Aiken Family Court Records
Aiken family court records are filed at the Aiken County Judicial Center at 109 Park Avenue SE. Aiken is both the county seat and the largest city in Aiken County, so the family court is located within the city. Residents filing for divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, or domestic violence protection orders do so at the Aiken County Judicial Center. Search Aiken family court case records online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org or contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court directly at (803) 642-1476.
Aiken Quick Facts
Where Aiken Residents File Family Court Cases
Aiken residents file family court cases at the Aiken County Judicial Center, which houses the Family Court for Aiken County. Since Aiken is the county seat, the courthouse is located within the city. The Judicial Center is on Park Avenue SE in downtown Aiken. The Clerk of Court maintains all family court records and handles new case filings during regular business hours. Copies can be requested in person or by mail.
| Court |
Aiken County Judicial Center 109 Park Avenue SE Aiken, SC 29801 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (803) 642-1476 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Copy Fee | $0.50 per page (standard); $1.00 per page (certified); $2.00 certification fee per document |
| Online Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| County Records | Aiken County Family Court Records |
How to Search Aiken Family Court Records
Aiken family court records are searchable online for free through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org. Select Aiken County, accept the disclaimer, and search by party name or case number. The index provides case search by name or case number, docket information, case status updates, and financial summaries at no cost.
For copies of physical documents from Aiken family court case files, you can request them in person at the Aiken County Judicial Center or submit a written request by mail. Include the case number, party names, and filing date if known. Enclose payment for copy fees by check or money order. Standard copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Bring valid photo ID for in-person requests.
The City of Aiken official website provides information on local services and resources for residents dealing with family court matters at the Aiken County Judicial Center.
Types of Family Court Cases in Aiken
The Aiken County Family Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over domestic and juvenile matters for Aiken residents under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530. Aiken County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. As one of the larger cities in the western Midlands region, Aiken generates a significant volume of family court case filings at the county Judicial Center each year.
Case types handled for Aiken residents include divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support and modification, alimony, paternity, adoption, termination of parental rights, domestic violence protection orders, juvenile delinquency, and name changes. Under S.C. Code Ann. Title 63 Chapter 15, all custody and visitation decisions are based on the best interests of the child. Most Aiken family court records are public. Adoption files and sealed juvenile records are confidential.
Aiken Family Court Filing Fees
Most new family court cases for Aiken residents carry a $150 filing fee. This statewide fee applies to divorce, custody, support, adoption, and name change filings. No filing fee is required for DSS abuse and neglect cases, juvenile delinquency proceedings, and domestic abuse protection order petitions.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the Aiken County Clerk of Court about the in forma pauperis process. Submit a sworn financial affidavit and the court will determine whether to waive the fee. SC Legal Services at sclegal.org provides free civil legal help to qualifying Aiken residents. The SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (803) 799-7100 can refer you to a family law attorney. Free court forms are available at sccourts.org. For child support questions, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Aiken County Family Court Records
Aiken is the county seat of Aiken County. All family court filings for Aiken city residents go through the Aiken County Family Court at the Judicial Center. For more on the county court system, fees, and additional resources, visit the Aiken County family court records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file family court cases at their own county courthouse. Select a city below to learn about family court records in that area.