Lancaster County Court Records Search

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    Lancaster County, located in the north-central region of South Carolina with its county seat in the city of Lancaster, falls within the state’s 6th Judicial Circuit. The county’s court system includes the Circuit Court — with its Criminal (General Sessions), Civil (Common Pleas), and Family Court divisions — as well as the Probate Court, Magistrate’s Court, and several municipal courts. The Clerk of Court provides administrative support to the Circuit Court divisions, while the Probate Judge oversees probate matters independently. Court records generated across these courts include complaints, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, warrants, docket entries, and exhibits.

    Individuals looking for court records in Lancaster County, South Carolina, can use several resources to locate case information. Official clerk offices, the state judiciary’s online case records system, and public access portals each offer different levels of access. SouthCarolinaCourts.us may help users find publicly available court case information and navigate the state’s judicial system. The Clerk of Court’s Office and Probate Court in Lancaster also accept in-person, mail, phone, and online requests for records.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Lancaster County?

    The method for finding a Lancaster County court case depends on the type of case and the court that handled it. Criminal matters (General Sessions), civil lawsuits (Common Pleas), and family law cases are managed through the Clerk of Court’s Office. Probate matters are handled by the Probate Court. Magistrate-level offenses and traffic violations go through the Magistrate’s Court.

    Court Locations and Contact Information

    Lancaster County Clerk of Court
    Address: 104 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
    Mailing: P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721
    Civil Court Phone: (803) 285-1581
    Family Court Phone: (803) 285-6961
    Fax: (877) 220-4138
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

    Lancaster County Probate Court
    Address: 104 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
    Mailing: P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721
    Phone: (803) 283-3379
    Fax: (877) 636-7961
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

    Lancaster County Magistrate’s Court
    Address: 761 Highway 9 Bypass East, Lancaster, SC 29720
    Mailing: P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29720
    Phone: (803) 283-3983
    Fax: (877) 636-7977
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

    Lancaster Municipal Court
    Address: 405 East Arch Street, Lancaster, SC 29720
    Mailing: P.O. Box 1149, Lancaster, SC 29721
    Phone: (803) 285-7622
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Note that the Lancaster County Courthouse is a secure facility. Purses, backpacks, bags, electronic devices (other than cellphones), lighters, and weapons of any kind — including knives, nail clippers, and sharp instruments — are prohibited.

    Online Case Searches

    The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains the Case Records Search system, which provides access to the Public Index for Lancaster County. Through this portal, users can search criminal (General Sessions), civil (Common Pleas), and some municipal court records by name or case number.

    For family court records specifically, the state’s Family Court Public Access Portal allows searches by first, middle, and last name. Users can select “Lancaster” from the location dropdown and filter by role, case category, and filing dates.

    Probate court records can be searched through the South Carolina Probate Search page by selecting “Lancaster” from the county menu and entering a case number or party name.

    FOIA Requests

    Lancaster County processes public records requests under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Requests should be submitted through the county’s NextRequest portal or by mail to Lancaster County, Attn: FOIA, P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721, or by fax at (877) 241-5430. The county charges fees for search, retrieval, and redaction based on the hourly rate of the lowest-paid qualified employee, plus copy costs of $0.23 per black-and-white page.

    Are Court Records Public in Lancaster County?

    Court records in Lancaster County are generally public under South Carolina law. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (SC Code § 30-4-10 et seq.) provides that records prepared, owned, used, or retained by public bodies are open for inspection and copying. Section 14-5-10 of the South Carolina Code further supports public inspection of circuit court records.

    However, several categories of court records are restricted or sealed:

    • Adoption records — Sealed and not available for public inspection
    • Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are confidential under state law
    • Personal information — Data that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy is exempt
    • Law enforcement investigation records — Files that could interfere with a prospective proceeding or reveal confidential sources
    • Sealed records — Cases ordered sealed by the court
    • Proprietary records — Documents of a proprietary nature
    • Privileged communications — Attorney-client and other legally privileged materials
    • Records endangering safety — Information whose disclosure could endanger a person’s life

    Lancaster County will provide an initial response to a FOIA request within ten business days, or within twenty business days if the records are more than 24 months old. Under SC Code § 30-2-50(A), personal information obtained from government agencies cannot be used for commercial solicitation.

    Lancaster County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Lancaster County are prosecuted in the General Sessions division of the Circuit Court, which handles felony charges. The Magistrate’s Court processes misdemeanor offenses and conducts preliminary hearings, bail bond hearings (held twice daily at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM), and bench trials for magistrate-level cases. The 6th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, reachable at the Lancaster office at (803) 416-9367, handles prosecutions.

    Searching Criminal Case Records Online

    Criminal records from General Sessions can be searched through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search by selecting Lancaster County. Some Magistrate Court records are also available in the Public Index. The Magistrate’s Court allows online ticket payments for eligible offenses, though payments must be made at least 24 hours before a scheduled court date.

    Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office

    The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and detention facility records. Contact details:

    Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
    Address: 1520 Pageland Highway, Lancaster, SC 29720
    Phone: (803) 283-3388
    Fax: (877) 636-7980
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

    The Sheriff’s Office also operates substations in Indian Land (1821 Sandal Brook Road, Indian Land, SC 29707) and Kershaw (113 North Hampton Road, Kershaw, SC 29067).

    Incident reports from the preceding 14 days are available for public inspection during business hours at the sheriff’s office without a written request. For older records or specific requests, submit a FOIA request through NextRequest (select Sheriff Office). Sheriff’s Office FOIA fees are $25 per hour for search, retrieval, and redaction, plus $0.22 per page for copies.

    The Sheriff’s Office provides an online detention center inmate search tool where users can look up current and recent inmates by name, subject number, booking number, booking date, or facility. Results display demographic information, mugshots, booking history, bond details, and charge descriptions.

    SLED Criminal History Search

    The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) operates the CATCH System, which allows name-based criminal record searches for South Carolina convictions only. The fee is $15 per search.

    Lancaster County Civil Court Records

    Civil lawsuits in Lancaster County are filed in the Common Pleas division of the Circuit Court. The Magistrate’s Court handles civil cases up to $7,500. The Clerk of Court’s Office at 104 North Main Street maintains all circuit-level civil case records, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, and judgments.

    Searching Civil Records

    Civil case records can be searched through the South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search by selecting Lancaster County and searching by name or case number.

    Obtaining Copies

    To obtain official copies of civil court documents, individuals can visit the Clerk of Court’s Office during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM) or submit a FOIA request. Copy fees apply — black-and-white copies are $0.23 per page through the FOIA process, and additional charges for search and retrieval time may be assessed at the Clerk of Court’s hourly rate of $50.25.

    Property Records

    Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real estate documents are maintained by the Lancaster County Register of Deeds, Phone: (803) 416-9440, open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Register provides an online land records search where users can look up documents by grantor/grantee name, book and page, or file number. Property tax information can be researched and paid through the Lancaster County Treasurer’s online portal.

    Lancaster County Family Court Records

    Family Court in Lancaster County handles divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, domestic violence protection orders, adoption, and other family-related proceedings. The Family Court division operates out of the Lancaster County Courthouse and can be reached at (803) 285-6961, Fax: (866) 491-1204

    Divorce Records

    Divorce decrees and dissolution case files are maintained by the Clerk of Court and can be obtained in person or through the online case search tools. The Family Court Public Access Portal allows users to search family court records by party name with Lancaster selected as the county. Filters for role, case category, and filing date ranges help narrow results.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses in Lancaster County are issued by the Probate Court. Applicants must complete the online marriage application and schedule an appointment — both parties must appear in person. Required documents include a valid photo ID and a Social Security card or Resident Alien Identification Card. Fees are $75 for South Carolina residents and $90 for out-of-state residents. A 24-hour waiting period applies after the application is completed.

    To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate, individuals can request one from the Probate Court in person, by phone, or by mail:

    • In person: Visit 104 North Main Street, Lancaster, SC 29720 — $5 per certificate
    • By phone: Call (803) 283-3379 — $6 per certificate (credit card required)
    • By mail: Complete the marriage certificate request form, include a money order or certified check for $5 payable to Lancaster County Probate Court, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to: Lancaster County Probate Court, P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721

    Child Custody, Support, and Domestic Violence

    Child custody, support, and domestic violence protection order cases are handled through Family Court. Records from these proceedings can be searched through the Family Court Public Access Portal. The South Carolina Department of Social Services client portal provides payment information and hearing dates for individuals paying or receiving child support.

    Adoption Records

    Adoption proceedings are confidential. Once finalized, adoption case files are sealed and cannot be accessed without a court order.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death records for events occurring in South Carolina are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). Birth records become publicly available 100 years after the date of birth, and death records become public 50 years after the date of death. Prior to those periods, access is restricted to the individual named, immediate family, and legal representatives.

    Certificates can be requested online, by phone, in person, or by mail through the DPH. The standard search fee is $12 (non-refundable), which includes one certified copy if the record is found. An expedited option costs $17 with faster processing. Detailed instructions for obtaining birth certificates and death certificates are available on the DPH website.

    Lancaster County Probate Court Records

    The Lancaster County Probate Court has jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianship and conservatorship appointments for minors and incapacitated adults, mental health and involuntary commitments, and approval of minor and wrongful death settlements. The Probate Court also issues marriage licenses.

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate case records can be searched online through the South Carolina Probate Search page. Select “Lancaster” from the county dropdown and search by case number or party name (last name, first name, middle name). A wildcard search using the % sign is also supported.

    Opening an Estate

    The Probate Court provides resources for individuals navigating the estate process, including an overview of probating an estate, a small estate affidavit form, and a checklist of documents to bring when opening an estate. Additional court forms are available through the South Carolina Judicial Branch website.

    Probate Court Fees

    The Probate Court publishes a detailed fee schedule covering estate fees (regular estates and conservatorships), small estate and affidavit of collection fees, miscellaneous fees, and wedding-related fees. Key fees include:

    • Certified marriage certificates: $5 each
    • Special certificates: $10
    • Certifying appeal record: $10
    • Re-issued blank forms: $0.25 per page

    Requesting Copies

    Copies of probate records can be obtained by visiting the Probate Court at 104 North Main Street during business hours, by calling (803) 283-3379, or by mail to P.O. Box 1809, Lancaster, SC 29721. A drop box labeled “Probate Court” is available inside the courthouse lobby and is checked twice daily by staff.

    Probate records typically include the will (if one was filed), the petition to open the estate, letters testamentary or of administration, inventories, accountings, creditor claims, and final closing orders. Guardianship and conservatorship files contain the petition, appointment order, and required periodic reports. While most probate records are publicly accessible, records involving minors — including guardianship cases and minor settlements — may be confidential and accessible only to parties with court authorization.