How do I get a copy of the adoption order in South Carolina?

To get a copy of your South Carolina adoption order, ask the clerk of the Family Court in the county where your adoption was finalized, either at the end of your final hearing or later by request. South Carolina has 46 counties, and each Family Court clerk's office handles its own records, so the clerk in your county is the right person to ask.

Right after your final hearing:

• Ask the clerk about getting certified copies before you leave the courthouse.
• Ask how many copies you can request, what each one costs, and whether they are handed to you that day or mailed. Fees and timing can differ from county to county, so the clerk can confirm them.
• A certified copy is the official version with the court's seal or certification. Ask for certified copies rather than plain photocopies, since agencies often want the official version.

If the adoption was finalized a while ago:

• Contact the Family Court clerk in the county where the adoption took place.
• Have the case number, the names on the petition, and the approximate date of finalization ready. This helps the clerk find the file.
• Ask about the request process, the copy and certification fee, and how long it takes. Some clerks' offices accept requests by mail and some in person, so confirm which applies.

Where you may need the order:

• Birth certificate: South Carolina DHEC Vital Records is the agency that handles birth certificates. Ask them what paperwork they need to update a birth record after an adoption, and whether they want a certified copy of the order.
• Insurance, school, and passport: Health insurers, schools, and the passport office may ask to see the order. Each sets its own rules, so check what form of the order they accept.
• Your own records: Keep a certified copy somewhere safe, such as a fireproof box, separate from any copies you send out.

Because some offices keep the certified copy you send them, it is easier to have a few on hand. The clerk can tell you what is practical in your county.

Timing: The court process for a stepparent adoption in South Carolina typically runs 3-6 months from start to finish. Plan to request your copies on the day of the final hearing so you are not waiting on them later.

Special situations: If your order has an error, such as a misspelled name or a wrong date, or if you can't find your case file, talk to the Family Court clerk first. If fixing it may require going back to court, or if anything about your case was contested, an attorney can advise you on that specific issue.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You then file it yourself without an attorney. The price is $349 for the first child and $99 for each additional child, and your court-ready documents arrive within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions. We back every package with a 100% court acceptance guarantee, and we have helped 942 South Carolina families, part of 34,000+ families nationally since 2001.