Court records in Greenwood County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. GreenwoodCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court portals, the Greenwood County Clerk of Court office, and public terminals located at the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the type of case and the court that handled it.
Greenwood County Court System & Jurisdictions
Greenwood County is part of South Carolina's Eighth Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling different types of cases. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is the first step in locating the right docket.
- Circuit Court — Handles General Sessions (felony criminal cases) and Common Pleas (civil cases involving amounts over $7,500, real property disputes, injunctions, and equity matters). Both divisions are courts of record with proceedings captured by a court reporter.
- Family Court — Covers divorce, custody, child support, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence cases. Family Court is also a court of record. Case information is accessible through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index (FCCMS portal).
- Magistrate Court — Hears criminal cases with penalties up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, civil claims up to $7,500, and minor traffic offenses. All Magistrate courts in the county operate under the guidance of South Carolina Court Administration. Assessments and court costs are added to fines in criminal cases.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitments. The Probate Court is located in Room 205 of the Greenwood County Courthouse at 528 Monument Street.
- Federal Bankruptcy Court — Bankruptcy petitions involving Greenwood County residents are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina.
Greenwood County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Greenwood County are managed by the individual courts. Here is how to check schedules for today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings:
- Circuit Court — Contact the Clerk of Court's office to ask about General Sessions and Common Pleas term schedules. Court terms for the Eighth Judicial Circuit are set by the Chief Administrative Judge, and rosters are typically posted at the courthouse.
- Family Court — The FCCMS Public Index displays hearing dates and times for family court cases statewide, including Greenwood County. Search by party name or case number.
- Magistrate Court — Calendar information for Magistrate hearings can be obtained by calling the Magistrate Court office directly.
- Probate Court — Hearing schedules are available by contacting the Probate Court at the courthouse.
If you have a case number, calling the appropriate court clerk is usually the fastest way to confirm an upcoming hearing date.
How to Get a Copy of a Greenwood County Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy and which court holds the record.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the official seal of the Clerk of Court and are accepted as legal proof of a court record. These are typically needed for legal proceedings, background checks, or official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without a seal. They are useful for personal reference but may not be accepted for legal purposes.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court office at the Greenwood County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the names of the parties involved to help staff locate the record.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), full names of the parties, the type of document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment for applicable fees. Mail to:
- Online — The Greenwood County Document Search portal allows searches for recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and plats maintained by the Register of Deeds. For family court records, use the FCCMS Public Index. Probate estate records can be searched through the Greenwood County Probate Search tool.
Restricted Records
Some records are not publicly accessible. Juvenile proceedings, adoptions, and certain family court matters may be sealed or restricted under South Carolina law. Expunged criminal records are also removed from public view. Ask the clerk whether the record you need is available for public release.
Greenwood County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches, copies, and certifications in South Carolina are generally set by state statute. The table below reflects standard fees commonly charged by Clerks of Court in South Carolina. Contact the Greenwood County Clerk of Court to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document search (per name) | $5.00 | Name-based search conducted by clerk staff |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Standard photocopy rate |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per document plus copy fees | Includes clerk's seal and signature |
| Certificate of no record | $5.00 | Written confirmation that no record was found |
| SLED criminal history (CATCH) | $25.00 | Statewide criminal record check via SLED CATCH |
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted at the Clerk of Court window.
- By mail — Include a check or money order payable to the Greenwood County Clerk of Court.
- Online — Some online portals may charge convenience fees for electronic transactions. Check the specific portal for accepted payment methods.
Fee schedules are subject to change. South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act (Title 30, Chapter 4) governs public access to government records and allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for search and duplication. If you are unsure about current fees, call the Clerk of Court at (864) 942-8600 before submitting your request.