Kershaw County Court Records Search
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Kershaw County is part of South Carolina’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, with its county seat in the City of Camden. The county court system includes a Circuit Court handling criminal and civil cases, a Family Court with exclusive jurisdiction over domestic matters, a Probate Court overseeing estates and guardianships, a Magistrate Court for minor offenses and small claims, and several municipal courts. Court facilities are primarily housed at the Kershaw County Courthouse at 1121 Broad Street in Camden, with additional offices at the Kershaw County Government Center at 515 Walnut Street. Residents, attorneys, and members of the public regularly need to access records across these courts for background research, legal proceedings, property transactions, and personal matters.
Individuals searching for court records in South Carolina can access information through several channels, including in-person visits to clerk offices, public access terminals, mail-in requests, and electronic search tools maintained by the state judiciary. SouthCarolinaCourts.us offers connections to statewide court resources that may assist in locating publicly available case information for Kershaw County and other jurisdictions across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kershaw County?
Finding a specific court record in Kershaw County requires knowing which court handled the case and choosing the right method of access. The Kershaw County Clerk of Court is the central custodian for all records filed in the Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions), Family Court, and Juvenile Court. The Probate Court and Magistrate Court each maintain their own records separately.
Online Searching
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a Case Records Search page with links to Kershaw County’s trial court public index and court rosters. Kershaw County’s online public index allows searches of criminal, civil, and other case information by party name or case number. A separate court roster listing is also available online.
For family court records specifically, the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides a searchable portal for family court case data.
In-Person Access
Record seekers may visit the Clerk of Court office during business hours to review and copy any document that is part of the public record. A two-day notice is required for cases that are not available online or in the digital system.
Kershaw County Clerk of Court
Physical Address: 1121 Broad Street, Room 313, Camden, SC 29020
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1557, Camden, SC 29021
Phone: (803) 425-7223
Fax: (803) 425-1505
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additional contact at the Court Records office:
515 Walnut Street, Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1500
Copy and Search Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| In-person copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certification | $2.00 per document |
| Written request (non-refundable search fee) | $20.00 |
| Written request copies | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification |
Acceptable payment methods include cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders. Personal checks are not accepted. For written requests, the Clerk’s office will determine the number of pages and mail an invoice that must be paid before copies are sent.
Important Note: The Clerk’s office does not perform civil or criminal record searches on behalf of requesters. Individuals must conduct their own searches either in person or online.
Are Court Records Public in Kershaw County?
Court records in Kershaw County are presumed to be public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 through 30-4-165. This law guarantees the public’s right to inspect and obtain copies of records held by public bodies, including courts and clerks’ offices, without needing to state a reason for the request.
However, S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40 establishes several categories of records that are exempt from public disclosure. In the court records context, restricted or inaccessible records include:
- Sealed and expunged records — Records sealed by court order or expunged under South Carolina law are removed from public access.
- Juvenile court records — Proceedings involving minors are confidential under state law.
- Adoption records — Sealed upon finalization and not available for public inspection.
- Warrant affidavits — Affidavits supporting arrest or search warrants are not publicly available until the warrant has been executed.
- Attorney-client privileged materials — Records protected by attorney-client privilege are exempt from disclosure.
- Records affecting fair trial rights — Documents whose release could deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication may be withheld.
Individuals whose records requests are denied should receive an explanation from the custodial office. The FOIA provides remedies for improper denials, including the right to pursue enforcement through legal action.
Kershaw County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kershaw County proceed through the Court of General Sessions for felonies and serious misdemeanors, and through the Magistrate Court for offenses carrying penalties not exceeding a $500 fine or 30 days imprisonment. Municipal courts within the county handle city ordinance violations and minor criminal offenses.
Court of General Sessions
The Clerk of Court maintains all General Sessions case files, including warrants, indictments, plea entries, sentencing records, and judgment entries. These records can be searched through the Kershaw County online public index or reviewed in person at the Clerk’s office at 1121 Broad Street, Room 313.
Magistrate Court
The Kershaw County Magistrate Court has criminal trial jurisdiction over offenses subject to fines generally not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days. Magistrates also set bail, conduct preliminary hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants.
Kershaw County Magistrate Court
Address: 1121 Broad Street, Room 202, Camden, SC 29021
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1528, Camden, SC 29021
Phone: (803) 425-7226
Fax: (803) 425-6044
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Municipal Courts
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Camden Municipal Court | 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020 | (803) 425-2421 |
| Elgin Municipal Court | 2469 Main Street, P.O. Box 277, Elgin, SC 29045 | (803) 438-2362 |
| Bethune Municipal Court | 101 Elm Street, P.O. Box 447, Bethune, SC 29009 | (843) 334-6238 |
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office generates and maintains arrest records, incident reports, and booking information. Requests for these records can be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office Freedom of Information Act Request Form. In-person requests may also be directed to:
Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 821 Ridgeway Road, P.O. Box 70, Lugoff, SC 29078
Phone: (803) 425-1512
Current detention center inmate information is available online through the Kershaw County Detention Center website.
Statewide Criminal Records Through SLED
The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) serves as the state repository for criminal arrest and conviction records. The CATCH portal (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) allows online criminal records checks for a $25 fee plus a $1 online convenience fee. Alternatively, the Criminal Records Check Form can be completed and mailed with payment (business check, certified check, cashier’s check, or money order) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398
Phone: (803) 737-9000
Charitable organizations meeting statutory requirements may qualify for a reduced $8.00 fee.
Kershaw County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Kershaw County is divided between the Court of Common Pleas for general civil matters and the Magistrate Court for disputes where the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500.
Court of Common Pleas
The Clerk of Court is the custodian of all Common Pleas records, including complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. Civil case records can be searched online through the Kershaw County public index or reviewed in person at the Clerk’s office. Copy fees for civil records follow the standard schedule: $1.00 per page for copies and $2.00 for certification when obtained in person. Written requests require a $20.00 non-refundable search fee in advance.
Statewide Common Pleas Court forms are available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Magistrate Court — Small Claims and Civil Matters
The Kershaw County Magistrate Court handles civil cases with claims under $7,500, including landlord-tenant disputes and small claims actions. Records for magistrate-level cases can be obtained from the Magistrate Court office at 1121 Broad Street, Room 202.
Property Records
Property records such as deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and UCC filings are recorded and maintained by the Kershaw County Register of Deeds. Land records dating back to 1791 are available. Online records are accessible through two primary resources:
- SC Land Records — indexes and images from December 1990 to present
- Kershaw County deed and mortgage indexes — indexes and images from 1791 to 1990
Copies of recorded documents cost $0.50 per page, and certified true copies are $10.00 per document. The Register of Deeds office is located at:
Kershaw County Register of Deeds
Address: 515 Walnut Street, Room 180, Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-7235
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Register of Deeds office does not perform title searches or extensive record searches, but staff can provide limited assistance with locating specific documents.
Kershaw County Family Court Records
The Kershaw County Family Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over all domestic and family relationship matters, including divorce, legal separation, custody, visitation, termination of parental rights, adoption, spousal support, alimony, division of marital property, name changes, and juvenile delinquency cases.
Kershaw County Family Court
Address: 1121 Broad Street, Room 213, Camden, SC 29020
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1557, Camden, SC 29021
Phone: (803) 425-7225
Fax: (803) 425-1527
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records that are not sealed or otherwise restricted can be reviewed in person at the Clerk’s office. Copies cost $1.00 per page plus $2.00 for certification. Online family court case information may be accessible through the South Carolina Family Court Case Management System public portal. Statewide Family Court forms are published on the South Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Certain family court records carry strict confidentiality protections. Juvenile court records, adoption files, and records related to abuse and neglect proceedings involve restricted access. Domestic violence-related filings may have redacted identifying information to protect victims.
Child Support Payments
All child support payments in Kershaw County are processed through the South Carolina State Disbursement Unit. Payments should be mailed to:
South Carolina State Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 100302
Columbia, SC 29202-3302
For payment assistance, contact the SDU Customer Service Center at (800) 768-5858 or visit the South Carolina Child Support website. Only purge payments ordered by a court can be made at the Clerk’s office, and they must be paid in cash.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Kershaw County are issued by the Kershaw County Probate Court. According to the Probate Court fee schedule, key fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $45.00 (cash only) |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $5.00 |
| Marriage license correction | $6.75 |
| Marriage license re-issuance | $6.75 |
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) maintains marriage certificates recorded between July 1950 and December 2023. Requests to the DPH require a completed marriage/divorce application form, valid photo identification, and a search fee ($12 standard, $17 expedited, plus $3 per additional copy). Certified copies are restricted to eligible individuals: the married parties, their adult children, a current or former spouse, or an authorized legal representative. The DPH accepts requests in person, by mail, or via drop-off.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees are maintained by the Kershaw County Family Court and can be obtained from the Clerk’s office. The DPH also maintains divorce reports from July 1962 through December 2023, available to eligible requesters through the same application form and request methods used for marriage records, with the same fee structure.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the South Carolina DPH, not by local courts. Birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years under S.C. Code Ann. §§ 44-63-80 and 44-63-84. Only eligible individuals may obtain certified copies. Requests require a completed application form — available for birth records and death records — along with valid identification and the applicable fee ($12 standard, $17 expedited, $3 per additional copy). Requests can be submitted in person or via drop-off at the DPH State Vital Records Office (2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201; Phone: (803) 898-3630), or by mail to the Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171.
Kershaw County Probate Court Records
The Kershaw County Probate Court handles estate administration, appointment of guardians and conservators for minors and incapacitated persons, involuntary commitments, and trust and estate litigation.
Kershaw County Probate Court
Address: 1121 Broad Street, Room 225, Camden, SC 29020
Phone: (803) 425-1503
Fax: (803) 425-1525
Email: regina.hudson@kershaw.sc.gov
Online Estate Index
The Probate Court maintains an online Estate Index that allows individuals to check the status of estates filed from 1980 to the present. The index provides basic case status information, though actual estate documents are not available for online viewing at this time.
Requesting Probate Records
In-person requests for probate court records can be made at the Probate Court office. Standard probate court forms are available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch, and the Kershaw County Probate Court provides its own Estate Intake Packet and related forms on its website.
Probate Court Fees
The probate court fee schedule covers a range of services:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 + $0.50 per page |
| Research fee | $5.00 |
| Filing fee | $25.00 |
| Notice to creditors | $120.00 (payable to The Chronicle Independent) |
| Summons and complaint or petition | $150.00 |
| Petition to sell real estate in aid of assets | $150.00 |
| Filing/indexing will only + publication fee | $10.00 + $79.53 |
| Probate of will only | $25.00 |
| Recording authenticated/certified copies | $20.00 |
| Issuing certified/exemplified copies | $20.00 + $0.50 per page |
| Reopening closed estates | $22.50 |
| Special/successor/temporary fiduciary appointment | $22.50 |
| Annual return (conservator) | $10.00 |
| Demand for notice | $5.00 |
Estate court costs are calculated on a sliding scale based on the total gross estate value, ranging from $25.00 for estates under $5,000 to $845.00 on the first $600,000 plus 0.25% of amounts above $600,000. Small estate affidavit fees range from $17.50 to $72.50 depending on estate value.
The Probate Court periodically hosts free probate process workshops at the Kershaw County Government Center, providing an overview of estate procedures and forms. The Probate Court cannot provide legal advice, but SC Legal Services may be able to assist qualifying individuals.