Court records in Chester County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. ChesterSCCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, the Chester County Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals available at the courthouse. These resources cover criminal, civil, family, traffic, and probate filings.
Chester Court System & Jurisdictions
Chester County's court system is part of South Carolina's unified judicial branch. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types.
- Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions & Common Pleas) — General Sessions handles felony criminal cases, while Common Pleas covers civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the magistrate court's jurisdiction. The Clerk of Court maintains records for both divisions.
- Magistrate Court — Hears misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic cases that carry fines up to $500 or jail sentences up to 30 days. Magistrates also handle civil claims of $7,500 or less and issue arrest and search warrants.
- Family Court — Covers divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Family Court also enforces alimony and child support obligations, including wage withholding.
- Probate Court — Has jurisdiction over estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and the issuance of marriage licenses and marriage certificates.
Knowing which court handled a case is essential before searching for docket information. Traffic and minor criminal matters are almost always in Magistrate Court, while serious criminal charges go through General Sessions.
Chester Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Chester County are managed by each court division. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Circuit Court — Court term schedules and docket rosters for General Sessions and Common Pleas are typically posted through the Sixth Judicial Circuit or available by contacting the Clerk of Court's office directly.
- Magistrate Court — Check the Chester County Magistrate Court page for information on upcoming criminal and traffic court dates. Your ticket or citation will also list your court date and case number.
- Family Court — Hearing schedules for family matters can be confirmed through the Family Court office. Parties typically receive notice by mail, but you can call the office to verify dates.
- Probate Court — The Probate Court sets its own hearing calendar for estate and guardianship matters.
The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index allows online searches by party name or case number and may display scheduled hearing dates for some case types. For the most current calendar information, contact the relevant court office by phone.
How to Get a Copy of a Chester Court Document
Court documents in Chester County can be obtained as certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature, making them suitable for legal proceedings and official use. Uncertified copies are typically sufficient for personal reference.
Request Channels
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Chester County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up the record and produce copies while you wait, depending on availability.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the case number (or party names and approximate filing date), the specific documents needed, whether you need certified or uncertified copies, and a return address. Include payment for the applicable fees.
- Online — Some case information is searchable through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. Full document copies generally require an in-person or mail request.
Clerk of Court Mailing Address
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and records subject to expungement under South Carolina public records law. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for release.
Chester Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in South Carolina are set by statute and may vary slightly depending on the document type. The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by South Carolina clerks of court. Contact the Chester County Clerk of Court to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 – $3.00 (plus per-page charges) |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | $1.00 per certification |
| Record search fee | Varies; contact Clerk's office |
| Marriage license (Probate Court) | Contact Probate Court for current fee |
Payment Methods
- In-person payments are generally accepted by cash, check, or money order.
- Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to "Chester County Clerk of Court."
- For traffic ticket and court payments, the state's SC.gov portal may offer online payment options.
Fees are subject to change. If you are unsure of the exact cost, call the Clerk's office at (803) 385-2604 before mailing your request to avoid delays. Overpayments by check are typically refunded by the office.