Calhoun County Family Court Records
Calhoun County family court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the county courthouse in St. Matthews. The Family Court is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit and handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protection orders, name changes, and juvenile matters for all Calhoun County residents. Search Calhoun County family court case records through the South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org or visit the Clerk of Court in St. Matthews to find case files and request copies of documents.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
Calhoun County Family Court Records Access
Calhoun County family court case records can be searched online through the SC Judicial Branch Public Index. Select Calhoun County from the list, accept the disclaimer, and enter a party name, case number, or date. Basic case information is free. For certified copies or access to actual court documents, you must contact or visit the Calhoun County Clerk of Court.
The SC Judicial Branch courthouse directory provides contact information for Calhoun County Family Court.
The SC Judicial Branch courthouse directory at sccourts.org lists the address, phone, and clerk contact for the Calhoun County courthouse. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30, you may inspect public records during business hours at no charge. Fees apply only for printed copies.
| Court |
Calhoun County Family Court St. Matthews, SC |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 1st Judicial Circuit |
| Online Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| Court Directory | sccourts.org courthouse search |
Types of Family Court Cases in Calhoun County
The Calhoun County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over domestic and family matters as set forth in S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530. All matters involving marriage dissolution, child welfare, and juvenile law must be filed in Family Court rather than in any other Calhoun County court division.
Case types handled by Calhoun County Family Court include divorce, annulment, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, marital property division, adoption, termination of parental rights, name changes, and juvenile delinquency. DSS abuse and neglect petitions are also filed in the Calhoun County Family Court.
In custody cases, the court evaluates the best interests of the child under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240. The 16-factor analysis guides the court's decision about where the child should live and what parenting schedule best meets the child's needs.
Note: Adoption files and juvenile delinquency records are sealed and are not accessible to the public in Calhoun County.
Calhoun County Family Court Filing Fees
Most family court filings in Calhoun County require a $150 fee at submission. This covers new petitions for divorce, custody, support, adoption, paternity, and name change. Fees are paid to the Calhoun County Clerk of Court at the time of filing.
Some case types have no filing fee in Calhoun County. These include domestic abuse protection orders, DSS child abuse and neglect petitions, and juvenile delinquency matters. If you cannot pay the standard fee due to financial hardship, ask the Clerk of Court about applying for a waiver. You will need to submit an affidavit that describes your income and financial circumstances.
How to Get Copies of Calhoun Family Court Records
Copies of Calhoun County family court records are available at the Clerk of Court in St. Matthews. Visit in person with photo ID and the names or case number for the records you need. Staff will locate the file and make copies. For older or archived records, call ahead to confirm they are available on-site.
Mail requests are also accepted. Include the party names, approximate year, case type, and whether you need certified copies. Send a check or money order with your request. Standard copy fees run $0.25 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a per-document fee. Contact the Clerk of Court to confirm current rates before sending payment to Calhoun County.
Calhoun County Family Court Forms and Self-Help
Free South Carolina Family Court forms are available at sccourts.org/court-forms. These forms apply statewide and cover divorce, custody, support, adoption, and name change proceedings. Download the packet for your case type and read all instructions before completing any form for Calhoun County Family Court. Self-represented parties must follow the same court rules as attorneys.
If you need help with your forms or have questions about the process, contact SC Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592. They provide free assistance to qualifying low-income residents of Calhoun County. The SC Bar Referral Service at 803-799-7100 can also connect you with a licensed attorney in the area.
Legal Help in Calhoun County
Calhoun County residents who need legal help with family court matters can contact SC Legal Services through their LATIS line at 1-888-346-5592. Free civil legal assistance is available to income-qualified individuals for family law cases including divorce, custody, and protection orders. Visit sclegal.org for more information and to apply.
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 803-799-7100 can connect you with a private family law attorney. The SC Judicial Branch website has procedural guides and forms for people who represent themselves in Calhoun County Family Court. For child support questions, visit the DSS Child Support portal or contact DSS directly.
Related Records in Calhoun County
Calhoun County family court cases can connect to records held by other offices. The Calhoun County Probate Court keeps marriage licenses that may be needed before filing for divorce. The Register of Deeds holds property records that may reflect deeds transferred under court-ordered property division in a divorce case.
Child support enforcement in Calhoun County is handled by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The DSS Child Support portal provides online access to case details and payment history for orders entered by the Calhoun County Family Court. Contact the local DSS office in St. Matthews for in-person help with enforcement or modification of support orders.
Nearby Counties
Calhoun County is in the central part of South Carolina. It borders Orangeburg, Richland, Lexington, and Clarendon counties. File your family court case in the county where you currently live to give the court proper jurisdiction over your matter.