Find Family Court Cases in Beaufort
Beaufort County family court records are kept by the Clerk of Court at the Beaufort County courthouse. The Family Court serves all residents of Beaufort County, including communities in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, and handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protection orders, and juvenile matters. Search Beaufort County family court case records online at sccourts.org or visit the Beaufort County Clerk of Court in person to request copies of filings and orders.
Beaufort County Quick Facts
Beaufort County Family Court Records Access
You can search Beaufort County family court records online using the SC Judicial Branch Public Index. Choose Beaufort County from the list, accept the disclaimer, and search by party name, case number, or date range. Basic case details are available at no charge. For certified copies or full document access, contact the Beaufort County Clerk of Court.
The Beaufort County Clerk of Court page at beaufortcountysc.gov provides information on accessing family court case records, including contact details and records request procedures.
The Beaufort County Clerk of Court page provides information on accessing family court case records.
The SC Judicial Branch courthouse directory also lists Beaufort County Family Court contact and location details at sccourts.org.
The SC Judicial Branch courthouse directory lists Beaufort County Family Court contact and location details.
| Court |
Beaufort County Family Court Beaufort, SC |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 14th Judicial Circuit |
| Online Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| Clerk Website | beaufortcountysc.gov/clerk-of-court |
Types of Family Court Cases in Beaufort County
The Beaufort County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over domestic and family matters under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530. This has been the case since the Family Court was established by the legislature in 1976. All matters involving marriage dissolution, child welfare, and related family issues are resolved in Family Court rather than Circuit or Magistrate Court in Beaufort County.
Common case types in Beaufort County Family Court include divorce, annulment, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, division of marital property, adoption, termination of parental rights, name changes, juvenile delinquency, and abuse or neglect petitions by DSS. Given Beaufort County's large retiree and military population, the court also sees a range of cases involving military families and relocation disputes.
In custody matters, the Beaufort County Family Court applies the 16-factor best interests analysis from S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240. Factors include the stability of each parent's home, the child's adjustment to school, and the mental and physical health of all parties.
Note: Adoption case records and juvenile delinquency files are sealed and cannot be accessed through public record searches in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County Family Court Filing Fees
The standard filing fee for most Beaufort County family court cases is $150. This covers new complaints and petitions for divorce, custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and name change. The fee is due at filing and is collected by the Clerk of Court at the Beaufort County courthouse. Fees are uniform across all South Carolina counties under state law.
Some case types in Beaufort County do not require a filing fee. Domestic abuse protection order petitions, DSS abuse and neglect cases, and juvenile delinquency matters are filed at no cost to the petitioner. If you face financial hardship and cannot pay the $150 fee for a standard case, you may file an affidavit of indigency to request a fee waiver. Ask the Clerk of Court for the appropriate form.
How to Get Copies of Beaufort Family Court Records
You can get copies of Beaufort County family court records by visiting the Clerk of Court in person. Bring valid photo ID and the name of the parties or the case number. Staff will search the records and can make copies on request. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether older records are stored on-site.
Mail-in requests are accepted at the Beaufort County Clerk of Court. Include the party names, approximate year of filing, the type of case, and whether you need plain or certified copies. Send a check or money order for the estimated copy fees. Copy fees are typically $0.25 to $1.00 per page, with an added certification fee for certified copies. The Beaufort County Clerk of Court website can help you confirm the current fee schedule before you send payment.
Beaufort County Family Court Forms and Self-Help
South Carolina Family Court forms are available free at the SC Judicial Branch website. These forms cover all common case types and apply throughout Beaufort County and the rest of the state. Download the packet for your case type and follow the instructions before preparing your filing for Beaufort County Family Court.
If you represent yourself in Beaufort County Family Court, you must comply with all court rules. The Clerk's staff can tell you where to file but cannot advise you on what to argue or how to complete your paperwork. For legal advice, contact SC Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 or the SC Bar Referral Service at 803-799-7100.
Legal Help in Beaufort County
Several organizations serve Beaufort County residents who need legal help with family court matters. SC Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-eligible residents. Call their LATIS intake line at 1-888-346-5592. They handle divorce, custody, support, and protection order cases. Visit sclegal.org to apply.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 803-799-7100 can connect you with a licensed family law attorney in the Beaufort area. Many attorneys serve both Beaufort and Hilton Head Island. The SC Judicial Branch website also provides court forms and procedural guides for self-represented litigants in Beaufort County Family Court. For child support questions, visit the DSS Child Support portal.
Related Records in Beaufort County
Family court cases in Beaufort County often connect to records in other county offices. The Beaufort County Probate Court holds marriage licenses, which may be needed before filing a divorce case. The Register of Deeds maintains property records that can reflect deeds transferred as a result of Family Court property division orders.
Child support enforcement in Beaufort County is handled through the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Use the DSS Child Support portal to look up support case details and payment history. DSS has a local office in Beaufort County that can assist with enforcement, modification, and interstate support case questions. The Family Court Case Management System (FCCMS) at the state level also tracks certain family court filings for DSS-related cases.
Nearby Counties
Beaufort County is in the southern Lowcountry of South Carolina. It is bordered by Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton counties. Family court cases must be filed in the county where the filing party resides. Check your home address against county boundaries if you are unsure where to file.