Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree in South Carolina?


Sharing is Caring


Certified copies of divorce decrees may be obtained from the County Clerk of Court’s Office or from DHEC’s Vital Records Division. A death or birth certificate can only be provided by DHEC’s Vital Records Division.

Are divorce decrees public record in SC?

Yes. South Carolina divorce records are generally considered public information. However, in some cases, these records may be sealed and can only be accessed by obtaining a court order authorizing the unsealing of these records.

How long does it take to get a divorce decree in SC?

SCDHEC does not have a copy of the divorce decree. The actual divorce decree must be obtained from the Office of the Clerk of Court in the county where the final divorce hearing was held. TURNAROUND TIME โ€“ The usual turn around time for ‘Mail’ requests is approximately 7 – 10 days from the date of receipt.

Where can I get a copy of my decree of divorce?

If you don’t have the case number but you do have the exact date, the Registrar at the High Court can use the information to search the divorce records of that year, month and day to retrieve the file from the archives, after which a copy will be made that is stamped and signed by the High Court.

How do I know if my divorce is final?

Your divorce is finalโ€”meaning you are legally divorcedโ€”as of the day the judge signs the decree. If the court doesn’t require you to attend an in-person hearing to finalize your case, the court will likely mail you a final copy of the decree or notify you when you can pick up a copy in person.

How do I find my divorce date?

Visit the Vital Statistics office for the county where the divorce took place. If you don’t know the county, you can contact the state’s Vital Records Office. Reach out to them online, over the phone, or in person.

What is a divorce decree?

A divorce decree terminates the emotional turbulence or suffering caused by long-drawn court conflicts. This document represents a court’s final decision in a written matter once both the husband and wife have submitted a mutual agreement to the court.

Are grounds for divorce made public?

As such, the reasons for divorce are not made public. What is almost always publically available is the fact that you have actually been divorced. The decree absolute (commonly thought of as a divorce certificate) can be obtained by anyone, as with marriage or birth certificates.

How long after a divorce can you remarry in South Carolina?

Remarrying in South Carolina After your divorce is finalized, you need to wait 24 hours to apply for a marriage license in South Carolina. Since you can’t reverse your divorce after it’s finalized, the most practical step is just to get legally remarried.

Can you remarry while divorce process?

Absolutely NOT. Till the time your Divorce proceedings are pending in Court, whether its Contested or Mutual Consent Divorce, you cannot legally marry another person. As a matter of fact, you cannot marry again till the expiry of 6 months from the date of Divorce.

Is South Carolina a no-fault divorce state?

South Carolina recognizes no-fault and fault based grounds for divorce. For a no-fault divorce, the parties must have lived separate and apart without cohabitation (not just in another room) for over one year.

How long does it take to get decree of divorce?

Once the Judge grants your divorce you are for all practical purposes divorced from that moment on divorced. Usually in about two weeks the Decree of Divorce will be available at the Court Registrar and your attorney will collect it and arrange that you get a copy of the decree.

How long does an uncontested divorce take?

How does an uncontested divorce work? Under the no-fault divorce, there is no longer an option to contest a divorce. Uncontested divorces can be processed by courts on paper and there’s no requirement for either party to make an appearance in court. This process takes a minimum of six six months to complete.

Can you get a divorce without the other person signing the papers?

While you do not have to obtain your spouse’s consent, you are still required to notify your spouse of your intention to get divorced.

What can be used against you in a divorce?

Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.

What happens after a divorce?

STEP 1: First Motion involves joint filing of divorce petition. STEP 2: Husband & wife appear before court to record statements after filing of petition. STEP 3: Court examines petition, documents, tries reconciliation, records statements. STEP 4: Court passes order on First Motion.

What happens after final Judgement of divorce?

When you have obtained Final Judgment, you are legally entitled to remarry. You will need to produce the Interim Judgment and Final Judgment to prove that your divorce is finalised.

Are decree absolute public record?

Is a Decree Absolute public? The Decree Absolute, the final order in the divorce proceedings which brings the marriage to an end legally, is the only publicly available document.

Do you need a decree absolute to remarry?

Do I need a Decree Absolute before I remarry? Oh yes! If you plan to remarry you certainly need to ensure that your previous marriage was legally dissolved with a Decree Absolute.

How long does it take to get a decree absolute?

On average, it can take 20-22 weeks to get a decree absolute pronounced – which is the final stage of the divorce process that legally brings a marriage to an end.

What is the difference between divorce order and decree?

So , divorce order and divorce decree is same thing. it is almost same but you have to wait for 90 days i.e. time for appeal before reunion with some one else. As with in this period both parties have the right to appeal before the higher court of law.

What is the divorce document called?

The Divorce Petition is one of the most significant documents used during a divorce. The Divorce Petition is sent to the Court at the beginning of the divorce proceedings, and will provide comprehensive information about you and your spouse, your marriage and the reason for your divorce.

What is final decree?

“A decree is preliminary when further proceedings have to be taken before the suit can be completely disposed of. It is final when such adjudication completely disposes of the suit. It may be partly preliminary and partly final.”

Can you cancel a divorce?

If a couple changes their mind about divorcing and want to remain married, they can withdraw their divorce petition to stop the process before it begins. Soon after submitting your divorce papers to the local court, you should go to the county clerk and ask for the petition.

Is my divorce petition confidential?

Both parties to a divorce are required to keep all information provided within divorce proceedings completely confidential and their legal representatives should advise them of this.

Craving More Content?

Maine Divorce Law Blog