Find Family Court Records in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County family court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the county courthouse in Chesterfield. The Family Court handles divorce, child custody, support, adoption, and juvenile matters for residents of Chesterfield County. You can search these records online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or visit the courthouse in person to request copies of case files and orders filed in Chesterfield County Family Court.
Chesterfield County Quick Facts
Chesterfield County Family Court Records Overview
Chesterfield County Family Court is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit and serves residents throughout the county. The Clerk of Court maintains all case records filed in the county, including divorce decrees, custody and visitation orders, child support orders, adoption records, and juvenile matters. South Carolina established its Family Court system in 1976 to create one court with exclusive authority over domestic and family-related legal matters. Every family case filed in Chesterfield County since then has been stored at the courthouse.
The public has the right to inspect non-restricted family court records under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30. This right applies to most case types, including divorce and custody. However, certain records are closed to the public. Adoption files are sealed. Juvenile delinquency records are restricted. DSS abuse and neglect records are confidential. For all other case types, any person may request to view or copy the records at the Clerk of Court in Chesterfield County.
Chesterfield County is located in the northeastern part of South Carolina and borders several counties in both South Carolina and North Carolina. Cases must be filed in the county where at least one party resides.
How to Search Chesterfield County Family Court Records
You can search Chesterfield County family court records online through the South Carolina Public Index at sccourts.org/case-records-search. Select Chesterfield County from the list, accept the disclaimer, and search by name or case number. The results will show party names, case type, filing date, and current status. The Public Index does not display the full content of court orders or filings, but it gives you the case number needed to request copies.
In-person visits to the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court give you access to the physical case file. Bring a government-issued photo ID and any information you have about the case, including party names or a case number. Staff can locate records and make copies while you wait. For records going back several decades, allow extra time since older files may be archived.
The SC Judicial Branch courthouse search lists Chesterfield County Family Court details.
| Court | Chesterfield County Family Court Chesterfield, SC |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online Search | sccourts.org/case-records-search |
| Copy Fees | Per-page fees apply; certified copies cost more |
Types of Family Court Cases in Chesterfield County
Chesterfield County Family Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over a wide range of domestic matters under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-3-530. This means the Family Court, not the Circuit Court or Magistrate Court, handles all divorce, custody, and related matters in Chesterfield County. No other court division can hear these case types.
Case types commonly filed in Chesterfield County Family Court include divorce and legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support orders and modifications, adoption, termination of parental rights, domestic violence protection orders, juvenile delinquency matters, and name changes for adults and minors. Custody decisions are governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240, which directs the court to focus on the best interests of the child. Parenting plans filed under § 63-15-220 become binding orders once a judge approves them.
The court also handles alimony, division of marital property, and annulment of marriage. Each of these case types results in records filed and stored by the Clerk of Court in Chesterfield County. All non-restricted records are available to the public.
Note: Sealed records, including adoption files and juvenile delinquency cases, are not accessible through standard public records searches.
Chesterfield County Family Court Filing Fees
The standard filing fee for most Chesterfield County family court cases is $150. This applies when you file a complaint or petition to open a divorce, custody, support, adoption, or name change case. The fee is set at the state level and is consistent across all South Carolina counties. It is due at the time of filing and is paid to the Clerk of Court.
Some case types are exempt from the filing fee in Chesterfield County. There is no fee to file a DSS abuse and neglect petition, a domestic violence protection order, or a juvenile delinquency case. If you are unsure whether your case type requires a fee, call the Clerk of Court office in Chesterfield before you arrive. Staff can confirm what payment is needed for your case.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, you may ask the court to waive it by filing an in forma pauperis affidavit. The court reviews your financial information and decides whether to grant the waiver. For help applying for a fee waiver or understanding your options, contact SC Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592.
Getting Copies of Chesterfield Family Court Records
Copies of Chesterfield County family court records are available at the Clerk of Court. Visit in person with a photo ID and the name of the parties or the case number. Staff will pull the file and can provide copies on request. This is the fastest way to get what you need, especially if you require same-day service.
You may also request copies by mail. Send a letter to the Chesterfield County Clerk of Court with the party names, the approximate year the case was filed, the case type, and a clear statement of whether you need plain or certified copies. Include payment to cover estimated copy fees. Standard page fees apply to all copies. Certified copies carry an additional charge per document and are needed for certain legal purposes, such as enforcing a court order in another state or completing a name change at the Social Security Administration.
Legal Help in Chesterfield County
Residents of Chesterfield County who need help with a family court case have several options. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 803-799-7100 can connect you with a licensed family law attorney. Many offer an initial consultation at a reduced rate, which gives you a chance to learn about your case before committing to full representation.
SC Legal Services provides free civil legal help for low-income residents throughout South Carolina, including those in Chesterfield County. Call 1-888-346-5592 to apply. They assist with divorce, custody, support, and protection order cases. Visit sclegal.org to check eligibility and learn what services they offer. For self-help resources and official court forms, visit the SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org/court-forms. These forms are free to download and work for all South Carolina counties, including Chesterfield.
The DSS Child Support portal can help you check on child support enforcement matters. Support enforcement in South Carolina is governed by S.C. Code Ann. § 63-17-50.
Nearby Counties
Chesterfield County borders several other South Carolina counties. Family court cases must be filed in the county where the petitioner or respondent resides. Confirm your residential address before filing to make sure you are in the right court.