York County Court Records Search

York County sits in the northern part of South Carolina, bordering North Carolina, and includes the cities of Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and the town of York—the county seat. The county falls within the 16th Judicial Circuit, and its courts handle a substantial volume of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters each year. The York County Clerk of Court, currently the Honorable Angie M. Bryant, serves as the custodian of records for both the Circuit Court and the Family Court, and also functions as the Register of Deeds. Court proceedings take place across multiple facilities, including the Joseph R. Moss Justice Center in York, the York County Family Court Courthouse in Rock Hill, and various magistrate offices spread throughout the county.

Individuals looking for court case information in South Carolina have several avenues to pursue. The South Carolina Judicial Branch operates free online case search tools, and local clerk offices accept walk-in and mail requests for record copies. Courthouse public access terminals are also available at certain locations. The statewide resource at SouthCarolinaCourts.us may help users locate publicly available case data for York County and other South Carolina jurisdictions.

How to Look Up a Court Case in York County?

York County court records can be searched online, in person, or by mail. The method that works best depends on the type of case, how much identifying information you have, and whether you need certified copies.

Online Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a free Case Records Search portal covering all counties in the state. To search York County records:

Navigate to the SC Judicial Branch case search page.
Select York County from the county map or the list on the right side of the page.
Enter the party’s name, a case number, or a tax map number.
Narrow results using optional filters such as case type, date range, or action reason.
Review docket entries, party information, filing dates, and case status.

York County also has a county-specific Public Index search page that allows lookups by case number, tax map number, or party name.

In-Person Records Requests

Walk-in requests are accepted at the following Clerk of Court locations during business hours:

Common Pleas (Civil Division)
Address: 1675 York Highway, York, SC 29745
Phone: (803) 684-8507
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

General Sessions (Criminal Division)
Address: Moss Justice Center, 1675 York Highway, Suite 1G, York, SC 29745
Phone: (803) 628-3036
Fax: (803) 628-3133
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Bring a valid photo ID and as much case detail as possible—party names, approximate dates, and case numbers all help staff locate the correct file. A records check from the Common Pleas division costs $10 and requires photo identification.

Mail Requests

Written requests for copies of court records can be sent to:

York County Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 649
York, SC 29745

Include the full names of all parties, the case number if known, the type of document requested, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment for copy fees should be enclosed as a check or money order payable to the York County Clerk of Court.

Are Court Records Public in York County?

South Carolina law establishes a broad right of public access to court records. Under Section 30-4-30(A)(1) of the South Carolina Code of Laws—part of the state’s Freedom of Information Act—documents held, produced, or filed by the courts constitute public records and are available for inspection and copying.

Certain categories of court records are statutorily exempt from public disclosure. These include:

Adoption records – Sealed by statute and accessible only by court order.
Juvenile delinquency records – Confidential under Sections 63-7-1990 and 63-19-2020 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Guardianship termination of parental rights records – Access is restricted.
Sealed case files – Any record a judge has ordered sealed requires a court order to access.
Records identifying confidential informants – Exempt to protect safety and ongoing investigations.
Alcohol and drug treatment commitment records – Protected health information.
Income tax returns, hospital medical staff reports, and scholastic records – Exempt by statute when included in court filings.

Courts may also redact specific data elements from otherwise public records. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personally identifiable information are routinely removed before records are released to the public. If disclosure of a record would endanger the life or safety of an individual named in the file, access may be denied entirely.

York County Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases in York County are heard by the Court of General Sessions, the criminal division of the Circuit Court. General Sessions handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. The court operates out of the Moss Justice Center in York.

Moss Justice Center – General Sessions
Address: 1675 York Highway, Suite 1G, York, SC 29745
Phone: (803) 628-3036
Fax: (803) 628-3133
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 649, York, SC 29745

Criminal records maintained by the Clerk of Court include warrants, indictments, sentence sheets, bond papers, and other filings related to General Sessions cases. The York County General Sessions docket is available online through the Public Index system.

Searching Criminal Records Online

The SC Judicial Branch Case Records Search covers criminal filings in York County. Users can search by defendant name or case number to view docket entries, charges, and case status.

Important Limitation on Criminal Records Checks

The Clerk of Court’s office does not maintain records for charges handled by Magistrate Courts. Magistrate-level offenses—typically misdemeanors and minor criminal matters—are kept by the individual magistrate offices. Because of this, the Clerk’s office cannot perform a comprehensive certified criminal records check.

Statewide Criminal Background Checks Through SLED

For a full criminal history report, individuals must contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED maintains the statewide criminal records database and offers both online and mail-based requests.

To request a criminal background check by mail:

Complete the Criminal Records Check Form.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Enclose a $25.00 non-refundable fee by business check, cashier’s check, certified check, or money order.
Mail everything to:

SLED Records Department
P.O. Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398

Per state law, complete criminal records—including arrest and conviction details—are accessible only to the individual named in the records and to law enforcement agencies.

Arrest Records

The York County Sheriff’s Office maintains records of arrests and investigations conducted within the county. The Sheriff’s Office is located at the Moss Justice Center, 1675-2A York Highway, York, SC 29745 (phone: (803) 628-3059). York County also operates a Bond Court at the Moss Justice Center that handles initial appearances and bond hearings 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (phone: (803) 628-3095).

York County Civil Court Records

Civil matters in York County are adjudicated by the Court of Common Pleas, the civil division of the Circuit Court. Common Pleas has jurisdiction over lawsuits involving contract disputes, personal injury, property damage, landlord-tenant issues, and other non-criminal actions.

Common Pleas Division
Address: 1675 York Highway, York, SC 29745
Phone: (803) 684-8507
Fax: (803) 684-8575
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 649, York, SC 29745
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Circuit Court Filing Fees

The South Carolina Judicial Branch sets statewide filing fees for Circuit Court civil actions:

Action	Fee
New civil case	$150
Foreign judgment	$100
Transcript of judgment (Federal/Magistrate)	$35
Lis pendens (without complaint)	$10
Confession of judgment	$10
Reinstatement of revoked driver’s license	$200
Appeals from Probate/Magistrate courts	$150

No filing fee is required for post-conviction relief cases, cases filed in forma pauperis, cases where the attorney works under a legal aid society, or cases remanded on appeal from higher courts.

Small Claims

Civil disputes involving smaller dollar amounts are handled by the Magistrate Courts. York County operates seven magistrate offices throughout the county. Small claims cases can be filed at the magistrate court serving the area where the dispute arose. Key magistrate locations include:

Catawba-Ebenezer (Rock Hill): 529 South Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 – Phone: (803) 909-7600
Fort Mill: 114 Springs Street, Fort Mill, SC 29715 – Phone: (803) 547-5572
Bethel/Kings Mountain (Clover): 201 South Main Street, Clover, SC 29710 – Phone: (803) 675-6040
York/Bethesda: Moss Justice Center, 1675 York Highway, Suite 1D, York, SC 29745 – Phone: (803) 628-3029

All magistrate offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Searching Civil Records Online

York County civil case records can be searched through the Public Index search page. Searches are available by case number, tax map number, or party name. Documents that are not statutorily exempt are viewable through this portal.

York County Family Court Records

The York County Family Court has jurisdiction over divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, visitation, paternity, adoption, name changes, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile matters. The court is housed in a dedicated facility in Rock Hill.

York County Family Court
Address: 1555 West Main Street, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Phone: (803) 909-7100
Fax: (803) 909-7140
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mailing Address: P.O. Drawer 11746, Rock Hill, SC 29731

Family Court Filing Fees

The SC Judicial Branch publishes a statewide Family Court fee schedule. The most common filing fees include:

Action	Fee
Divorce, annulment, or separate support	$150
Child custody / visitation	$150
Child support (including modification)	$150
Adoption (domestic or foreign)	$150
Name change / correction of birth record	$150
Paternity	$150
Registration of foreign divorce decree	$100

No filing fee is required for DSS abuse and neglect actions, juvenile delinquency matters, orders of protection from domestic abuse, or cases filed through a legal aid organization.

Forms for Self-Represented Parties

The York County Family Court provides downloadable packets for individuals filing without an attorney:

Searching Family Court Records

Family Court case information can be searched online using the Family Court Public Access portal. Copies of filed documents can be obtained in person at the Family Court office or through a written request mailed to the court. The copy fee is $0.50 per page. Older records—those 20 years or older—may require additional processing time. The Family Court does not perform record checks.

Requests for Family Court transcripts must be submitted in writing to the South Carolina Judicial Department.

Family Court records involving juveniles are confidential under Sections 63-7-1990 and 63-19-2020 of the South Carolina Code of Laws and are not available to the general public.

Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage licenses in York County are issued by the Probate Court (see below). Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $5 each and can be requested in person at the Probate Court, by mail with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, or online at southcarolinaprobate.net.

Divorce decrees for cases filed in York County are maintained by the Clerk of Court. Certified copies of divorce reports for divorces decreed between July 1962 and December 2022 are available through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). Applicants must complete an application form and present a valid government-issued photo ID. A certified copy costs $17. Only the divorced parties, their adult children, a present or former spouse of either party, or their legal representative may request a divorce report.

Birth and Death Records

Certified birth certificates (for births after 1915) and death certificates are available from SCDHEC. The local contact point is:

York County Complex – SCDHEC
Address: 1070 Heckle Boulevard, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (803) 909-7300

Certified copies of either certificate cost $17 and are available to the registrant (age 18+), parents listed on a birth certificate, legal guardians, or immediate family members of a deceased registrant. Applicants should bring a valid photo ID and may need to complete an application form.

York County Probate Court Records

The York County Probate Court oversees estate administration, will probate, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, minor settlements under $25,000, and the issuance of marriage licenses. Judge Carolyn Woodruff presides over the court.

York County Probate Court
Address: Moss Justice Center, 2nd Floor, 1675 York Highway, York, SC 29745
(Note: The Historical Courthouse at 2 S. Congress Street is closed for renovations indefinitely.)
Phone: (803) 684-8513
Fax: (803) 684-8536
Email: probate2@yorkcountygov.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 219, York, SC 29745
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Due to the high volume of filings, appointments are required for all estate and guardianship/conservatorship administrations as well as marriage license applications. Call (803) 684-8513 or email the court to schedule.

Searching Probate Records Online

York County Probate Court estate records from 1975 to present are available online at southcarolinaprobate.net. Users can search by decedent name or case number. Documents may be viewed free of charge and printed for $2.00 per document. The database is updated every evening. When searching by name, the spelling must match exactly as it appears in the estate record.

Estate files are also accessible on public computers at two physical locations: the Register of Deeds office in the Government Center at 6 South Congress Street, York, and the Clerk of Court’s office on the second floor of the Historical Courthouse at 2 South Congress Street, York.

Marriage License Fees and Requirements

All applicants must appear in person. The marriage license fee is $50, payable by cash, check, or money order. Couples who have completed a qualifying premarital preparation counseling course may be eligible for a $50 non-refundable state income tax credit under SC Code §20-1-230. A 24-hour waiting period applies before the license is issued. The license is valid only for ceremonies performed in South Carolina.

Certified copies of previously issued marriage licenses cost $5 each. Requests can be made in person, by mail (include both applicants’ names, date of marriage, $5 fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope), or online through southcarolinaprobate.net.

Estate Filing

Appointments for estate openings should be scheduled by calling (803) 684-8513. The court will provide a Court Information Sheet to complete before the appointment. Judge Woodruff holds monthly informational sessions regarding inventory preparation at Moss Justice Center at 10:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month—no appointment is needed.

Involuntary Commitments

Involuntary commitment proceedings for mental health or substance abuse must be initiated through the appropriate agency rather than directly through the court:

Catawba Mental Health Center: (803) 327-2012
Keystone Substance Abuse Center: (803) 324-1800
Catawba Family Center (minors): (803) 329-3177
After-hours Mobile Crisis Line: (833) 364-2274