Kershaw County Family Court Records
Kershaw County family court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the county courthouse in Camden, the county seat. The Family Court is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit and handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protection orders, and juvenile matters for all Kershaw County residents. Search Kershaw County family court case records online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org or visit the Clerk of Court in Camden to find case files and request copies of court documents.
Kershaw County Quick Facts
Kershaw County Family Court
The Kershaw County Family Court in Camden handles all family law matters for county residents. The Clerk of Court staff can assist you with locating case records, obtaining copies, and understanding the filing process. Camden is a historic city in central South Carolina, and the courthouse serves both rural and suburban communities throughout Kershaw County.
Kershaw County court records resources include access to family court case information and filings.
| Court |
Kershaw County Family Court Kershaw County Courthouse Camden, SC 29020 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Circuit | 5th Judicial Circuit |
| Website | sccourts.org |
Kershaw County Court Filings Search
Use the SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org/case-records-search to search Kershaw County family court records online. Select Kershaw County from the list, accept the disclaimer, and enter the party's name, case number, or date range. The system returns basic case information including the parties, case type, filing date, and court events. This tool is free and available at any time.
Third-party resources such as southcarolinacourtrecords.us/kershaw also provide access methods for searching Kershaw County family court case records. For certified copies of court documents or full file review, contact the Kershaw County Clerk of Court directly. You can visit the Camden courthouse in person, or submit a written request by mail with the case details and payment for estimated fees.
Note: Restricted records in Kershaw County -- including sealed adoptions, juvenile records, and certain protection order files -- are not available through public online search tools.
Types of Family Court Cases in Kershaw County
Kershaw County Family Court handles every type of family law matter permitted under South Carolina law. The court sits in Camden and serves all residents of the county regardless of where in Kershaw County they live. Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, name changes, and protection orders are among the most common case types. Adoption and termination of parental rights cases are also handled here, though those records are sealed after finalization.
Child custody cases in Kershaw County use the best interests of the child standard from S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240. The court weighs 16 factors to determine the custody arrangement that best serves the child. Orders from these cases are part of the Kershaw County family court record and may be modified later if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Support cases follow South Carolina's income shares model for calculating child support amounts.
Kershaw County Family Court case types include:
- Divorce and annulment
- Legal separation and separate maintenance
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and modification
- Paternity
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
- Protection from domestic abuse
- Alimony
- Name changes
- Juvenile delinquency
Kershaw County Family Court Filing Fees
The filing fee for most family court cases in Kershaw County is $150. This fee is required at the time you submit your initial complaint or petition to the Clerk of Court in Camden. It applies to divorce, custody, support, adoption, paternity, and name change filings. The $150 fee is set by South Carolina law and applies to all counties, including Kershaw.
No filing fee is charged in Kershaw County for DSS Abuse and Neglect petitions, Juvenile Delinquency cases, or Domestic Abuse Protection Order requests. People who cannot pay the fee due to financial hardship can file a motion to proceed in forma pauperis. This requires submitting a sworn affidavit of your financial situation to the Kershaw County Family Court. If granted, the court may waive or defer the filing fee. Copy and service fees are additional and not covered by a fee waiver unless the court specifically orders otherwise.
How to Get Copies of Kershaw County Family Court Records
Copies of Kershaw County family court records are available from the Clerk of Court in Camden. Visit during regular business hours with a photo ID and the case number or party names. Staff will find the file and process your copy request. Plain copies are charged by the page, and certified copies carry an additional fee for the court's certification stamp. Certified copies are required for most legal, financial, and government purposes.
You may also request copies by mail from the Kershaw County Clerk of Court. Include the names of all parties, the case number, a description of the documents you need, your contact information, and a check or money order for the estimated fees. For older case files that may have been archived, allow extra time for retrieval. The Clerk's office can advise you on the availability and location of older Kershaw County family court records.
Kershaw County Family Court Forms and Self-Help
Official family court forms approved by the South Carolina Supreme Court are available free of charge at sccourts.org/court-forms. These forms are valid for use in Kershaw County. They cover support, visitation, and certain protective proceedings. Download and print the forms you need, read the instructions, and complete them carefully before filing with the Kershaw County Clerk of Court.
People who represent themselves in Kershaw County family court should be prepared for a formal legal process. Judges cannot give legal advice to parties. The SC Judicial Branch website has guidance for self-represented litigants, but it is not a substitute for legal counsel in complex matters. For contested custody, property division, or modification cases, an attorney familiar with Kershaw County Family Court practice can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Legal Help in Kershaw County
Kershaw County residents can get free civil legal help from South Carolina Legal Services by calling 1-888-346-5592. This organization serves low-income individuals and families with family court matters including custody, divorce, support, and protection orders. They may be able to represent you or provide advice on your Kershaw County case. Eligibility is based on income and other factors.
The SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 803-799-7100 can refer you to a private attorney practicing family law in the Camden and Kershaw County area. The SC Judicial Branch website at sccourts.org has court forms, instructions, and general information applicable to Kershaw County cases. SC DSS at dss.sc.gov/child-support provides child support enforcement services for Kershaw County families at no charge.
Related Records in Kershaw County
The Kershaw County Probate Court in Camden maintains marriage licenses used as evidence in Kershaw County divorce cases. The Register of Deeds records property transfers that commonly occur after a divorce settlement. Birth records from SC Vital Records are often needed in custody and paternity actions. The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office handles service of process for family court cases. All of these offices are part of the network of records that support and connect to Kershaw County family court proceedings.
Nearby Counties
Kershaw County is located in the Midlands region of South Carolina. Verify your county of residence before filing. Family court cases must be filed in the county where you live.