Richland County Court Records Search
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Richland County encompasses the state capital of Columbia and is one of South Carolina’s largest and most active judicial districts. All court operations within the county fall under the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Richland County Clerk of Court is responsible for filing and maintaining records generated by the Circuit Court’s civil, criminal, and family divisions. A separate Probate Court and a network of Magistrate Courts round out the system, each maintaining their own case files. For anyone attempting to obtain court documents—whether for a background check, a pending legal matter, or personal records—this guide covers the specific offices, procedures, online tools, and fees involved.
South Carolina’s court system provides several ways to find case information. The South Carolina Judicial Branch maintains online databases accessible to the public, local clerk offices handle in-person and mail requests, and public access terminals are available at courthouses. The statewide resource at SouthCarolinaCourts.us can also help users identify publicly available case records for Richland County and other jurisdictions across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Richland County?
The most direct way to search Richland County court records is through the South Carolina Judicial Branch’s Case Records Search portal. This free tool lets anyone run queries by party name, case number, county, court type, or action reason without registering for an account. For Richland County specifically, the Judicial Branch also maintains a dedicated Public Index that allows searches filtered to cases filed within the county.
Online Search Steps
- Visit the SC Judicial Branch Case Records Search page.
- Select “Richland” as the county or enter a known case number.
- Enter the first and last name of the party you are researching.
- Optionally narrow results by date range, case type, or action reason.
- Review docket entries, filing dates, and case status information displayed in the results.
In-Person Searches
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Clerk of Court’s office inside the Richland County Judicial Center. Staff can assist with locating case files and producing copies. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have available—party names, approximate filing dates, and case numbers all help speed up the search.
Richland County Clerk of Court
Address: 1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 576-1950
Fax: (803) 576-1785
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2766, Columbia, SC 29202
Copy fees apply when requesting reproductions of court documents. The Clerk’s office also accepts requests by mail; include all known case details, a return address, and payment for applicable fees. For questions about specific departments, the Clerk of Court directory maintained by the SC Judicial Branch lists current contact information for every county clerk statewide.
Are Court Records Public in Richland County?
South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Title 30, Chapter 4 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, grants the public a broad right to inspect, copy, and receive records held by government bodies, including the courts. Court records in Richland County—pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, docket sheets, and related filings—are generally available for public review.
Several categories of records are exempt from disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile records – Files involving minors adjudicated in Family Court are confidential under South Carolina law and are not accessible through public portals.
- Sealed or expunged records – Cases that a judge has ordered sealed, or criminal records that have been formally expunged, are removed from public view.
- Sensitive personal information – Records containing details that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy may be withheld or redacted. This includes certain information in sexual assault cases.
- Trade secrets and privileged materials – Attorney-client communications and proprietary business information contained in filings are exempt.
- Active law enforcement records – Documents whose release could jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation may be withheld until the matter is resolved.
The statewide Case Records Search database will not display statutorily exempt information. Individuals who need access to restricted records—such as their own sealed case—should consult an attorney or contact the appropriate court division directly.
Richland County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Richland County are divided between two levels of court. Felonies and serious offenses are prosecuted in the Court of General Sessions, which is a division of the Circuit Court. Misdemeanor and lower-level criminal charges are handled by the Magistrate Courts, which operate as summary courts throughout the county.
General Sessions Court Records
The General Sessions division maintains records of warrants, indictments, sentence sheets, bond papers, and other criminal filings for cases within its jurisdiction. The Criminal Records department is located on the 4th floor of the Richland County Judicial Center.
To request copies of felony-level criminal records:
- Visit the Criminal Records department at 1701 Main Street, 4th Floor, Columbia, SC 29201.
- Alternatively, mail your request to: Richland County Clerk of Court, Attn: Criminal Records, P.O. Box 2766, Columbia, SC 29202.
- General Sessions pleadings can also be filed electronically by emailing gsfilings@richlandcountysc.gov.
Expungement order payments must be made by postal money order or cashier’s check payable to Richland County Clerk of Court.
Full Criminal Background Checks
The Clerk of Court’s office does not maintain Magistrate Court records. Because misdemeanor-level charges are kept separately by each magistrate’s office, the Clerk cannot perform a comprehensive “certified records check”. For a full statewide criminal background report, contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) at (803) 737-9000 or submit a request through the SLED CATCH system. The standard fee for a SLED background check is $25.
Arrest Records
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department maintains arrest records for crimes investigated within the county. Their office is located at 5623 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Persons held after arrest are booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
Searching Criminal Cases Online
Criminal docket information is available through the SC Judicial Branch Case Records Search. Search by defendant name or case number. Results include charges, court dates, and case disposition where available. Note that sealed, expunged, and certain sensitive records will not appear in online results.
Richland County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Richland County is heard by the Court of Common Pleas, which is the civil division of the Circuit Court. This court handles cases involving contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, foreclosures, and other non-criminal actions. Civil matters involving amounts of $7,500 or less fall under the jurisdiction of the Small Claims division of Magistrate Court, while the Master-in-Equity handles non-jury civil matters exceeding $7,500 by referral.
Filing Fees for Circuit Court Civil Cases
The South Carolina Judicial Branch sets Circuit Court filing fees statewide. Key rates include:
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil case filing | $150 |
| Foreign judgment | $100 |
| Transcript of judgment (Federal/Magistrate) | $35 |
| Lis pendens (without complaint) | $10 |
| Confession of judgment | $10 |
| Reinstatement of permanently revoked license | $200 |
| Appeals from Probate/Magistrate/Administrative bodies | $150 |
No filing fee is required for post-conviction relief cases, criminal appeals from Magistrate Court, cases filed in forma pauperis, or cases where the attorney is working under a legal aid society or the SC Pro Bono Program.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case files can be searched online through the Case Records Search portal or the Richland County Public Index. Both allow free lookups by party name, case number, and date range. To request copies in person, visit the Clerk of Court office at the Richland County Judicial Center (1701 Main Street, Room 205, Columbia, SC 29201) with a valid photo ID and relevant case details. Copies can also be requested by mail to P.O. Box 2766, Columbia, SC 29202.
Court forms for Common Pleas filings are available through the SC Judicial Branch forms page, and the Richland County website maintains a dedicated Common Pleas forms section.
Richland County Family Court Records
The Richland County Family Court handles domestic relations matters, including divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship of minors, domestic violence protective orders, juvenile proceedings, and name changes. The Clerk of Court manages the administrative functions for this division.
Richland County Family Court
Address: 1701 Main Street, 1st Floor West Wing, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 576-3320
Fax: (803) 576-3347
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 192, Columbia, SC 29202
Filing Fees and Forms
There is a $150 filing fee to initiate any new case in Family Court. The court does not provide generic fill-in forms for divorce, separate maintenance, child custody, or adoption matters. Self-represented parties should consult the USC Law Library for guidance on required documents or seek legal counsel. Court staff can provide limited assistance with specific situations such as visitation enforcement or child support order compliance, but they cannot offer legal advice. Attorney referrals are available through the South Carolina Bar.
Domestic Violence Protection
Individuals seeking protection from domestic abuse can visit the Family Court office and request to file Domestic Abuse paperwork. A judge may issue a restraining order against the offending party. The Sistercare organization maintains an office inside the Family Court building and can provide additional assistance.
Searching Family Court Records
Family Court case information can be searched through the SC Judicial Branch Case Records Search database. However, access to certain records—particularly those involving juveniles, adoptions, and sealed domestic matters—is restricted by statute. Parties to a case or their attorneys may request copies through the Clerk’s office. Search fees and per-page copy charges apply.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Richland County are issued by the Probate Court. Certified copies of completed marriage certificates can be requested from either the Probate Court or through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Same-day service may be available at the Probate Court for marriages processed within the county. Bring photo identification and any relevant details about the marriage when making your request.
Divorce Records
Copies of divorce decrees can be obtained at the Family Court or the Probate Court in Richland County. For divorces finalized between July 1962 and December 2016, records may also be available through SCDHEC at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Requesters must complete a Vital Records Divorce Application Form, which can be submitted by mail or in person.
Birth and Death Records
Birth records after 1915 and death records are maintained by SCDHEC. The Richland County Health Department retains limited-information copies, with death records available only for the most recent five years. Requests for certified birth and death certificates should be directed to SCDHEC’s Vital Records office.
Richland County Probate Court Records
The Richland County Probate Court has jurisdiction over the administration of decedent estates, trust and estate litigation, guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated persons, involuntary mental health and substance abuse commitments, and the issuance of marriage licenses. Judge Amy McCulloch presides over the court.
Richland County Probate Court
Address: 1701 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 576-1961
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 288, Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Note: If using UPS for delivery, send to the physical address, as USPS will not accept UPS mailings at a P.O. Box.
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court offers an online search tool for existing estates. Searches can be conducted by party name, case number, file date, or case type (civil, estate, guardianship, trusteeship). Richland County also offers Subscription Data Services for fee-based online access to detailed deed and estate records. In-person requests can be made at the Probate Court with valid identification.
Estate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees are set by SC Code of Laws §8-21-770 and vary based on estate value:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $0–$4,999 | $25.00 |
| $5,000–$19,999 | $45.00 |
| $20,000–$59,999 | $67.50 |
| $60,000–$99,999 | $95.00 |
| $100,000–$599,999 | $95.00 + 0.15% of amount over $100,000 |
| $600,000 and above | $845.00 on first $600,000 + 0.25% of excess |
Small Estate Affidavit Fees (includes $5.00 certification fee):
| Estate Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $100 or less | $17.50 |
| $101–$4,999.99 | $30.00 |
| $5,000–$19,999.99 | $50.00 |
| $20,000–$45,000 | $72.50 |
Additional Probate Court Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies per page | $0.50 |
| Search fee | $3.00 |
| Certified copies | $5.00 |
| Filing demand for notice | $5.00 |
| Filing of a will only | $10.00 |
| Conservatorship accounting | $10.00 |
| Exemplified/authenticated copies | $20.00 |
| Reopening closed estates | $22.50 |
| Application for special administrator | $22.50 |
| Successor personal representative application | $22.50 |
| Will-only advertising fee | $35.00 |
| Notice to creditors advertising fee (required by state law) | $55.00 |
| Any summons, complaint, or petition | $150.00 |
Estate Filing Packets
The Probate Court provides downloadable packets based on the type of matter:
- Full Estate Packet – For estates where the decedent owned real property or total probate assets exceed $45,000.
- Small Estate Packet – For estates without real property and total probate assets under $45,000.
- Will Probate Only – When the decedent left a will but there are no probate assets to transfer.
Probate forms and terms are available on the Richland County website. The court also offers free workshops for attorneys, paralegals, and the general public to explain probate procedures and required forms. Attorneys attending these workshops pay a $30 registration fee and receive 2.75 hours of CLE credit.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
The Probate Court handles petitions for guardianship and conservatorship of both incapacitated adults and minors. Detailed information about filing procedures for guardians and conservators is available on the court’s website. Contact the Deputy Clerk of Probate at (803) 576-1984 or email dearden.andrew@richlandcountysc.gov for questions about the process.