South Carolina Legal Services can assist qualifying residents with the waiver process and other family law matters. Note: Fee waivers do not cover the costs of private attorneys, only court filing and copy fees.
DPH Divorce Reports and Vital Records
The SC Department of Public Health maintains state-level divorce reports for divorces finalized between July 1962 and December 2023. These reports can be ordered through the SC DPH vital records page or via VitalChek for $12 per copy. A DPH divorce report confirms that a divorce occurred and includes basic identifying details about the parties.
This report is different from the actual divorce decree. It is a summary record, not the full court order. If you need the specific terms of the divorce — how property was divided, whether alimony was awarded, or details about custody — you must obtain a copy of the decree from the Calhoun County clerk's office. The DPH report works for many administrative tasks, but courts and government agencies often require the official court decree.
Certified copies of a divorce decree may also be apostilled for use in foreign countries through the SC Secretary of State's office. This is useful for people who need to prove their marital status for immigration, foreign marriage, or international legal matters.
The image below is from the SC DPH divorce reports page, which explains the ordering process and eligibility rules for obtaining state divorce reports.
Note: Divorce was illegal in South Carolina until April 1949, so no DPH divorce records exist before that date.
Legal Help for Calhoun County Residents
Calhoun County is a rural area with limited local legal resources. The SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (803) 799-6653 can connect you with a licensed family law attorney who handles cases in the St. Matthews area. Referrals through this service often include a reduced-fee initial consultation.
Free court forms are available at the SC Courts forms page. These include the divorce complaint, financial declarations, and the Final Order of Divorce (SCCA299). Using the correct forms helps prevent delays. The SC Family Court overview page explains how the court process works for those representing themselves.
South Carolina Legal Services provides free civil legal representation for qualifying low-income residents. Calhoun County residents may be eligible for help with divorce and other family law matters. Income guidelines apply, and intake is done by phone or online. The SC Courts clerks of court directory at sccourts.org also lists direct contact information for the Calhoun County clerk's office.
Public Access Under SC Freedom of Information Law
Calhoun County Family Court records are public records under South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act at § 30-4-10. The public has a right to inspect the case index and to request copies of court filings. Exceptions apply to sealed records, matters involving the privacy of minors, and records restricted by specific court order. A party may petition the court to seal portions of the record, and the judge decides based on applicable law and the facts of the case.
The public case index through the SC Courts portal shows case names, filing dates, case types, and hearing dates. Physical files are available for review at the Calhoun County Courthouse in St. Matthews during regular business hours. Copies are charged per page. Certified copies cost more and are needed for most official uses. Mail-in requests may be possible for some records — call the clerk's office to confirm the process and current turnaround times before sending a written request.
The SC Courts clerks directory confirms contact details and can help you reach the right office for your request.
Cities in Calhoun County
All Calhoun County divorce cases are filed at the Calhoun County Family Court in St. Matthews. There are no separate city-level family courts operating in Calhoun County.
Nearby Counties
Calhoun County is located in central South Carolina and borders several other counties. If you need divorce records from a neighboring county, use the links below.