Colleton County Court Records Search
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Colleton County, located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, maintains a multi-court judicial system centered in Walterboro, the county seat. Court records generated across the county’s Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts document the full range of civil, criminal, and domestic proceedings conducted within county limits. These records serve as the official account of judicial activity and remain important resources for attorneys, researchers, journalists, and members of the general public seeking to verify case outcomes, enforce judgments, conduct background inquiries, or settle estates.
Locating court records in South Carolina requires identifying which court handled the case, as each court maintains its own separate records. SouthCarolinaCourts.us can serve as a useful starting point to locate publicly available case information across the state’s court system. Beyond that, the South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains online databases for both trial court and family court records, while in-person access through the Colleton County Clerk of Court and individual court offices remains the most reliable method for obtaining certified copies and documents not yet digitized.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Colleton County?
Several distinct methods exist for searching Colleton County court records, depending on the type of case and the level of detail required.
Online Search Portals
The most widely used online tool is the South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search, which provides access to the Public Index for Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas) cases across all South Carolina counties, including Colleton. Searches can be conducted by party name, case number, or attorney. Note that some records — particularly those predating electronic indexing — may not appear online and require an in-person request.
For family court matters, the Family Court Case Management System Public Portal provides online access to records related to divorce, annulment, child custody, support, and other domestic matters filed in Colleton County Family Court.
Appellate case information for matters that have reached the South Carolina Supreme Court or Court of Appeals can be tracked through the C-Track Public Access portal.
Colleton County’s Register of Deeds maintains a dedicated online land records search tool for property-related instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens.
In-Person Access
The Colleton County Courthouse at 101 Hampton Street, Walterboro, serves as the physical hub for most court records. The Clerk of Court’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requesters should have the subject’s full name, approximate filing dates, or case number available to facilitate a search. The Clerk’s office provides statements of record at a cost of $5.00.
Colleton County Clerk of Court (Gary Hale)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 620, Walterboro, SC 29488 |
| Phone | (843) 549-5791 |
| Fax | (843) 549-6857 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| ghale@colletoncounty.org |
The office does not accept personal checks for fine payments. Cash, money orders, and most major credit cards are the accepted payment methods.
Court Rosters
Upcoming trial rosters for Common Pleas Court are viewable online through the South Carolina Public Index at the Colleton County Court Rosters page. Prosecutors handling General Sessions matters fall under the jurisdiction of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which serves Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties.
Are Court Records Public in Colleton County?
South Carolina law establishes a general right of public access to government records, including court records. Under S.C. Code § 30-4-30(A)(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, any person has the right to inspect, copy, or receive an electronic transmission of public records, subject to specific statutory exemptions. Responses to records requests are generally required within a reasonable timeframe, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies.
Records That Are Exempt From Public Disclosure
Not all court records are open for public inspection. Under S.C. Code § 30-4-40, the following categories may be withheld from public disclosure:
- Personal information whose release would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy
- Records compiled for law enforcement purposes when disclosure could interfere with an active investigation
- Information that would reveal identities of confidential complainants who reported violations in good faith
- Documents describing current law enforcement investigation procedures
- Medical, mental health, and substance abuse records filed in court proceedings
- Adoption records and sealed juvenile proceedings
- Certain identifying details in domestic violence cases involving victim protection
The public may still access the general docket entries and case indexes for most civil and criminal proceedings, even when specific documents within those cases carry confidentiality restrictions.
Colleton County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Colleton County move through two primary court systems depending on the severity of the offense: the Circuit Court’s Court of General Sessions for felony matters, and the Magistrate Court for lower-level criminal matters.
Court of General Sessions (Circuit Court)
The Circuit Court is South Carolina’s court of general jurisdiction and handles all felony criminal prosecutions in Colleton County. It is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. Records maintained by the Clerk of Court for General Sessions cases include sentence sheets, arrest warrants, tickets, bonds, indictments, and all pleadings. The Clerk collects fine payments for General Sessions fines, accepting only cash or money orders — no personal checks. General Sessions case scheduling is coordinated through the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Colleton County Circuit Court (General Sessions)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 620, Walterboro, SC 29488 |
| Phone | (843) 549-5791 |
| Fax | (843) 549-2875 |
Magistrate Court — Summary Criminal Jurisdiction
The Colleton County Magistrate Court handles criminal offenses subject to penalties of up to $500 in fines or up to 30 days imprisonment. Magistrates also conduct bond hearings, set bail, hold preliminary hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants. Traffic violations, wildlife infractions, and fishing and hunting violations are also heard in Magistrate Court.
Colleton County Magistrate Court
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 Klein Street (Jessie D. Padgett Building), P.O. Box 1732, Walterboro, SC 29488 |
| Phone | (843) 549-1122 / (843) 549-1140 |
| Fax | (843) 549-9010 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
The Magistrate Court does not accept personal or business checks for fine payments. Fines may be paid online. Court forms for Magistrate proceedings are available on the South Carolina Judicial Branch website under Court Forms, selecting “Magistrate” as the court type.
Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Records
The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office maintains records on arrests and inmate information. The Colleton County Jail inmate search portal allows the public to look up current detainee information online through the Zuercher system.
Colleton County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 394 Mable T. Willis Blvd., Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-2211 | Fax: (843) 538-4384
Colleton County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Colleton County are handled at two levels: the Circuit Court’s Court of Common Pleas for larger civil claims, and the Magistrate Court for smaller civil matters.
Court of Common Pleas (Circuit Court)
The Court of Common Pleas handles civil disputes between parties, including breach of contract claims, personal injury litigation, real property disputes, foreclosures, and bond matters. The Clerk of Court accepts and maintains all pleadings, motions, and judgments filed in Common Pleas cases. Lawyers must file all pleadings with the Clerk’s office. Judgment records maintained by the Clerk are searchable through the Public Index.
Magistrate Court — Small Claims and Civil Matters
Magistrate Court has civil jurisdiction over disputes where the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500. Civil matters handled include summons and complaints, landlord/tenant eviction actions, sales of abandoned or derelict property, claim and delivery actions, and restraining orders.
Property Records
The Colleton County Register of Deeds (ROD) is the custodian of all land records in the county, including deeds, mortgages, easements, satisfactions, powers of attorney, liens, plats, and UCC filings. Public computers are available at the ROD office for document lookup. Records may also be searched online using the Colleton County Deeds land records search tool, which allows searches by grantor or grantee name, date, book type, book/page number, and map number. A document fee schedule is available for those seeking copies.
Colleton County Register of Deeds (Sue Kessler)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 31 Klein Street, Harrelson Building, Room 115, P.O. Box 157, Walterboro, SC 29488 |
| Phone | (843) 542-2745 |
| Fax | (843) 542-2749 |
| rod@colletoncounty.org |
Colleton County Family Court Records
The Colleton County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters involving domestic or family relationships. This court is the sole forum in the county for divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, visitation rights, termination of parental rights, adoption, child and spousal support, division of marital property, and name changes. Family Court also holds exclusive jurisdiction over juveniles under age 17 alleged to have violated state law or municipal ordinances. Family Court judges are elected by the General Assembly to six-year terms.
Family Court Contact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 620, Walterboro, SC 29488 |
| Phone | (843) 549-2870 |
| Fax | (843) 549-7740 |
Searching Family Court Records
The Family Court Case Management System Public Portal provides online access to divorce, annulment, marital dissolution, and related family court records. Requesters can search by party name through the portal.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Colleton County Clerk’s office. To obtain copies, visit the Clerk’s office during business hours with the subject’s name, case number, and decree date. Certified copies of divorce reports for proceedings decreed between July 1962 and December 2023 are also available from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records office. The fee is a $17 non-refundable expedited searching fee, plus $3 for each additional copy. For divorces outside that date range, the Clerk of Court is the appropriate custodian.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Colleton County are issued and maintained by the Colleton County Probate Court. Certified copies of marriage records for licenses issued before July 1950 and after December 2023 are available directly from the Probate Court at a fee of $5 per copy. For marriages between July 1950 and December 2023, certified copies must be requested from the DPH State Vital Records Office — the fee is $17 (non-refundable searching fee) plus $3 per additional copy. Requesters must submit a completed application form DHEC 0639 along with a copy of a valid photo ID. Under S.C. Code § 44-63-86, certified copies of marriage records are restricted to the parties named on the license, their adult children, a present or former spouse, and their legal representatives.
DPH State Vital Records Office
Address: 2600 Bull Street, P.O. Box 2046, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates relevant to family legal matters — such as establishing heirship, parentage, or identity in custody proceedings — are issued by the South Carolina Department of Public Health Vital Records Office. Both birth and death certificates carry a $17 non-refundable expedited searching fee plus $3 per additional copy, when ordered at the standard service level. Birth records for events in Colleton County are available for births that occurred since 1915. Eligible requesters for birth certificates include the named individual, parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives. Certified death certificates are restricted to immediate family members and authorized legal representatives; other applicants may receive a statement confirming the fact and date of death. Colleton County birth record requests require submission of application form D-2595, and death record requests require application form DPH-2594, each accompanied by valid photo identification.
Colleton County Probate Court Records
The Colleton County Probate Court, presided over by Judge Ceth Utsey, holds jurisdiction over the administration of decedents’ estates, guardianships for incapacitated adults, conservatorships for minors and incapacitated persons, minor settlements of $25,000 or less, involuntary commitments of mentally ill or chemically dependent persons, and the issuance of marriage licenses. The Probate Court is housed at 239 North Jefferies Boulevard in Walterboro, separate from the main courthouse.
Colleton County Probate Court
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 239 North Jefferies Boulevard, P.O. Box 1036, Walterboro, SC 29488 |
| Phone | (843) 549-7216 |
| Fax | (843) 549-5571 |
| probate@colletoncounty.org | |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Searching Probate Records
Colleton County probate records can be searched online using the South Carolina statewide probate search tool, which allows lookups by case number or by combination of last name, first name, and middle name. Case fee payments for estate and conservatorship matters can be submitted online through the Colleton County Probate Court online payments portal on the SC.gov platform.
Probate Court Fee Schedule
The Colleton County Probate Court fee schedule governs costs for estate administration, conservatorships, and related proceedings. Key fees include:
| Matter | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate (assets $0–$4,999) | $25.00 |
| Estate (assets $5,000–$19,999) | $45.00 |
| Estate (assets $20,000–$59,999) | $67.50 |
| Estate (assets $60,000–$99,999) | $95.00 |
| Estate (assets $100,000–$599,999) | $95.00 + $0.0015 over $100,000 |
| Small Estate (less than $100) | $12.50 |
| Small Estate ($100–$4,999) | $25.00 |
| Small Estate ($5,000–$9,999) | $45.00 |
| Marriage License Application | $40.00 |
| Reissue or Correction of Marriage License | $6.75 |
| Certified Copy of Marriage License | $5.00 |
| Filing Petition for Adult Guardianship/Conservatorship | $150.00 |
| Filing Application for Minor Conservatorship | $25.00 |
| Filing Conservatorship Accounting | $10.00 |
| Certified Copy | $5.00 |
| Photocopies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Reopening a Closed Estate | $22.50 |
| Filing a Formal Action (Summons and Petition) | $150.00 |
The initial estate opening fee is charged when a new estate is filed; once the Inventory and Appraisement is submitted, the court will assess any additional fees based on final asset value. Probate court records — including wills filed for record, estate inventories, and guardianship accountings — are generally accessible to the public. Adoption records and certain mental health commitment records may be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Requesters may obtain copies in person at the Probate Court office or through the statewide probate search portal, with certified copies costing $5.00 each.
Municipal Courts in Colleton County
In addition to the county-level courts, three municipal courts serve incorporated communities within Colleton County:
| Municipal Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walterboro Municipal Court | 248 Hampton Street, P.O. Box 709, Walterboro, SC 29488 | (843) 782-1057 | (843) 549-7725 |
| Cottageville Municipal Court | 72 Salley Ackerman Road, P.O. Box 57, Cottageville, SC 29435 | (843) 835-8655 ext. 1 | (843) 835-8531 |
| Edisto Beach Municipal Court | 2414 Murray Street, Edisto Beach, SC 29438 | (843) 869-2505 ext. 206 | (843) 869-3855 |
Municipal courts handle local ordinance violations and some traffic matters. Some Walterboro Municipal Court records may be accessible through the Public Index; availability for the other municipal courts should be confirmed directly with each court.