Greenville County Court Records
What Is Greenville County Court Records
Greenville County court records are official documents created and maintained by the various courts operating within Greenville County, South Carolina. These records document judicial proceedings, case filings, and court actions in accordance with South Carolina Code of Laws Title 30, Chapter 4 (Freedom of Information Act). Court records serve as the official history of legal proceedings and typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented in court
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The Greenville County Clerk of Court serves as the custodian of these records for Circuit and Family Courts pursuant to South Carolina Code § 14-17-510, which mandates the clerk to "have custody of the seal of the court, the records, and journals."
Greenville County Clerk of Court 301 University Ridge, Suite 5600 Greenville, SC 29601 Phone: (864) 467-8551 Greenville County Clerk of Court
Court records are maintained in both physical and electronic formats, with increasing digitization efforts to improve public accessibility while maintaining document integrity and security.
Are Court Records Public In Greenville County
Most court records in Greenville County are considered public documents in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq.) and constitutional principles of open courts. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations and exceptions as prescribed by law.
Public access to court records is governed by the following principles:
- Court proceedings are presumptively open to the public under the First Amendment and common law
- Records may be accessed through the Greenville County Public Index Search or in person at the courthouse
- Certified copies of records may be obtained for official purposes
- Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for electronic record searches
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:
- Records involving juveniles (pursuant to S.C. Code § 63-19-2010)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Certain domestic violence and abuse cases
- Expunged criminal records as provided under S.C. Code § 17-22-910
The Greenville County Solicitor's Office provides information regarding expungements, which remove eligible criminal records from public access.
How To Find Court Records in Greenville County in 2025
Individuals seeking court records in Greenville County in 2025 have multiple methods available to locate and obtain these documents. The Greenville County Clerk of Court maintains records for Circuit and Family Courts, while other courts maintain their own record systems.
To find court records in person:
- Visit the Greenville County Courthouse at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601
- Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- Bring case information including names of parties and case numbers if available
- Photo identification may be required for certain record requests
- Fees apply for copies of records ($1.00 per page for non-certified copies, $5.00 for certified copies of the first page, $1.00 for each additional page)
For electronic access:
- Use the South Carolina Judicial Branch website for statewide court information
- Access the Greenville County Public Index for local case searches
- Register for Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) access for certain court documents
For specialized court records:
- Municipal Court records: Contact City of Greenville Municipal Court at 426 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601, Phone: (864) 467-4400
- Probate Court records: Visit Probate Court at 301 University Ridge, Suite 5600, Greenville, SC 29601, Phone: (864) 467-7170
Researchers should note that some older records may not be available electronically and may require in-person research at the courthouse.
How To Look Up Court Records in Greenville County Online?
Greenville County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources allow members of the public to search for case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
The primary online resources include:
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Greenville County Public Index Search - This official portal allows users to search for Circuit Court and Family Court cases by name, case number, or filing date. The system provides basic case information including party names, case type, filing date, and case status.
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South Carolina Judicial Branch - The statewide court system website provides access to appellate court opinions, court rules, and links to county-level resources.
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City of Greenville Municipal Court - For traffic citations, municipal ordinance violations, and other cases heard in Municipal Court.
When conducting online searches, users should:
- Have specific information ready, such as full legal names or case numbers
- Be aware that certain sensitive cases may not appear in public searches
- Understand that document images may not be available for all cases
- Note that online records may not include all case documents that are available at the courthouse
For complete case files or certified copies, individuals may need to request records in person after identifying cases through online searches. The Greenville County Clerk of Court provides detailed information about obtaining official copies of records.
Can You Search Greenville County Court Records for Free?
Greenville County provides several no-cost options for searching basic court record information, though fees may apply for obtaining copies or certified documents. Free access options are available both online and in person.
Free search options include:
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Greenville County Public Index - This online database allows free searches of Circuit and Family Court cases with basic case information displayed at no charge.
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Public Access Terminals - Located at the Greenville County Courthouse (301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601), these computer terminals provide free on-site access to the electronic case management system during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM).
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In-Person Docket Review - The public may view current court dockets posted at the courthouse without charge.
Fees are assessed for:
- Printed copies of court documents ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 for first page, $1.00 each additional page)
- Records requiring extensive staff research time
- Specialized record searches requiring staff assistance
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 8-21-310, the Clerk of Court is authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records. These fees support the maintenance and operation of the court record system.
What's Included in a Greenville County Court Record?
Greenville County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings from case initiation through final disposition. The specific contents vary by case type and court, but generally include several standard components.
A complete court record may contain:
- Case caption and docket number
- Names and contact information of all parties
- Attorney information when applicable
- Initial pleadings (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Responsive pleadings (answers, motions)
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Financial information (fees, fines, restitution)
- Case notes and scheduling information
- Final disposition and sentencing details
For criminal cases, additional information may include:
- Arrest warrants and booking information
- Bond documentation
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted)
- Probation terms and compliance records
For civil cases, records may also contain:
- Summons and service documentation
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Judgment satisfaction information
- Liens and financial disclosures
Family court records often include sensitive information with restricted access pursuant to S.C. Code § 63-3-530. The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides guidance on court record content and access restrictions.
How Long Does Greenville County Keep Court Records?
Greenville County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-1-90. These schedules vary based on case type, significance, and legal requirements.
General retention periods include:
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Circuit Court Criminal Cases:
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Felonies: 15 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
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Circuit Court Civil Cases:
- Cases establishing precedent: Permanent retention
- Standard civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 10 years after final decree
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Family Court Records:
- Adoption cases: Permanent retention
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 21, then eligible for destruction
- Child support: Until youngest child reaches age 21
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Probate Court Records:
- Estate administration: 10 years after estate closing
- Guardianships/Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Wills: Permanent retention
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Municipal Court Records:
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
- Criminal cases: 10 years after disposition
Historic court records of permanent value may be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for preservation. Digital preservation initiatives are increasingly being implemented to maintain electronic records according to state standards.
Individuals seeking older records should contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court to determine availability and location of specific case files.
Types of Courts In Greenville County
Greenville County's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific types of cases as established by South Carolina law.
The primary courts operating in Greenville County include:
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Circuit Court - The court of general jurisdiction that handles major civil cases, criminal matters, and appeals from lower courts. Located at the Greenville County Courthouse, 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-8551.
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Family Court - Handles domestic matters including divorce, child custody, juvenile cases, and adoption. Located at the Greenville County Courthouse, 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-8551.
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Probate Court - Oversees estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Located at 301 University Ridge, Suite 5600, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-7170.
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Magistrate Courts - Handle minor civil cases (under $10,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and criminal cases with penalties not exceeding 30 days imprisonment or $500 fine. Multiple locations throughout the county.
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Municipal Court - Adjudicates violations of city ordinances, traffic offenses, and minor criminal matters within city limits. City of Greenville Municipal Court is located at 426 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-4400.
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Master-in-Equity - Handles non-jury civil matters referred by Circuit Court, particularly foreclosures and property disputes. Located at 301 University Ridge, Suite 3800, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-7982.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides comprehensive information about courthouse locations and services.
What Types of Cases Do Greenville County Courts Hear?
Greenville County courts adjudicate a wide spectrum of legal matters according to their statutory jurisdiction. Case assignments are determined by case type, monetary value, and potential penalties.
Circuit Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving claims exceeding $10,000
- Appeals from Magistrate, Municipal, and Probate courts
- Complex litigation and class action lawsuits
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over:
- Divorce and separation proceedings
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Adoption proceedings
- Abuse and neglect cases
- Name changes
Probate Court presides over:
- Estate administration and will probate
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Marriage licenses
- Minor settlements under $25,000
Magistrate Courts adjudicate:
- Civil disputes with claims up to $10,000
- Landlord-tenant evictions
- Criminal cases with penalties not exceeding 30 days imprisonment
- Traffic violations in unincorporated areas
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Bond hearings
Municipal Court handles:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Criminal cases with penalties not exceeding 30 days imprisonment
- Quality of life infractions
For information about specific case types and filing procedures, the South Carolina Judicial Branch provides standardized forms and instructions for various proceedings.
How To Find a Court Docket In Greenville County
Court dockets in Greenville County provide schedules of cases to be heard and proceedings that have occurred. These official listings are available through multiple channels for public access.
To access current court dockets:
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Online Access: The Greenville County Public Index provides searchable docket information for Circuit and Family Courts. Users can search by date, judge, or case type to view upcoming proceedings.
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In-Person Viewing: Current dockets are posted daily in the lobby of the Greenville County Courthouse at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601. These printed schedules are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM).
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Clerk's Office: The Greenville County Clerk of Court can provide docket information upon request. Visit Suite 5600 of the courthouse or call (864) 467-8551.
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Municipal Court Dockets: For City of Greenville cases, contact the Municipal Court at 426 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601, or call (864) 467-4400.
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Magistrate Court Dockets: Contact the specific magistrate court location handling the case. Central Magistrate Court is located at 4 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601, Phone: (864) 467-5700.
Docket information typically includes:
- Case numbers and style (names of parties)
- Scheduled date, time, and courtroom
- Type of proceeding (hearing, trial, motion)
- Presiding judge
- Attorney information when applicable
For specialized dockets such as General Sessions (criminal) or Common Pleas (civil), contact the appropriate court division directly.
Which Courts in Greenville County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Greenville County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as required by S.C. Code § 14-5-10. These "non-record" courts typically handle less serious matters and provide simplified procedures.
Courts that are not courts of record in Greenville County include:
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Municipal Court - The City of Greenville Municipal Court and other municipal courts within the county do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. While case outcomes and basic information are documented, full transcripts are not produced unless specifically requested and paid for by a party. Located at 426 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-4400.
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Magistrate Courts - These limited jurisdiction courts throughout Greenville County do not routinely create verbatim records of proceedings. Documentation includes case filings, judgments, and dispositions, but not word-for-word transcripts. The Central Magistrate Court is located at 4 McGee Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Phone: (864) 467-5700.
Key characteristics of non-record courts:
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
- Parties may arrange for court reporters at their own expense
- Audio recordings may be maintained for administrative purposes but are not official transcripts
- Written judgments and orders serve as the official record of case outcomes
For cases originating in these courts, individuals seeking to preserve a complete record of proceedings must make independent arrangements for transcription services. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of judgment pursuant to S.C. Code § 18-3-30 for magistrate court cases and § 14-25-95 for municipal court cases.
Lookup Court Records in Greenville County
Search Greenville County court records online
Access Circuit and Family Court information
Request copies of court documents
Find Municipal Court cases and payments
Locate Greenville County courthouse information