Chesterfield County Court Records Search
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Chesterfield County, South Carolina, occupies the northeastern portion of the state along the North Carolina border, with the town of Chesterfield serving as its county seat. The county’s trial court system encompasses a Circuit Court, Family Court, Probate Court, six Magistrate Courts, and five Municipal Courts — each generating its own body of records covering everything from felony prosecutions to estate administration. For anyone needing to locate, request, or understand these records, knowing which court handles which matters and which office controls access is the essential first step.
Those searching for South Carolina court case information have several avenues available, including clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and the state’s online tools. SouthCarolinaCourts.us can help users identify court locations, access case search resources, and find county-specific contact information for courts throughout the state. The South Carolina Judicial Branch also maintains a public case records search tool that covers Circuit, Family, and some Magistrate Court filings statewide.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County’s courts are part of South Carolina’s Fourth Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Court, currently the Honorable Christy F. Gaddy, serves as the official record keeper for both the Circuit Court and the Family Court, managing dockets, receipts, fines, and records for both.
Chesterfield County Clerk of Court
Address: 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709
Mailing: P.O. Box 529, Chesterfield, SC 29709
Phone: (843) 623-2574 | Fax: (843) 623-6944
Public Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The courts sharing the main courthouse address are listed below:
| Court | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | (843) 623-2574 | (843) 623-6944 |
| Family Court | (843) 623-6301 | (843) 623-6944 |
| Probate Court | (843) 623-2376 | (843) 623-9886 |
| Magistrate Court – Bond Court | (843) 623-2261 | (843) 623-2088 |
Three primary methods exist for conducting a case search in Chesterfield County:
- Online via SC Judicial Branch Case Records Search. The South Carolina Judicial Branch operates the Case Records Search portal, which provides public access to Circuit Court, Family Court, and selected Municipal Court records statewide. Users can query by party name or case number. The Chesterfield County Public Index is also available for searching local court records, including bond court and criminal case histories.
- In-Person at the Clerk of Court’s Office. Visitors can inspect records or request copies directly at the courthouse at 200 West Main Street during public hours. Self-service copies cost $0.25 per page; staff-made copies cost $2.00 per document.
- By Mail. Written record requests may be mailed to P.O. Box 529, Chesterfield, SC 29709. Requesters should include sufficient identifying information — party names, approximate filing date, and case number if known.
Court transcript requests require direct contact with the assigned court reporter. Reporters’ names and contact details are available by calling South Carolina Court Administration at (803) 734-1800.
Are Court Records Public in Chesterfield County?
South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (Title 30, Chapter 4) establishes the public’s right to inspect, copy, or receive electronic transmissions of public records held by government bodies, including courts. Most Chesterfield County court records fall within the scope of this statute and are accessible to any member of the public without requiring an explanation of purpose.
However, the FOIA identifies categories of records that public bodies may withhold or restrict. In the court records context, the following types of information are commonly exempt or restricted from full public access:
- Adoption records and proceedings
- Juvenile court records and proceedings
- Records containing trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Documents whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Investigatory materials compiled for law enforcement purposes, where disclosure could interfere with investigations
- Scholastic records, medical records, and hospital medical staff reports
- Records sealed by specific court order
Where records contain both public and exempt information, the public body may redact the exempt portions rather than withholding the entire document. Requesters who believe a record has been improperly withheld may pursue remedies under the FOIA’s enforcement provisions.
Chesterfield County Criminal Court Records
Felony and certain misdemeanor criminal cases in Chesterfield County are processed through the Chesterfield County Circuit Court (General Sessions division). Misdemeanor offenses and traffic violations at the lower level are handled by the county’s Magistrate Courts and Municipal Courts.
Criminal Record Statements from the Clerk of Court
The Circuit Clerk’s Office can provide a written statement of any criminal matter on file in its office. The cost is $10.00 per statement. Requesters must appear in person with valid photo identification, their Social Security number, and date of birth. Note that Magistrate Court cases are not reflected in these statements and must be researched separately.
Arrest Records and Booking Information
Booking records for the Chesterfield County Detention Center are managed by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office. For arrests occurring within the past 12 hours, call the Detention Center directly at (843) 623-3385. For older booking records, the Sheriff’s Office directs the public to the SC Judicial Branch Public Records Index, where users can select “Bond Court” from the court agency dropdown and search by name. Physical booking reports are also viewable in person at the Detention Center, located at 319 Goodale Road, Chesterfield, SC, during business hours.
Sheriff’s Office general line: (843) 623-2101
Non-emergency: (843) 623-6838
Magistrate and Municipal Courts
Chesterfield County has six Magistrate Courts and five Municipal Courts handling lower-level criminal matters. Two key Magistrate Court locations include:
Magistrate Court – Bond Court
Address: 319 Goodale Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709
Phone: (843) 623-2261 | Fax: (843) 623-2088
Magistrate Court – Patrick
Address: 129 Turnage Street, Patrick, SC 29584
Phone: (843) 498-6665 | Fax: (843) 498-6379
Municipal courts operating within the county include courts in Cheraw (200 Market Street, (843) 537-8411) and Pageland (310 West McGregor Street, (843) 672-6437). Traffic ticket payments are directed to the Trial Officer (Magistrate) whose name appears on the left side of the ticket.
Chesterfield County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Chesterfield County are divided by claim value between two levels of court. The Circuit Court’s Court of Common Pleas handles civil disputes where the amount or value of property in controversy exceeds $7,500. Matters valued at $7,500 or below — commonly referred to as small claims — are filed in Magistrate Court under S.C. Code Ann. § 22-3-10.
Common Pleas Records
Common Pleas case files are maintained by the Clerk of Court at 200 West Main Street. Cases are placed on the non-jury roster after 120 days from filing and on the jury roster after 365 days. The current Common Pleas court roster is available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch’s website, and case records can be searched through the Case Records Search portal.
To obtain copies of civil case documents, visit the Clerk’s Office in person or submit a written mail request. Self-service copies run $0.25 per page; staff-produced copies are $2.00 per document.
Property Records
Land records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — are recorded and maintained by the Chesterfield County Register of Deeds, directed by Faye H. Williams.
Register of Deeds
Address: 178 Mill Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709
Phone: (843) 623-7060 | Fax: (843) 623-6982
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Register of Deeds maintains an official online records search for real property documents, and records are also accessible through the statewide SC Land Records portal, which allows name, document number, and property description searches. Documents may be viewed and copies obtained through the portal for a subscription fee, or in person at the Mill Street office.
Chesterfield County Family Court Records
The Chesterfield County Family Court handles divorce and separation proceedings, child custody and parenting time disputes, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, and juvenile matters. The Family Court shares the courthouse at 200 West Main Street with the Circuit Court and is served by the same Clerk of Court’s Office.
Resident Family Court Judges include the Honorable C. Heath Ruffner (Office: (843) 623-5034) and the Honorable Cely Anne Brigman (Office: (843) 398-4012).
Divorce Records
Divorce case files are maintained by the Clerk of Court’s Office. Certified copies of the Report of Divorce (covering July 1962 through December 2023) are also available from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Fee structure for divorce records from SCDPH:
- In-person and online requests: $17.00 (search fee plus one copy)
- Mail and drop-box requests: $12.00 per copy
- Each additional copy ordered simultaneously: $3.00
Requesters must submit a completed divorce order application form, a photocopy of valid photo ID, and the applicable fee to the Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Chesterfield County are issued by the Probate Court. The fee is $50.00 for South Carolina residents and $75.00 for non-residents. Both parties must appear together with a driver’s license or photo ID and Social Security card. There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before a license can be issued. Certified copies of marriage licenses from the Probate Court cost $10.00 per copy (cash, local check, or money order), obtainable in person or by mailing a request with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Probate Court.
For marriage records from July 1950 through December 2023, certified copies are also available through the South Carolina Department of Public Health using the marriage certificate application form. The search fee and one copy cost $12.00 by mail or $17.00 in person; additional copies are $3.00 each.
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates for Chesterfield County births since 1915 are available through SCDPH. Only persons named on the birth certificate, or those with legally recognized relationships to the registrant, may obtain certified copies. The search and first copy cost $12.00 by mail or $17.00 in person; each additional simultaneous copy is $3.00. Requests are made using the birth certificate application and submitted with valid ID and the required fee to SC DHEC – Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Death certificates carry the same fee structure and access restrictions, with qualified requesters providing accepted identification alongside the request form and payment.
Child Support
Child support payment verification is handled through an automated line at (843) 623-5568 — have the account/case number available before calling. Payments to the Clerk of Court are accepted by personal check or money order (no credit cards or online payments), mailed to Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 529, Chesterfield, SC 29709, with the case number noted on payment. Cash payments may be brought to the office in person.
Court forms for Family Court proceedings, including petitions and orders, are available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch forms library.
Chesterfield County Probate Court Records
The Chesterfield County Probate Court handles estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary mental health and chemical dependency commitments, and marriage license issuance. Probate records are generally public and accessible by contacting the court directly.
Chesterfield County Probate Court
Address: 200 West Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709
Phone: (843) 623-2376 | Fax: (843) 623-9886
Email: probatecourt@chesterfieldcountysc.com
Estate Administration
The Probate Court administers four types of proceedings based on a decedent’s circumstances:
- Testate (with will): The will is admitted to probate, either informally (without a hearing) or formally (with a hearing to confirm validity).
- Intestate (without will): The estate is administered under South Carolina’s laws of intestate succession.
- Small Estate Affidavit: Available for personal property only, valued at less than $25,000, offering a simplified process without full administration.
- Will Filed Only: Used when a will exists but there are no assets requiring administration.
Upon a decedent’s death and receipt of the death certificate, interested parties should contact the Probate Court to schedule an appointment. The Personal Representative — typically named in the will — is responsible for collecting and protecting estate assets, notifying interested parties, filing a property inventory, paying allowed claims, and distributing assets to rightful beneficiaries.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
A guardian is a court-appointed individual managing personal and custodial matters for an incapacitated adult; a conservator manages that person’s financial affairs and property. Both roles require court appointment through the Probate Court, and applicants are strongly advised to consult an attorney before initiating these proceedings.
Involuntary Commitment
Requests for involuntary mental health or substance abuse commitments begin not at the Probate Court but at the Tri-County Community Mental Health Center, located at 207 Commerce