Greenville County Court Records Search
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Greenville County is the most populous county in the Upstate region of South Carolina, with its county seat in the city of Greenville. The county operates a multi-tiered court system that includes a Circuit Court with general jurisdiction, a Family Court handling domestic and juvenile matters, a Probate Court overseeing estates and guardianships, several Summary (Magistrate) Courts with limited jurisdiction, and Municipal Courts in individual cities and towns. Court records produced across these courts document the full range of legal proceedings — from felony prosecutions and civil lawsuits to divorce actions, estate administrations, and traffic offenses.
South Carolina provides several avenues for accessing court records. The South Carolina Judicial Branch hosts a statewide case records search that links to county-level public index portals. In Greenville County, the Clerk of Court maintains the Greenville County Public Index, which allows online searches of circuit court docket information. Family Court cases can be located through a separate Department of Social Services portal, and Probate Court offers its own case information system. For those who prefer in-person assistance, the Clerk of Court offices at the Greenville County Courthouse and Family Court location are open to the public during business hours. SouthCarolinaCourts.us may also be useful for identifying publicly available court case information throughout the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Greenville County?
Greenville County court cases can be searched through several online tools and in-person methods, depending on the type of case and court involved.
Greenville County Public Index (Circuit Court Cases)
- Navigate to the Public Index Search.
- Select a search method — by party name or by case number.
- For name searches, enter the party’s last name (and optionally, first name).
- Choose the case type: Common Pleas (civil) or General Sessions (criminal).
- Review the results, which display case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status.
The Public Index provides images of most Common Pleas (civil) filings that can be viewed and printed. For General Sessions (criminal) cases, only file information is displayed — actual document images are not available online.
Family Court Case Search
Family Court case records may be searched using the Department of Social Services online portal, which accepts searches by case number.
Probate Court Case Information
The Probate Court offers online access to court case information and operates an Attorney Case Management System for legal professionals.
In-Person Searches
Records not available electronically may be inspected on the second floor of the Greenville County Courthouse. Older files stored at the Clerk’s off-site retention facilities can be requested and are typically available within a couple of business days.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court – Circuit | 305 E. North St., Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-8551 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Clerk of Court – Family Court | 350 Halton Rd., Greenville, SC 29607 | (864) 467-5800 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Email: clerkofcourt@greenvillecounty.org
Copy and Certification Fees
- Standard copies and printouts: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $10.00 per document
- Exemplified copies or Notary Certificates Under Seal: $10.00 per document
- FOIA research/redaction fee (requests exceeding 15 minutes): $18.00 per hour, prorated in 15-minute increments
Accepted payment methods include cash, money orders, business checks, cashier’s checks, and credit or debit cards (a processing fee applies to card payments).
Are Court Records Public in Greenville County?
Court records in Greenville County are classified as public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Title 30, Chapter 4 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This means members of the public may view, copy, and print most records maintained by the courts and the Clerk of Court’s offices.
Certain categories of records are excluded from public disclosure. Per Greenville County Clerk of Court policy and South Carolina law, the following are not available for public inspection:
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption-related case records
- Dismissed warrants
- Cases sealed by judicial order
- Records containing information whose disclosure is prohibited by law or court order
Additionally, documents provided in response to public record requests may have personally identifiable information redacted in compliance with South Carolina law. When records have been sealed by court order, access requires a motion to the court that issued the seal. Routine FOIA requests for public court documents should be directed to the Clerk of Court’s office during regular business hours.
Greenville County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Greenville County are adjudicated in the Circuit Court’s General Sessions division (felonies and serious misdemeanors), Summary Courts (minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings), and Municipal Courts (local ordinance violations).
Court Locations for Criminal Matters
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court – General Sessions | 305 E. North St., Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-8551 |
| Bond Court | 4 McGee St., Room 116-A, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-2402 |
| North Greenville Summary Court | 301 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest, SC 29690 | (864) 467-8600 |
| West Greenville Summary Court | 301 University Ridge, Suite S-T600, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-4640 |
| Greenville Municipal Court | 426 N. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-6650 |
Online Criminal Case Lookup
General Sessions case information is available through the Public Index. Searches by defendant name or case number return file information, though document images are not displayed for criminal cases. The arrest warrant number listed in the Public Index corresponds to the “case number” field.
Requesting Criminal Court Record Copies
Copies of General Sessions court documents can be requested in person or by email. The Clerk of Court does not maintain records for Magistrate/Municipal Court or State Grand Jury cases — those must be obtained from the originating court or agency.
- In person: Criminal Records Department, Suite 228, Greenville County Courthouse, 305 E. North St.
- By email: coccriminalrecords@greenvillecounty.org
- Required information: arrest warrant number and/or indictment number, plus a list of specific documents needed
- Allow 2–3 business days after case adjudication before submitting a request. Online records date back to 1984.
Criminal Background Checks — Local
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville City Police Department offer local background searches covering criminal charges that resulted in a conviction or pending charges. Traffic charges and civil offenses are not included. Searches can be requested in person, by mail, or online. Options include five-year, ten-year, fifteen-year, or complete background checks. Processing takes 5–7 business days, and fees are non-refundable. The requester must provide the subject’s full name and date of birth along with identification.
Criminal Background Checks — Statewide (SLED)
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) offers statewide criminal history reports through the CATCH portal. The fee is $25.00 per name-based search, plus a $1.00 convenience fee for online requests. Mail requests require a completed SLED Criminal Records Check Form, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope sent to:
SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
Greenville County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Greenville County are heard through the Circuit Court’s Court of Common Pleas (no jurisdictional limit on the amount in controversy) and the Summary Courts’ Small Claims divisions (claims up to $7,500).
Clerk of Court — Common Pleas
Greenville County Clerk of Court
305 East North Street
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 467-8551
Fax: (864) 467-8540
Email: clerkofcourt@greenvillecounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Online Civil Case Search
The Public Index provides free access to Common Pleas case records, including viewable and printable images of most civil filings. Searches can be run by party name or case number.
Circuit Court Filing Fees
Per the Greenville County Clerk of Court and the South Carolina Judicial Branch:
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil action (summons and complaint) | $150.00 |
| Lis pendens with summons and complaint | $150.00 |
| Lis pendens only | $10.00 |
| Foreign judgment | $100.00 |
| Transcript of judgment (from Magistrate, Probate, or federal court) | $35.00 |
| Confession of judgment (no case filed) | $10.00 |
| Civil appeal (from Small Claims, Probate, or administrative agency) | $150.00 |
| Automobile arbitration | $10.00 |
| Reinstatement of permanently revoked license | $200.00 |
A civil coversheet (SCCA/234) is mandatory with all initial pleadings filed in Common Pleas. The form is available through the Greenville County Court Support forms page.
Fee waivers are available when a party proceeds in forma pauperis under Rule 3(b)(1), SCRCP, or when represented by a legal aid or pro bono attorney under Rule 3(b)(2), SCRCP.
Federal District Court
The U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Greenville Division handles federal civil and criminal matters. Federal case records can be searched through PACER (civil cases from November 1990, criminal cases from September 1992 to present) or the Microfiche Party Name Search for older cases. The clerk’s office charges $34.00 for record searches and $0.10 per page for copies. Contact the Greenville Division at (864) 241-2700.
Greenville County Family Court Records
The Greenville County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over domestic disputes, including divorce, annulment, separate support, property distribution between spouses, alimony, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, termination of parental rights, adoption, legal name changes, and domestic violence cases. The court also handles most juvenile criminal cases for defendants under seventeen. Eight resident Family Court Judges preside over cases in eight courtrooms at the Family Court facility.
Greenville County Family Court
350 Halton Road
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864) 467-5800
Fax: (864) 467-5856
Email: clerkofcourt@greenvillecounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Record Access and Restrictions
Most Family Court records are available for public viewing, copying, and printing. Records that are confidential include adoption files, juvenile case records, child custody records, and domestic violence case records. Family Court records filed between 1925 and April 1996 are located at the Clerk’s Circuit Court office at 305 E. North Street. Records filed after April 1996 are at the Family Court office at 301 University Ridge.
Family Court cases may also be searched through the DSS Public Access Case Search portal by case number.
Family Court Filing Fees
Per the South Carolina Judicial Branch:
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, annulment, or separate support | $150.00 |
| Child custody/visitation | $150.00 |
| Child support, alimony, or modification | $150.00 |
| Adoption (domestic or foreign) | $150.00 |
| Paternity | $150.00 |
| Name change or correction of birth record | $150.00 |
| Registration of foreign divorce decree (no custody/support) | $100.00 |
| Protection from domestic abuse | No fee |
| Juvenile delinquency | No fee |
| DSS abuse and neglect actions | No fee |
No fee is assessed to a defendant or respondent for filing a responsive pleading under SC Code § 8-21-310(12).
Marriage Records
The Greenville County Probate Court issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. Interested parties can search marriage license records using the Marriage License Search tool on the Probate Court website. Applications for certified copies of marriage licenses issued from 1973 to the present can be submitted by mail to:
Greenville County Probate Court – Marriage License Division
301 University Ridge, Suite 5600
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 467-7171
Email: probatemarriage@greenvillecounty.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Marriage license fees (effective April 1, 2024):
- Greenville County resident: $50.00
- South Carolina resident (non-Greenville): $75.00
- Out-of-state resident: $115.00
- Certified copy of marriage license: $5.00
- Correction/reforming/reissuance: $6.75
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the Family Court location (350 Halton Road). Requests can be made in person or by mail.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates in South Carolina are managed by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). Fees include $12.00 per records search (includes one certified copy if located), $17.00 for expedited searches, and $3.00 for each additional copy. Birth certificates are available for births from 1915 to the present. Death certificates become public after 50 years; before that period, certified copies are generally limited to immediate family members. Records can be requested online, in person, by mail, or by phone. The DPH vital records site provides detailed instructions for requesting birth certificates and death certificates.
Greenville County Probate Court Records
The Greenville County Probate Court has jurisdiction over estates of deceased persons, wills, trusts, guardianships and conservatorships of incapacitated adults, conservatorships for minors, involuntary commitments, and marriage licenses. The court is organized into several divisions operating from the same complex.
Probate Court Offices
| Division | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Estate Division | 301 University Ridge, Suite N-T100, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-7497 |
| Marriage License Division | 301 University Ridge, Suite N-T100, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-7171 |
| Involuntary Commitment Division | 301 University Ridge, Suite N-T200, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-7170 |
| General phone | — | (864) 467-7170 |
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Marriage License Division) / 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (other divisions)
Online Probate Search
The Probate Court provides public access to court case information through its website. Common search parameters include the decedent’s name, date of death, case number, and case type. Certain records — including sensitive personal information, sealed estate files, mental health proceedings, and guardianship records for incapacitated persons — are not publicly available.
Probate Court Fee Schedule (effective April 1, 2024)
Probate filing fees for estates and conservatorships are based on the gross value of probate assets, per the Probate Court Fee Schedule:
| Estate Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $4,999.99 | $25.00 |
| $5,000 – $19,999.99 | $45.00 |
| $20,000 – $59,999.99 | $67.50 |
| $60,000 – $99,999.99 | $95.00 |
| $100,000 – $599,999.99 | $95.00 plus 0.15% of amount over $100,000 |
| $600,000 and above | $845.00 plus 0.25% of amount over $600,000 |
Other Probate Fees
- Notice to creditors advertisement: $46.00
- Filing and indexing of will: $10.00
- Filing a will for record only: $10.00
- Formal action (summons and petition): $150.00
- Subsequent administration / reopening closed estate: $22.50
- Informal application for appointment: $25.00
- Special certificate: $10.00
- Certified copy of estate record: $5.00 (plus copy/research charges)
- Exemplified/authenticated copy: $20.00 (plus copy/research charges)
- Research fee: $7.00
- Copies: $0.50 per page
- Certifying appeal record: $10.00
- Filing motion/orders issued without hearing: $15.00
- Additional certificates of appointment (beyond initial 5): $1.00 each, plus $5.00 certification fee per request
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Filing a guardianship petition requires $150.00, while conservatorship filing fees start at $25.00 (for minors) and scale with asset value for adult conservatorships. Required documents include the appropriate petition form, Notice of Right to Counsel (Form #524GC), Examiner Report (Form #539GC), and Proof of Delivery (Form #120PC), along with a SLED report and credit report for the proposed guardian or conservator. All guardianship and conservatorship forms are available on the Probate Court website. Estate-related forms are separately available on the Estate Forms page.
Payments for probate fees, marriage licenses, and other court costs can be made online via credit or debit card through SC.GOV, which charges a processing fee. In-person payments are accepted in cash, money order, or certified check.