Orangeburg County Court Records Search
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Orangeburg County belongs to South Carolina’s First Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Calhoun and Dorchester Counties. The county seat is the City of Orangeburg, where the main courthouse complex and most court offices are concentrated. Trial-level proceedings are divided among the Circuit Court (handling General Sessions criminal matters and Common Pleas civil matters), the Family Court, the Probate Court, three regional Magistrate Courts, and several municipal courts serving incorporated towns across the county. The Orangeburg County Clerk of Court is the custodian of Circuit Court and Family Court records, while the Probate Court and Magistrate Courts maintain their own files independently.
Individuals looking for South Carolina court records have several avenues to explore. The South Carolina Judicial Branch operates statewide case-search tools covering circuit, family, and summary court dockets. SouthCarolinaCourts.us may also assist users in locating publicly available case information. Beyond online databases, records can be accessed in person at the relevant clerk’s office, through public access terminals at the courthouse, or by submitting written requests by mail. The specific steps depend on which court handled the case and the type of record involved.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Orangeburg County?
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides two primary online search tools covering Orangeburg County cases:
- Public Index – A free database that allows searches of General Sessions (criminal), Common Pleas (civil), and some municipal court records filed in the First Judicial Circuit. Users can search by party name, case number, or other criteria. Note that as of January 2026, home addresses are no longer displayed on the public index for new or existing cases.
- Summary Court Dockets – Covers magistrate and municipal court filings, including traffic cases and small claims matters.
Family Court records can be searched separately through the Judicial Branch’s Family Court Case Records portal. Appellate-level case records are available through the C-Track Public Access system.
In-Person Searches
Visitors can review case files at the Orangeburg County Clerk of Court’s office during business hours. The office is located in the courthouse complex and provides assistance with locating records in its filing system.
Orangeburg County Clerk of Court
Address: 151 Docket Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Mailing: P.O. Box 9000, Orangeburg, SC 29116
Phone: (803) 533-6260
Fax: (803) 534-3848
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Requesting Copies
Copies of court records maintained by the Clerk of Court are available at $0.50 per page. Requests can be made in person, by phone, or by mail. Written requests should include the case number or party names, the specific documents needed, and return contact information. Certified copies from the Probate Court cost $5.00 per certification.
Are Court Records Public in Orangeburg County?
South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code § 30-4-10 et seq.) establishes a presumption that records created, maintained, or possessed by public bodies—including courts—are open to inspection and copying. Any person may request access without stating a reason.
Certain categories of court records are either exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Sealed records – Cases or documents sealed by court order are removed from public view and cannot be disclosed except by further court order.
- Expunged records – Under S.C. Code § 17-1-40 and related statutes, criminal records that have been expunged are not public documents and are exempt from disclosure.
- Juvenile records – Pursuant to S.C. Code § 63-19-2010, records of all cases brought before the Family Court involving juveniles are confidential. They are available only to authorized parties, including the juvenile, parents, legal counsel, law enforcement, and certain agencies.
- Adoption records – Files related to adoption proceedings are sealed and inaccessible to the general public.
- Domestic violence and harassment filings – Certain records associated with protective order cases carry access restrictions.
- Personal identifiers – Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, financial account numbers, PINs, and passwords must not be included in publicly filed documents unless required by law. Individuals may request that the Clerk of Court or Register of Deeds redact such information from online records at no charge; the request must be in writing and must specify the page containing the information to be redacted.
Records containing partially exempt information may still be released after the restricted portions are removed.
Orangeburg County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Orangeburg County are prosecuted through the General Sessions division of the Circuit Court, part of the First Judicial Circuit. Felony cases, drug offenses, and serious misdemeanors are heard in the main courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse at 1406 Amelia Street (also accessed via 151 Docket Street), Orangeburg.
Searching Criminal Case Records
The Public Index for Orangeburg County provides free online access to General Sessions docket entries, including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. For copies of filed documents such as indictments, plea transcripts, or sentencing orders, contact the Clerk of Court at (803) 533-6260.
Magistrate Court Criminal Matters
Lower-level criminal offenses carrying penalties of up to $500 in fines and 30 days in jail are handled by the Magistrate Courts. Traffic violations from county law enforcement, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and SC Transport Police are heard at the Central Region office. Magistrate court is a summary court—proceedings are not recorded in the same manner as Circuit Court cases. Docket information is searchable through the Summary Dockets portal.
| Magistrate Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Central Region | 1540 Ellis Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29116 | (803) 533-5879 |
| Eastern Region | 8423 Old State Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059 | (803) 496-9533 |
| Western Region | 6357 Savannah Highway, Neeses, SC 29107 | (803) 247-2011 |
Additional Central Region phone numbers for specific courts: Traffic Court (803) 533-5848, Criminal Domestic Violence Court (803) 533-5844, Civil Court (803) 533-5879, Preliminary Hearing Court (803) 268-2956.
Traffic fines can be paid online with credit cards via the online payments portal. Personal checks are not accepted; money orders or certified checks are required for mailed payments.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) maintains the state’s criminal history repository. Name-based criminal background checks are available through the CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories) online database for $25 per search plus a $1 convenience fee. CATCH returns South Carolina criminal history data only. Charitable organizations approved by SLED may qualify for a reduced $8 fee. Requests can also be submitted by mail using the SLED CATCH form.
Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office
Arrest records, incident reports, and local law enforcement records are maintained by the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office:
Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 1520 Ellis Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29118
Phone: (803) 531-4647
Contact the Sheriff’s Office directly for copies of incident reports or to inquire about specific arrest records.
Orangeburg County Civil Court Records
Civil lawsuits in Orangeburg County are divided between the Circuit Court’s Common Pleas division and the Magistrate Courts, depending on the dollar amount at issue.
- Circuit Court (Common Pleas) – Handles civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $7,500, as well as equity matters, foreclosures, and appeals from lower courts.
- Magistrate Court – Has civil jurisdiction when the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500. Cases include defaulted debts, landlord-tenant disputes, property claims, and restraining orders.
A free guide to the Magistrate’s Court, prepared by the SC Bar’s Young Lawyers Division, explains small claims procedures and is available on the county website.
Circuit Court Filing Fees
Filing fees for new civil cases in the Circuit Court are set statewide by the South Carolina Judicial Branch:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil cases (Common Pleas) | $150.00 |
| Foreign judgments | $100.00 |
| Transcript of judgment from Federal or Magistrate Court | $35.00 |
| Lis pendens (without summons and complaint) | $10.00 |
| Reinstatement of permanently revoked license | $200.00 |
No filing fee is charged for answers, returns, or responsive pleadings filed by defendants (S.C. Code § 8-21-310(12)), cases filed in forma pauperis, or cases handled through legal aid organizations with written attorney certification.
Obtaining Civil Records
Civil case docket information can be searched through the Public Index. For document copies, submit a request to the Clerk of Court at 151 Docket Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Copies cost $0.50 per page.
Property and Land Records
Deeds, mortgages, plats, and other recorded property documents are maintained by the Orangeburg County Register of Deeds:
Register of Deeds
Address: 151 Docket Street, Room 108, Orangeburg, SC 29115 (also listed as 190 Gibson Street for some correspondence)
Phone: (803) 533-6235
Fax: (803) 533-2354
Property records can also be searched online through the Orangeburg County Register of Deeds website.
Orangeburg County Family Court Records
South Carolina’s Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, annulment, separate support and maintenance, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, adoption, termination of parental rights, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile delinquency matters. In Orangeburg County, Family Court sessions are held on the second floor of the courthouse complex at 151 Docket Street.
Orangeburg County Family Court
Address: 151 Docket Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Mailing: P.O. Box 9000, Orangeburg, SC 29116
Phone: (803) 533-6260
Fax: (803) 534-3848
Family Court Filing Fees
Family Court filing fees are uniform statewide:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, annulment, separate support and maintenance | $150.00 |
| Child custody and visitation actions | $150.00 |
| Child support or modification of support | $150.00 |
| Adoption (domestic and foreign) | $150.00 |
| Paternity actions | $150.00 |
| Name change and correction of birth record | $150.00 |
| Registration of foreign divorce decree (no custody/support) | $100.00 |
| Protection from domestic abuse | No fee |
| Juvenile delinquency actions | No fee |
| DSS abuse and neglect actions | No fee |
Payment is accepted in cash, cashier’s check, or money order at the Clerk of Court’s office.
Access Restrictions
Family Court records carry significant confidentiality protections. Divorce records, child custody files, and related domestic matters are generally restricted to the parties involved, their legal representatives, and their adult children. Juvenile delinquency records are confidential under S.C. Code § 63-19-2010 and are accessible only to authorized individuals. Adoption files are sealed.
Marriage Licenses and Certificates
Marriage licenses are issued by the Orangeburg County Probate Court. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification, a Social Security card (or alien identification number), and a cash payment of $60.00. South Carolina law mandates a 24-hour waiting period from the time of application before the license is issued. Marriage ceremonies performed at the Probate Court cost $150.00 for both county residents and non-residents and are available by appointment only.
Certified copies of previously filed marriage licenses cost $5.00 each. To request a copy by mail, complete the Request for Certified Copy of Marriage License form and mail it with payment (check or money order) to:
Orangeburg County Probate Court
Marriage License Division
P.O. Box 9000
Orangeburg, SC 29116
Phone: (803) 533-6281
Birth and Death Records
Vital records are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Certified copies of birth certificates cost $12.00, and death certificates cost $12.00, with each additional copy at $3.00. Applicants must submit the appropriate application—birth certificate application or death certificate application—along with a valid photo ID and payment to:
Office of Vital Records
South Carolina DHEC
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Records from 2005 forward can also be obtained locally at SCDHEC’s Orangeburg County office at 1550 Carolina Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29116, Phone: (803) 533-7236
Orangeburg County Probate Court Records
The Orangeburg County Probate Court has jurisdiction over estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitment matters. The court shares jurisdiction with the Circuit Court and Family Court on certain case types. Probate Judge Pandora Jones-Glover has served since her initial appointment and has been elected in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Orangeburg County Probate Court
Address: 190 Gibson Street, Orangeburg, SC 29116
Mailing: P.O. Box 9000, Orangeburg, SC 29116
Phone: (803) 533-6284 (main) / (803) 533-6280 (judge’s office)
Fax: (803) 533-6279
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Probate Court Fee Schedule
The Probate Court publishes a detailed fee schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition filing fee (new estate, guardianship, conservatorship) | $150.00 |
| Will filed only (no estate opened) | $25.00 |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per certification |
| Exemplified copies | $20.00 |
| Photocopies | $0.50 per page |
| Research fee | $10.00 |
| Filing of creditor’s claim | $5.00 |
| Final estate accounting | $5.00 |
| Conservator annual accounting | $10.00 |
| Notice to creditors | $68.60 |
| Subsequent administration / successor representative | $22.50 |
| Certifying appeal record | $10.00 |
| Hearing petition to sell real estate in aid of assets | $150.00 |
| Demand for notice | $5.00 |
| Filing/indexing estates from other counties (certified) | $20.00 |
| Filing/indexing estates from other states (exemplified) | $20.00 |
| Reopening due to Rule 4 | $150.00 |
How to Access Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through the court’s Search Public Records link on the county website. In-person requests are accepted at 190 Gibson Street during business hours. Written requests can be mailed to P.O. Box 9000, Orangeburg, SC 29116.
The Probate Court also offers virtual workshops to assist individuals opening or closing an estate. Tickets for the Opening Workshop and Closing Workshop can be obtained from the court’s website. A Family Settlement Agreement form is also available for download.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Petitions for guardianship over incapacitated adults or minors, and for conservatorship of estates, are filed with the Probate Court. The initial filing fee is $150.00. Annual accountings for conservatorships carry a $10.00 fee. The court has jurisdiction over mental health commitments and protective placements as well.