Florence Family Court Records
Florence family court records are filed at the Florence County Family Court at the county courthouse in Florence. Florence is both the county seat and the largest city in Florence 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 Florence County courthouse. Search Florence family court case records online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org or contact the Florence County Clerk of Court directly.
Florence Quick Facts
Where Florence Residents File Family Court Cases
Florence residents file family court cases at the Florence County Family Court at the county courthouse in Florence. Since Florence is the county seat, the courthouse is conveniently located within the city for residents. The Clerk of Court maintains all family court records and handles new filings during regular business hours. The Florence County Clerk of Court Doris Poulos O'Hara oversees General Sessions, Common Pleas, Family Court, and Register of Deeds divisions at the courthouse.
| Court | Florence County Family Court Florence, SC |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| County Records | Florence County Family Court Records |
How to Search Florence Family Court Records
Florence family court records are searchable online for free through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org. Select Florence County, accept the disclaimer, and search by party name or case number. The index displays case filing dates, party names, and current status. Florence County court records are also accessible through the Florence County court records portal.
For copies of actual Florence family court documents, contact the Florence County Clerk of Court. Bring valid photo ID and as much case information as possible. Staff can retrieve records by name or case number and provide plain or certified copies. Certified copies are required for certain official purposes such as enforcement proceedings in other states. Call ahead to confirm current fees and hours.
The City of Florence official website provides information on local services and resources for residents dealing with family law matters at the Florence County courthouse.
Types of Family Court Cases in Florence
The Florence County Family Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over domestic and juvenile matters for Florence residents under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530. Florence County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit. As the largest city in the Pee Dee region, Florence generates a large volume of family court filings at the county courthouse each year.
Case types handled for Florence 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 Florence family court records are public. Adoption files and sealed juvenile delinquency records are confidential.
Florence Family Court Filing Fees
Most new family court cases for Florence residents carry a $150 filing fee. This statewide fee covers divorce, child custody, child 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 Florence County Clerk of Court about applying for in forma pauperis status. Submit a sworn affidavit of financial hardship and the court will determine whether to waive the fee. SC Legal Services at sclegal.org provides free civil legal help to qualifying Florence 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 matters, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Florence County Family Court Records
Florence is the county seat of Florence County. All family court filings for Florence residents go through the Florence County Family Court. For more on the court system, fees, and access to records, visit the Florence 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.