Court records of Kershaw County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. KershawCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be viewed through official state court system online portals, directly at the clerk of court's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a detailed overview of the court system, hearing calendars, document retrieval procedures, and current fees.
Kershaw Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Kershaw County, each handling specific categories of cases. Knowing where to go is half the battle.
Circuit Court is the main court of general jurisdiction. It handles felony criminal cases, large civil lawsuits (over $7,500), and appeals from lower courts. Family matters—divorce, custody, alimony—also fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court through a separate Family Court Division.
- Magistrate Court handles minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors with penalties up to 30 days or fines up to $500), civil claims up to $7,500, and issues search and arrest warrants.
- For claims up to $7,500, a simplified Small Claims procedure is available, which is part of the Magistrate Court.
- Probate Court deals with estate matters, wills, guardianships, and involuntary commitments.
- Traffic violations typically fall under the Magistrate Court or the Municipal Court if the violation occurred within city limits.
Records for each court are maintained by the respective clerk. For the Circuit Court and Family Court, it is the Clerk of Court of Kershaw County. The Magistrate Court maintains its own registry.
Kershaw Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out what hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or this week, use the South Carolina Judicial Department's public index. This portal allows you to search for cases by party name or case number and view the schedule for Kershaw County courts.
Here are some practical tips:
- Open the portal and select Kershaw County from the list.
- Enter the last name or case number—the system will show the status, date of the next hearing, and the assigned judge.
- If you need information for a specific week, call the clerk's office—they will confirm the current schedule.
The calendars for the Circuit Court and Family Court are also published on the Fifth Judicial Circuit's page. Magistrate courts often post the schedule directly in the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Kershaw Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways—personally, by mail, or through the online portal.
Certified copies bear the official seal of the clerk and are suitable for submission to other institutions. Uncertified copies are regular photocopies, sufficient for review. Certification costs more, so determine in advance which option you need.
In person: visit the Clerk of Court at the address below. Bring identification and know the case number or full name of the party.
By mail: send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and type of document. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee amount. A response usually arrives within 7–10 business days.
Online: through the public index, you can view the case registry and some documents. Downloading certified copies may require a separate request to the clerk.
Marriage and divorce records filed in South Carolina can also be ordered through the State Department of Public Health.
If you are interested in inmate information, use the Department of Corrections inmate search. For individuals under probation or parole supervision, use the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services database. Data on registered sex offenders is available in the SLED public registry.
Kershaw Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in South Carolina are established according to state law (including S.C. Code § 8-21-310 and related provisions). Specific amounts may vary—confirm the current rate with the clerk before payment.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (per request) | Free through the public portal; manual search by clerk—confirm cost |
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 |
| Certified copy | $1.00–$3.00 for the first page, additional for each subsequent page |
| Document certification (seal) | $1.00 per document |
| Criminal background check through SLED (CATCH) | From $25.00 |
Payment at the clerk's office is accepted in cash, money order, or check. Some fees can be paid by credit or debit card—ask upon inquiry. For a criminal history check through the SLED CATCH system, payment is made online.
Remember: juvenile cases, certain family matters, and materials sealed by court order are not public. The clerk will deny issuance of such documents without a corresponding court order.