The Spartanburg County Clerk of Court office serves as the central point of recordkeeping and administration for the local judicial system. From managing Spartanburg court records to handling case filings, the office plays a role in maintaining transparency, accuracy, and accessibility within the county’s legal framework. Citizens, attorneys, and researchers often rely on the Clerk’s office to find information, submit documents, and stay informed about ongoing cases.
For residents, the office provides direct access to public documents, such as family court matters, property disputes, and criminal proceedings. Attorneys turn to the Clerk’s staff for official filings, case updates, and court scheduling, which are critical for representing their clients effectively. Researchers and journalists often depend on accurate records to track legal trends and provide insights into how the local justice system functions. The Clerk’s office acts as a bridge between the courts and the community, making sure records are maintained and accessible.
Role and Responsibilities of the Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in South Carolina plays a central role in keeping the judicial system organized and accessible. This office manages records, oversees administrative duties, and ensures that court operations move smoothly. In Spartanburg County, the duties of the Clerk of Court cover a wide range of responsibilities, all of which support judges, attorneys, and citizens who rely on accurate court information. The position is one of trust, as the Clerk is elected by voters and serves as the official custodian of many important legal documents.
Key Duties in Court Administration
The main responsibility of the Clerk of Court is record-keeping. This includes filing court cases, maintaining accurate dockets, and safeguarding original documents. The office also collects and distributes fees, fines, and restitution payments, making sure financial transactions related to cases are handled properly. Jury management is another important duty. The Clerk organizes jury pools, summons citizens, and ensures fair selection processes for trials. By handling these administrative tasks, the office allows judges to focus on legal decisions rather than paperwork.
The Clerk of Court also provides public access to case records. People searching for information about civil lawsuits, family court matters, or criminal proceedings often start with this office. While not every record is available to the public, the Clerk makes sure that documents allowed under law can be reviewed or obtained when needed.
How the Office Supports the Judicial System
Every function of the Clerk’s office ties directly to the efficiency of the court system. Without accurate filing, cases could be delayed or mishandled. Without careful management of jury duties, trials could face setbacks. By staying organized and consistent, the Clerk supports the fairness and transparency of the courts. The office also serves as a connection between citizens and the justice system, answering questions, offering copies of records, and guiding people through processes like paying fines or filing motions.
In family court, the Clerk manages cases related to divorce, custody, and child support. In criminal court, the office records indictments, maintains evidence lists, and documents trial outcomes. This broad scope makes the Clerk’s role one of the most important in keeping the court system accessible and dependable for the public.
Differences Between the Clerk of Court, Probate Court, and Register of Deeds
Although these offices are sometimes confused, each serves a different purpose. The Clerk of Court handles most civil, criminal, and family court records. Probate Court, on the other hand, focuses on wills, estates, and guardianships. If someone passes away and their assets need to be distributed, Probate Court is where those cases are managed. The Register of Deeds is responsible for property-related records, such as deeds, mortgages, and plats. If you buy a home or need proof of property ownership, that office is where the record will be filed.
Accessing Court Records
Court records in Spartanburg County are open to the public unless restricted by law. Many residents need these documents for personal, legal, or professional purposes. Whether checking the status of a case, obtaining proof of a judgment, or reviewing family court filings, the Clerk of Court provides several ways to access records. Options include visiting the office in person, searching online portals, or requesting certified copies when official verification is required.
In-Person Access
For those who prefer face-to-face service, court records can be reviewed at the Clerk of Court’s office in Spartanburg County. The office is located at the main courthouse, and staff are available during regular business hours to assist with record searches. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID, as identification is often required to access certain records or request copies.
In-person access allows users to speak directly with staff, which can be helpful when dealing with complex requests. Staff can guide visitors to the correct division—civil, family, or criminal—and explain which documents are available for review. Some older records may only be accessible in physical form, making an office visit the only option. For those who need accurate, detailed information, an in-person visit ensures nothing is overlooked.
Online Access
Spartanburg County also provides online tools for searching court records. These digital portals allow residents to look up case details without visiting the courthouse. Users can search by case number, party name, or type of case. This makes it easy to check case status, review filings, or confirm hearing dates.
While online access is convenient, it does have limitations. Not every document is available digitally, especially sensitive records such as juvenile cases or sealed files. Some older records may not be entered into the system, requiring an in-person request. Users should also note that while online information is updated regularly, it may not always reflect the most recent filings or orders until processed by staff. For complete and official records, contacting the Clerk’s office directly remains the best option.
Certified Copies
In many situations, certified copies of court records are required instead of regular copies. A certified copy bears an official seal and signature from the Clerk of Court, verifying its authenticity. These are often necessary for legal proceedings, government applications, property transfers, or situations where proof of authenticity is demanded.
Filing Documents at the Clerk of Court
Filing legal documents is one of the most important functions handled by the Clerk of Court in Spartanburg County. Whether someone is starting a lawsuit, requesting changes in a family case, or submitting criminal motions, the Clerk’s office serves as the central filing hub. Knowing the correct process helps avoid delays and ensures documents are properly recorded in court records. Below are the main areas of filings and what residents should expect.
Civil Case Filings
Civil cases include disputes between parties over contracts, property, or damages. To begin, a plaintiff files a complaint with the Clerk of Court. The step-by-step process usually includes:
- Prepare documents – Complete the required complaint or petition forms.
- Check filing fees – Fees vary based on case type. Payments can typically be made by cash, card, or check.
- Submit to Clerk’s office – Documents must be delivered in person or mailed to the courthouse.
- Receive a case number – Once accepted, the Clerk assigns a case number and places the filing into the official docket.
- Service of process – The opposing party must be officially notified, often through the sheriff or certified mail.
Deadlines are critical in civil filings. Missing a statute of limitations or court-imposed deadline can cause a case to be dismissed. The Clerk’s staff cannot provide legal advice, but they do make sure forms are filed correctly and fees are recorded.
Family Law Filings
Family court filings cover sensitive issues such as divorce, child custody, and support. The filing process usually starts with submitting a petition or complaint to the Clerk. For divorce cases, the paperwork includes the complaint, summons, and a cover sheet identifying the type of case. Custody requests and child support modifications require additional forms detailing the requested changes.
Once documents are filed, the Clerk schedules hearings and records any orders issued by the judge. Adoption filings and guardianship petitions may also pass through the Clerk before being handled in specialized hearings. For many residents, family law filings represent major life changes, making accuracy and timeliness especially important.
Criminal Case Filings
In criminal matters, the Clerk’s office receives and processes motions, warrants, and appeals. Motions may involve requests for bond changes, evidence review, or trial delays. Arrest warrants and indictments are filed and kept in the official records, ensuring a clear history of the case.
When a defendant appeals a conviction, the Clerk prepares the record for transfer to an appellate court. This includes compiling transcripts, evidence lists, and prior orders. By carefully handling these documents, the Clerk guarantees that higher courts have the materials needed to review the case. The criminal filing process is often time-sensitive, so documents must be submitted before strict deadlines to remain valid.
Probate and Guardianship Filings
Although most probate matters are handled directly by the Probate Court, the Clerk of Court does play a limited role in some filings. Probate cases typically involve wills, estates, and conservatorships. Residents usually go to Probate Court for these filings, but the Clerk’s office may provide general information or direct individuals to the proper division.
Jury Duty in Spartanburg County
Jury duty is an important civic responsibility, and the Clerk of Court plays a central role in managing the process in Spartanburg County. Potential jurors are selected randomly from voter registration and driver’s license records to create a fair and diverse pool. Once chosen, residents receive a summons in the mail with instructions about when and where to report.
The Clerk of Court oversees every step of jury administration. This includes preparing summonses, maintaining jury lists, and coordinating with judges to schedule panels. When jurors arrive at the courthouse, the Clerk’s staff checks them in, provides orientation, and helps organize the selection process. This ensures trials have qualified jurors available and that the process runs smoothly.
Fees and Payment Options
Court users often want clarity on what costs to expect before filing or requesting documents. The Spartanburg Clerk of Court fees vary depending on the type of case and the service needed. Civil filings, such as lawsuits or small claims, have different charges compared to criminal or family law matters. For example, starting a civil action usually carries a filing cost, while family law cases like divorce petitions or custody actions may involve separate charges. Criminal filings are often set by statute, and those amounts may differ depending on the level of offense.
Filing Fees for Different Case Types
Filing fees are set based on the type of case being brought before the court. Civil cases, including lawsuits, small claims, and property disputes, have their own filing costs. Family law matters such as divorce, custody, or support actions also require payment at the time of filing. Criminal filings may be established by law and can vary depending on whether the case involves a misdemeanor or a felony. Knowing the correct filing cost in advance helps prevent rejected filings or delays in processing.
Costs for Certified Copies and Other Services
Apart from filings, many court users request certified copies of important documents. Certified copies of judgments, orders, deeds, or marriage records are charged by the page, with an extra fee for the official seal. Copies made for personal use, without certification, usually cost less. Other services, such as record searches, transcript preparation, or document retrieval, are priced separately depending on the scope of the request. These fees are in place to cover administrative processing and clerical work.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Spartanburg Clerk’s office provides several payment options for convenience. Accepted methods usually include cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks. Many offices also allow credit or debit card payments, though a processing fee may apply. Personal checks may be limited in certain situations, such as criminal fines or bond payments, to avoid complications. To save time, court users should verify which payment methods are currently accepted before visiting the office or mailing in a request.
Why Knowing Fees Matters
By being aware of Spartanburg court filing costs and payment methods, both residents and legal professionals can manage their cases more smoothly. Having the right amount ready reduces wait times, avoids rejected filings, and makes the process far more efficient. Clear knowledge of court costs ultimately helps citizens budget properly and approach their legal matters with confidence.
Contact Information for the Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court’s main office is located at 180 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 inside the Spartanburg County Courthouse. This central office serves residents for filings, certified copies, and case-related inquiries.
Phone Numbers for Specific Divisions
Different divisions maintain separate phone lines to connect callers directly with the right staff. Civil and family court matters are directed to the civil division, while criminal inquiries are handled through the criminal division line. Jury questions often go to a dedicated phone number, ensuring citizens reach the correct department without delay.
Email or Online Contact Options
For convenience, the Clerk’s office provides email support and online forms through the county’s official website. These digital options allow residents to request information, submit questions, or follow up on case details without needing to appear in person.
Office Hours
The Clerk of Court’s office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays. Visiting during office hours ensures access to staff for filings, payments, and certified record requests.
Requesting Information Under FOIA
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in South Carolina gives citizens the right to request access to certain government records, including those kept by the Clerk of Court. This law is designed to promote transparency and public trust while allowing residents to review documents related to court operations, financial records, and other non-confidential matters. It helps ensure accountability while protecting sensitive information.
How FOIA Applies to Clerk of Court Records
FOIA covers many records maintained by the Clerk of Court, but not every document is available. Publicly accessible information often includes administrative records, budgets, and non-restricted filings. Case records that are already considered public, such as some civil or property filings, may also be accessed through a FOIA request.
Records Accessible vs. Restricted
Certain records remain restricted because of privacy or legal protections. Examples include juvenile files, adoption cases, sealed court orders, and records involving confidential medical or financial details. Criminal investigations that are still open may also be withheld until the matter is resolved. This balance allows the public to access information while safeguarding the privacy rights of those involved.
Submitting a Formal FOIA Request
To obtain documents, a formal FOIA request must be submitted to the Clerk of Court’s office. Requests are usually made in writing and should clearly identify the records sought. Providing specific details, such as case numbers, dates, or document titles, helps staff locate the information more quickly. Requests can often be submitted by mail, email, or in person, depending on the county’s procedures. Some requests may require a processing fee, particularly if copies or extensive searches are involved. The Clerk’s office typically has a set period of time to respond, as defined by state law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court do?
The Clerk of Court manages and preserves official court records for Spartanburg County. This includes civil, criminal, and family court filings, jury management, and maintaining case dockets. The office also provides certified copies, collects fees, and ensures that all records are accessible as allowed by law.
Can I search my case online?
Many case records are available online through the county’s case search system. Citizens can often look up civil, criminal, and family court cases by entering a name, case number, or filing date. Some records may be restricted due to privacy rules, so not every case will appear in the public search results.
How do I get certified copies of court records?
Certified copies can be requested directly from the Clerk’s office. These are official documents with a seal confirming authenticity. Requests may be made in person, by mail, or through online forms if available. Fees are charged per page, with an additional cost for certification.
What are the Clerk of Court’s office hours?
The Spartanburg Clerk of Court’s office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays. During these hours, staff assist with filings, payments, record requests, and jury inquiries.
Does the Clerk handle probate cases?
No, probate cases are handled by the Probate Court, not the Clerk of Court. Matters such as wills, estates, and guardianships fall under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court, which has its own office and procedures.
Where can I pay filing fees?
Filing fees are paid directly to the Clerk of Court’s office at the courthouse. Some divisions may accept online or mailed payments, but in-person payments are most common. Accepted methods usually include cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, and debit or credit cards.
Can the Clerk’s office give me legal advice?
No, the Clerk of Court’s staff cannot provide legal advice. They can explain filing procedures, office policies, and costs, but they cannot interpret the law or recommend legal strategies. For legal advice, you should consult a licensed attorney.
How do I request a transcript of a court hearing?
Transcript requests must be made through the court reporter assigned to the case. The Clerk’s office can help provide contact details for the appropriate reporter. Transcript costs are based on the length of the hearing and preparation time.