Greenville County Family Court

Greenville County Family Court manages family-related matters such as divorce, custody, child support, juvenile cases, and adoptions. This section gives readers a clear starting point so they know what the court does and how they can use its services for their situation. It also helps readers understand what steps usually come first, like locating forms or checking case details. The aim is to make the process feel clearer, quicker, and easier to move through.

This page explains the types of cases the court handles, how to view case information, where to file documents, and what someone can expect during each stage, including helpful details such as the court’s location, contact options, filing steps, office hours, and common terms like parenting plans, support enforcement, and adoption filings, while Greenville County Court serves as the primary judicial body for civil, criminal, and family matters in the county, offering resources for case searches, document submission, fee information, and scheduling to help residents prepare before moving forward with any Family Court matter.

What Is Greenville County Family Court?

Greenville County Family Court is the county’s main court for family law and domestic relations cases in South Carolina. It hears matters involving marriages, children, and households, and it operates as part of the state’s unified judicial system.

Greenville County Family Court handles cases that shape daily life for many families. Its role centers on resolving disputes, protecting minors, and creating legal orders that support safety, fairness, and long-term stability. The court follows state rules and procedures, and each case goes before a Family Court Judge rather than a jury.

Types of Cases the Court Handles

Family Court has broad jurisdiction over marriage and parent-related disputes. Users often search for “divorce court Greenville SC,” and this is the court that handles those divorce filings and related matters. Most filings fall into one of these categories:

Marriage & Separation

• Divorce and legal separation
• Alimony or spousal support
• Marital asset and debt division

Parenting & Children

• Child custody cases
• Child support
• Visitation and parenting plans
• Paternity and father’s rights
• Adoption requests
• Termination of parental rights

Juvenile Matters

• Juvenile delinquency charges for youths under 17
• Status offenses (truancy, curfew issues)

Safety & Household Issues

• Orders of protection
• Domestic violence matters
• Emergency hearings for child safety

The court’s structure helps families file, update, and resolve these matters in one place rather than across several courts.

How to Search & Access Greenville County Family Court Records

Searching for Greenville County family court cases is straightforward when the right method and resources are used. The Greenville County Clerk of Court maintains official records, which can be accessed online or in person, depending on the case type and age.

How to Search Court Records

To begin a family case search in Greenville County:

1. Identify the information you have
   • Full legal name (last name first) or case number
   • Approximate filing date can help narrow results for common names
2. Choose a search method
   • Party name search — enter last name first; optional first name
   • Case number search — if you already know it
3. Interpret results
   • Case number: Unique identifier for the case
   • Filing date: When the case was officially filed
   • Case type: Divorce, custody, adoption, or other family matters
   • Status: “Pending” (active case) or “Disposed” (closed/final)

Where to View Records

Online Access:

• Greenville County Public Index — https://www2.greenvillecounty.org/scjd/publicindex/
  • Search by party name or case number
  • Filter by Court Agency = Family Court

In-Person Access:

• Family Court Office: 350 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607
  • Handles records filed after April 1996
• Clerk’s Circuit Court Office: 305 E. North Street, Greenville, SC 29601
  • Handles older records (pre-April 1996)

Restricted or Sealed Records:

• Juvenile cases, adoptions, and certain sealed cases are not publicly accessible
• Only parties, attorneys, or authorized personnel may obtain these records

Requesting Copies or Certified Records

Some records are not fully available online and require a formal request. The Greenville County Clerk of Court provides copies and certified copies for a fee.

Types of Cases Heard by Greenville County Family Court

Greenville County Family Court handles a variety of family and domestic legal matters, from divorce and custody disputes to juvenile cases and domestic violence hearings. Its role is to provide structured, fair resolutions that protect the rights and safety of families in Greenville County.

Divorce & Marital Dissolution

The divorce court in Greenville, SC, manages the legal process of ending a marriage, including legal separation, division of property, and alimony. The court schedules hearings to address temporary arrangements, financial obligations, and disputes between spouses, ultimately issuing a final decree. Cases may be contested or uncontested, and the court often encourages mediation to help couples resolve matters more efficiently under South Carolina’s domestic relations laws.

Child Support & Spousal Support / Alimony

The child support court enforces financial obligations to ensure children receive the necessary support. Courts calculate support based on income, number of children, and special needs. They can also modify orders if circumstances like job changes or health needs arise.

Key aspects:

• Child support enforcement: Includes wage garnishment, liens, or contempt orders for non-payment.
• Alimony (spousal support): Can be temporary or permanent, depending on marriage duration and financial situation.
• Modifications: Courts may adjust support due to income changes, cost of living, or custody changes.

Family Court in Greenville handles these matters under domestic relations law, ensuring that financial responsibilities between parents and spouses are fair and enforceable.

Adoption, Paternity & Parental Rights / Name Changes

Family Court oversees adoption in Greenville, SC, paternity disputes, termination of parental rights, and legal name changes. Adoption requires court approval to transfer parental rights and establish legal guardianship.

Procedural highlights:

• Adoption: Includes home studies, consent from biological parents (if applicable), and final hearings.
• Termination of parental rights: Courts may remove parental authority if deemed in the child’s best interest.
• Paternity disputes: Involves DNA testing, acknowledgment, or contesting fatherhood.
• Legal name changes: Petition filed, notice given, and final court approval granted.

These cases ensure that parental rights, child welfare, and legal identities are properly documented and protected.

Juvenile Cases

Juvenile cases in Greenville include delinquency, minor criminal offenses under age 17, and participation in programs like juvenile drug court. The court emphasizes rehabilitation and protective supervision rather than punitive measures.

Key steps in juvenile proceedings:

• Filing of petition: Initiates the case against the minor.
• Detention or release decisions: Based on risk assessment and severity of offense.
• Hearings and diversion programs: Include probation, counseling, or educational requirements.

Juvenile court in Greenville focuses on corrective measures, helping minors stay out of further legal trouble while addressing behavioral and family issues.

Domestic Violence / Orders of Protection / Domestic Disputes

Family court Greenville domestic violence cases protect individuals from abuse and enforce safety through legal orders. Courts issue protective orders, supervise hearings related to family violence, and manage disputes involving domestic conflict. These proceedings help enforce temporary custody, restraining measures, or counseling, ensuring protection and stability while addressing sensitive domestic relations issues.

Filing a New Case — Divorce, Custody, Visitation, Child Support

Starting a family court case in Greenville County begins at the Clerk of Court’s office, which manages all filings. Individuals must complete the required paperwork, pay any associated fees, and follow the court’s scheduling process.

How to Begin a Family Court Case

When someone wants to file for divorce in Greenville, SC, initiate a custody filing in Greenville, submit a visitation petition in Greenville County, or request child support court Greenville County, the process begins with filling out the correct forms. The Clerk of Court plays an administrative role in receiving filings and maintaining records, but the office cannot guide anyone on what to file or how to complete legal paperwork. The Clerk’s office can accept filings but cannot provide legal advice. Consulting a family law attorney is recommended to ensure forms are completed correctly and procedural requirements are met.

Common case types and forms include:

• Divorce: Standard complaint or petition for divorce forms.
• Child Custody / Visitation: Custody complaints, visitation requests, or enforcement forms such as the “Visitation Packet” or “Contempt of Visitation” forms.
• Child Support: Requests for establishing, modifying, or enforcing support.
• Other Family Court Matters: Domestic abuse, guardianship, or adoption filings.

Many forms are available through the South Carolina Judicial Department or directly from the Family Court website. Self-help packets provide instructions, although they are not a substitute for legal advice.

Step-by-Step Filing Process (High-Level)

While details vary depending on case type, the general process usually includes:

1. Complete Required Forms: Ensure all sections are filled accurately.
2. Submit Forms to the Clerk of Court: Filing can be in person; some filings may allow electronic submission.
3. Pay Filing Fees: Fees vary based on case type and may include additional charges for copies or service.
4. Serve Other Parties: A Legal notice must be provided to the other party involved.
5. Attend Initial Hearings or Mediation: Family Court may schedule hearings or mediation sessions for custody, visitation, or support matters.

What to Expect in Family Court

Family Court in Greenville County is non-jury, and all cases are heard by one of the resident Family Court judges appointed by the South Carolina legislature. The judges handle matters involving divorce, custody, visitation, and child support efficiently, with hearings scheduled according to case type and complexity.

Court staff can answer procedural questions, provide official forms, and explain deadlines. They cannot interpret the law, advise on strategy, or guarantee outcomes. For guidance on legal rights, hiring an attorney is recommended.

Related Resources & References:

What Happens After Filing — Typical Process, Hearings & Timeline

After a case is filed in Greenville County Family Court, it moves through a series of steps that guide it toward resolution. Cases do not use juries, and any appeals from rulings go to the South Carolina appellate courts.

Filing and Initial Scheduling

When a petition for divorce, custody, or child support is submitted, the court first reviews the paperwork and sets an initial schedule. The other party is formally notified, and both sides may need to submit financial disclosures, custody preferences, or supporting documents. This initial scheduling establishes deadlines for hearings and any necessary mediation, providing a framework for the case. Even straightforward filings can take several weeks to reach the first scheduled hearing, depending on court availability.

Mediation and Preliminary Hearings

In many family law cases, especially custody disputes, the court may require parenting plan hearings in Greenville or mediation. This step allows parties to attempt resolution with the help of a neutral mediator before appearing in court. Preliminary hearings may also address temporary custody, child support orders, or emergency protections. By clarifying issues early, mediation and preliminary hearings often reduce conflicts and streamline the later stages of the case.

Hearings, Discovery, and Court Orders

After mediation or preliminary hearings, the case typically moves to the main hearing phase. Here, judges review evidence, testimony, and documents to decide on custody, visitation, and support matters. The discovery process—where parties exchange information and documents—ensures all relevant details are considered before a final decision. Following hearings, the court issues orders or decrees that may cover custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support.

Appeals and Timeline Variations

If a party disagrees with a ruling, appeals are filed with the state appellate courts. These appeals review legal issues rather than re-examining facts. The custody case timeline, Greenville, or divorce processes in Greenville, SC, may differ based on whether the divorce is contested, the number of custody issues, modifications to support, or involvement of juvenile cases. Simple agreements can be resolved in a few months, while contested cases may extend beyond a year. Judicial schedules and backlog can also affect how quickly cases progress.

Where Is the Court & How to Contact It

The Greenville County Family Court is located at 350 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607, and can be reached by phone at 864-467-5800. Visitors looking for court services can also access official information online at greenvillecountysc.gov.

For anyone planning a visit, the court office operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, excluding county holidays. These hours allow individuals to handle matters such as divorce filings, child custody requests, and other family-related cases.

Contact Details and Key Information:

Parking is available on-site for court visitors, with designated spots near the main entrance of the courthouse. The building is wheelchair-accessible, and clear signage guides visitors to the Family Court and the Greenville County Clerk of Court offices.

FAQ About Family Court

Family court matters in Greenville County often raise questions about access to records, procedures, and legal responsibilities. This section addresses some of the most common concerns to help users understand what to expect while handling family court cases.

Are all family court records public?

Most Greenville County Family Court records are public, but certain cases remain sealed to protect privacy. Juvenile matters, adoptions, domestic violence cases, and other sensitive proceedings are typically restricted, meaning they cannot be accessed by the general public. Older records may differ in availability compared to newer filings, and some historical documents may be archived. Public records Greenville family court generally include divorce decrees, custody rulings, and support orders, while sealed juvenile records Greenville law protects are kept confidential to ensure minors’ safety and privacy.

What if I don’t know a case number — can I still search?

Yes, a case number is not always required to locate records. Users can search the Public Index using party names, filing years, or case types to find most family court cases. This method works for divorces, custody matters, and child support cases. Careful spelling and including variations of names can help produce more accurate search results. Even without a case number, individuals can still identify ongoing or past proceedings through the court’s online resources.

How to get certified copies of a record?

Certified copies are available through the Greenville County Clerk of Court and require payment of a copy and certification fees. Individuals can request records in person, by mail, or sometimes online, depending on availability. Older archived records may take additional time to retrieve, and providing accurate case information, such as party names and filing year, helps ensure a faster process. Payments are typically accepted by cash, check, or credit card, and once processed, certified copies serve as official documents for legal, personal, or administrative purposes.

What if a case is “pending”?

When a case is pending, only limited information may be publicly available until a resolution is reached. Court schedules, delays, and backlogs can affect how quickly filings appear in the Public Index. Certain details, especially in juvenile or domestic violence cases, remain confidential until the court authorizes disclosure. Checking the court database periodically can reveal updates as proceedings move forward, helping users stay informed while respecting privacy requirements.

Can I represent myself?

Individuals may represent themselves in Greenville County Family Court, but the Clerk’s staff cannot provide legal advice. Self-represented litigants in Greenville, SC, should review all applicable rules and forms carefully before appearing in court. Consulting a qualified attorney is recommended for complex issues, such as custody disputes or contested divorces. Resources and instructions for self-represented litigants are available on greenvillecounty.org, helping users follow proper procedures while handling cases independently.