Search Aiken County Family Court Records
Aiken County family court records are on file at the Aiken County Judicial Center at 109 Park Avenue SE in Aiken. The Family Court serves all residents of Aiken County and handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protection orders, and juvenile matters. You can search Aiken County family court case records online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or visit the courthouse in person to request copies of orders, case files, and other court documents.
Aiken County Quick Facts
Aiken County Family Court Records Access
The primary way to search Aiken County family court records online is through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index. Select Aiken County, accept the disclaimer, and search by party name, case number, filing date, or CDR code. The system returns basic case information at no charge. For certified copies or full document access, contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court directly.
The Aiken County official website at aikencountysc.gov provides information on county services including the Family Court. You can find contact details, courthouse directions, and information on requesting records from the Clerk of Court.
The Aiken County official website provides access to county services including family court case information.
| 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 |
| Online Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| Copy Fees | $0.50 per page standard; $1.00 per page certified; $2.00 certification per document |
Types of Family Court Cases in Aiken County
The Aiken County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over family and domestic matters as defined under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530. This covers a wide range of case types that affect families and children throughout Aiken County. South Carolina's Family Court was established by statute in 1976 and handles all these matters separately from criminal or civil circuit court proceedings.
The Aiken County Family Court handles these case types:
- Divorce and annulment
- Legal separation
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child support orders and modifications
- Adoption petitions
- Termination of parental rights
- Protection from domestic abuse orders
- Juvenile delinquency matters
- Alimony and spousal support
- Marital property division
Custody decisions in Aiken County are guided by the best interests of the child standard set out in S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240, which lists 16 factors the court considers. These include the stability of each parent's home, the child's relationships with siblings, and the capacity of each parent to meet the child's needs.
Note: Juvenile records and adoption files are sealed by law and are not accessible through standard public record searches in Aiken County.
Aiken County Family Court Filing Fees
Filing a new family court case in Aiken County typically costs $150. This fee covers divorce, custody, support, adoption, paternity, and name change filings. Some motions and responses carry separate fees. Fees are due at the time of filing and must be paid to the Clerk of Court at the Aiken County Judicial Center.
Certain case types have no filing fee in Aiken County. DSS abuse and neglect cases, domestic abuse protection orders, and juvenile delinquency matters are filed without charge. If you have low income and cannot pay the required fees, you may ask the court to waive fees by filing an affidavit showing your financial situation. The Clerk of Court staff can provide the appropriate form.
How to Get Copies of Aiken Family Court Records
To get copies of Aiken County family court records, visit the Clerk of Court at 109 Park Avenue SE in Aiken. Bring a valid photo ID and any case information you have, such as a party name or case number. Staff can locate case files and produce copies on the same visit. Standard copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document.
You can also submit a written records request by mail to the Aiken County Judicial Center. Include the full names of the parties, approximate filing year, case type, and whether you need plain or certified copies. Enclose payment by check or money order. Allow extra time for mailed requests, as staff must locate and copy the file before mailing it back.
Records available from the Aiken County Family Court include divorce decrees, child custody orders, child support orders, protection from abuse orders, and paternity judgments. Adoption records are sealed under South Carolina law and are not available to the general public. Juvenile case records are confidential and available only in limited circumstances.
Aiken County Family Court Forms and Self-Help
South Carolina Family Court forms are free to download from the SC Judicial Branch. These include forms for divorce, child custody, child support modification, adoption, and name changes. The forms apply statewide and can be used for filings in Aiken County. Instructions are included with each form set.
If you plan to file without an attorney in Aiken County, read all form instructions carefully before you submit anything. The court staff can explain procedural steps but cannot give legal advice. Self-represented parties must follow the same rules as licensed attorneys. Missing a deadline or filing the wrong form can affect your case outcome.
Legal Help in Aiken County
Several legal resources are available to residents of Aiken County who need help with family court matters. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects callers with licensed attorneys and can be reached at 803-799-7100. Many family law attorneys in the Aiken area offer initial consultations at a reduced rate.
SC Legal Services offers free civil legal assistance to income-eligible residents of Aiken County. Their intake line, LATIS, is available at 1-888-346-5592. They handle cases involving divorce, custody, support, and protection orders for qualifying clients. Visit sclegal.org to learn more. The SC Judicial Branch website also has procedural guides for people handling their own cases in Aiken County Family Court.
Related Records in Aiken County
Family court proceedings in Aiken County often connect to records held in other county offices. The Aiken County Register of Deeds holds property records that may be affected by divorce or property division orders. The Aiken County Probate Court keeps marriage licenses, which are sometimes needed to establish the validity of a marriage before filing for divorce in Aiken County.
Child support enforcement records are maintained through the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The DSS Child Support portal allows custodial and non-custodial parents to look up payment histories and case status. You can also reach DSS directly with questions about support enforcement in Aiken County. For additional child support information, the Aiken County Government Center houses some DSS offices at 1930 University Parkway, Suite 2300, with a separate probate office at phone number 803-642-2136.
Nearby Counties
Aiken County borders several counties in the western part of South Carolina. Family court cases are filed in the county where the filing party lives. Confirm your county of residence before filing to ensure the correct court has jurisdiction over your case.