Spartanburg County Court Records

What Is Spartanburg County Court Records

Spartanburg County court records are official documents created and maintained by the various courts operating within Spartanburg County, South Carolina. These records document judicial proceedings, filings, and outcomes of cases heard in the county's court system. Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-30, these records serve as the official documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the Spartanburg County judicial system.

Court records typically include:

• Case filings and pleadings
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing transcripts
• Evidence presented during proceedings
• Docket information
• Case dispositions and outcomes

The maintenance and accessibility of these records fall under the jurisdiction of the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court:

Spartanburg County Clerk of Court 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2591 South Carolina Judicial Branch

Court records serve multiple purposes within the judicial system and broader community, including providing transparency in judicial proceedings, documenting legal precedents, and facilitating research for legal professionals and members of the public.

Are Court Records Public In Spartanburg County

Court records in Spartanburg County are generally considered public documents in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The presumption of openness applies to most court records, allowing citizens to inspect and obtain copies of these documents.

However, certain exceptions and limitations to public access exist:

• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile records (subject to restrictions under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2010)
• Records containing sensitive personal information
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health proceedings
• Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
• Records subject to attorney-client privilege
• Grand jury proceedings

The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains the Spartanburg County Public Index which provides online access to many public court records. For records not available online or those requiring certified copies, individuals may visit:

Spartanburg County Courthouse 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (864) 596-2591

Requestors seeking access to court records may be required to complete a records request form and pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents as established by state law and local court rules.

How To Find Court Records in Spartanburg County in 2025

Members of the public seeking Spartanburg County court records in 2025 have several methods available to access these documents. The South Carolina Judicial Branch continues to expand digital access while maintaining traditional in-person services.

To locate court records in Spartanburg County, individuals may utilize the following methods:

1. Online Access: The Spartanburg County Public Index provides searchable access to many court records. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date.

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate courthouse to request records directly:

   Spartanburg County Judicial Center 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (864) 596-2591

3. Written Requests: Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court specifying the records sought. Include case numbers when available.

4. Court-Specific Requests: Different courts maintain separate record systems:

   • Circuit Court (criminal and civil)
   • Family Court
   • Probate Court
   • Magistrate Court

When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

• Full name of party/parties involved
• Case number (if known)
• Approximate date of filing or case activity
• Type of case
• Valid identification
• Payment for any applicable fees

Fees for copies are set pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310 and may include $1.00 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for certified copies of court documents.

How To Look Up Court Records in Spartanburg County Online?

Spartanburg County provides digital access to many court records through several online platforms maintained by the South Carolina Judicial Branch. These systems allow for remote research of case information without visiting the courthouse.

The primary online resources for accessing Spartanburg County court records include:

1. Spartanburg County Public Index: The Spartanburg County Public Index serves as the central online repository for Circuit and Family Court records. Users may search by:

   • Name (last name, first name)
   • Case number
   • Filing date range
   • Case type

2. South Carolina Judicial Branch Website: The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides additional resources including court calendars, case status information, and links to specialized court record systems.

3. E-Filing System: Attorneys and registered users can access the E-Filing system for documents filed electronically in applicable courts.

When conducting online searches, users should note:

• Not all court records are available online
• Some records may be redacted to protect confidential information
• Older records may not be digitized
• Technical limitations may affect search functionality

For assistance with online record searches, contact:

Spartanburg County Clerk of Court 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2591 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Can You Search Spartanburg County Court Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Spartanburg County court records without charge, though fees apply for copies and some specialized services. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides free online access to basic case information through its public portal systems.

Free access options include:

• Online Public Index: The Spartanburg County Public Index provides free search capabilities for Circuit and Family Court cases. No subscription or account is required.

• Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available at the courthouse provide free on-site access to digitized court records:

  Spartanburg County Judicial Center 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• In-Person Record Inspection: Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30(a), individuals may inspect non-confidential court records at no charge during regular business hours.

Services that incur fees include:

• Paper copies ($1.00 per page pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-310)
• Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
• Record searches conducted by court staff ($15.00 per name searched)
• Expedited service (additional fees may apply)

Payment methods accepted include cash, credit/debit cards, and money orders made payable to "Spartanburg County Clerk of Court."

What's Included in a Spartanburg County Court Record?

Spartanburg County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings and related filings. The specific contents vary by case type and court, but generally include essential documentation of the legal process from initiation through disposition.

Standard components of Spartanburg County court records include:

• Case Initiation Documents: Complaints, petitions, indictments, or information that commenced the case.

• Pleadings and Motions: Legal arguments, responses, and requests filed by parties throughout the proceedings.

• Court Orders and Judgments: Official decisions and directives issued by the presiding judge.

• Docket Sheets: Chronological summaries of all actions taken in a case, including hearings, filings, and judicial rulings.

• Evidence Logs: Records of exhibits and evidence presented during proceedings (actual evidence may be stored separately).

• Transcripts: Official written records of court proceedings, available upon request through the transcript request process.

• Financial Information: Records of court costs, fines, fees, and payment histories.

• Service Documentation: Proof that parties received required legal notices.

• Case Disposition: Final outcome of the case, including sentences in criminal matters or judgments in civil cases.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children in certain cases
• Victim information in sensitive cases
• Medical and mental health information

How Long Does Spartanburg County Keep Court Records?

Spartanburg County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-1-90. These schedules vary by court type and case category, with some records preserved permanently while others may be disposed of after specified periods.

General retention periods include:

• Circuit Court Criminal Records: Permanently maintained for serious felonies; lesser offenses may be retained for 15-25 years after case disposition.

• Circuit Court Civil Records: Generally maintained for 10-15 years after case closure; cases establishing precedent or involving significant property rights may be preserved permanently.

• Family Court Records: Divorce and custody records are typically maintained permanently; juvenile records may be subject to expungement under specific circumstances outlined in S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-2050.

• Probate Court Records: Wills, estate administration, and guardianship records are generally maintained permanently.

• Magistrate Court Records: Typically maintained for 3-10 years depending on case type.

• Municipal Court Records: Generally maintained for 3-10 years after case disposition.

Electronic records are increasingly maintained in perpetuity, though accessibility may vary. Historical records may be transferred to:

South Carolina Department of Archives and History 8301 Parklane Road Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 896-6100 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals seeking older records should contact the appropriate court clerk to determine availability and location of specific case files.

Types of Courts In Spartanburg County

Spartanburg County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases as established by South Carolina law.

The courts operating within Spartanburg County include:

• Circuit Court: The court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases and criminal matters. The Seventh Judicial Circuit serves Spartanburg County with courtrooms located at:

  Spartanburg County Judicial Center 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2591

• Family Court: Handles domestic matters including divorce, child custody, support, adoption, and juvenile cases. Located at:

  Spartanburg County Family Court 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2591

• Probate Court: Oversees estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. The Probate Court forms are available online. Located at:

  Spartanburg County Probate Court 180 Magnolia Street, Suite 500 Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2556

• Magistrate Courts: Handle minor civil cases (up to $10,000), landlord-tenant matters, and misdemeanor criminal cases. Multiple locations throughout the county, including:

  Central Magistrate Court 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2564

• Municipal Courts: City courts handling local ordinance violations and minor criminal matters within municipal boundaries.

The South Carolina Judicial Branch courthouse directory provides comprehensive information about all court locations in Spartanburg County.

What Types of Cases Do Spartanburg County Courts Hear?

Spartanburg County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by South Carolina law. Each court type is authorized to hear specific categories of cases.

The case distribution among Spartanburg County courts includes:

• Circuit Court - Civil Division:

  • Civil actions exceeding $10,000
  • Complex litigation
  • Appeals from Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal courts
  • Real property disputes
  • Corporate and business litigation

• Circuit Court - Criminal Division:

  • Felony prosecutions
  • Serious misdemeanors
  • Criminal appeals from lower courts
  • Post-conviction relief proceedings

• Family Court:

  • Divorce and separation proceedings
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support and alimony
  • Adoption
  • Juvenile delinquency cases
  • Abuse and neglect proceedings
  • Name changes
  • Self-represented divorce resources are available for qualifying cases

• Probate Court:

  • Estate administration
  • Will probate
  • Guardianships and conservatorships
  • Mental health commitments
  • Marriage licenses

• Magistrate Court:

  • Civil cases up to $10,000
  • Landlord-tenant disputes
  • Misdemeanors with penalties up to 30 days imprisonment
  • Traffic violations
  • Preliminary hearings
  • Setting bail

• Municipal Court:

  • Municipal ordinance violations
  • Traffic offenses within city limits
  • Misdemeanors punishable by fine or up to 30 days imprisonment

Case assignment is determined by statutory authority, subject matter, and monetary thresholds as specified in the South Carolina Code of Laws.

How To Find a Court Docket In Spartanburg County

Court dockets in Spartanburg County provide schedules of upcoming court proceedings and listings of cases to be heard. These dockets are available through multiple channels to facilitate public access to court schedules.

To access Spartanburg County court dockets, individuals may utilize the following methods:

1. Online Access: The South Carolina Judicial Branch website provides court calendars and docket information for Circuit and Family Courts. Users can search by county, court type, and date range.

2. Public Index: The Spartanburg County Public Index includes docket information for individual cases, showing scheduled hearings and proceedings.

3. Courthouse Bulletin Boards: Physical copies of daily dockets are typically posted in courthouse lobbies and outside courtrooms at:

   Spartanburg County Judicial Center 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306

4. Clerk's Office Inquiry: Direct requests for docket information can be made at:

   Spartanburg County Clerk of Court 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2591 Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

5. Court-Specific Dockets: Specialized courts maintain separate docket systems:

   • Probate Court: (864) 596-2556
   • Magistrate Court: (864) 596-2564
   • Municipal Courts: Contact specific municipality

Docket information typically includes:

• Case numbers
• Party names
• Hearing types
• Scheduled dates and times
• Assigned courtrooms
• Presiding judges

Dockets are subject to change, and parties should verify scheduling information before court appearances.

Which Courts in Spartanburg County Are Not Courts of Record?

Certain courts within Spartanburg County operate as non-record courts, meaning they do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings as part of their official record. While these courts document case outcomes and maintain case files, they typically do not record the full testimony and arguments presented during hearings.

The following Spartanburg County courts function as non-record courts:

• Magistrate Courts: These limited jurisdiction courts handle minor civil matters and criminal cases but do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Case information is documented through standardized forms and written orders rather than comprehensive transcripts. Magistrate courts include:

  Central Magistrate Court 180 Magnolia Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 596-2564

• Municipal Courts: City courts throughout Spartanburg County typically do not maintain verbatim records of proceedings. These courts handle local ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and minor criminal matters within municipal boundaries.

When cases from non-record courts are appealed to higher courts, they are generally heard "de novo" (anew) rather than reviewed based on a transcript of the original proceeding. This practice is established under S.C. Code Ann. § 18-3-10 for magistrate court appeals and § 14-25-95 for municipal court appeals.

Parties seeking to create a record of proceedings in these courts may, with judicial permission and at their own expense, arrange for court reporter services. Such arrangements must be made in advance through the court clerk.

Lookup Court Records in Spartanburg County

Search Spartanburg County court records online

Find official South Carolina court forms

Access divorce self-help resources

Visit the South Carolina Judicial Branch website

Find Spartanburg County courthouse information

Request court transcripts

Locate South Carolina courthouses

Access probate court forms