Court records in Anderson County, South Carolina, can be searched through several online tools and official resources. AndersonCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index for Anderson County, the Anderson County Clerk of Court's office, and public-access terminals located inside the Anderson County Courthouse.
Anderson Court System & Jurisdictions
Anderson County's court system includes several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court holds jurisdiction over a matter determines where to search for docket information.
- Court of General Sessions (Circuit Court): Handles felony criminal cases, including those carrying potential sentences of more than one year. The Clerk of Court maintains these records.
- Court of Common Pleas (Circuit Court): Hears civil cases involving amounts exceeding the magistrate court's jurisdictional limit, as well as equity matters such as foreclosures and injunctions.
- Family Court: The sole forum for divorce, annulment, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, adoption, and juvenile matters. Many family court records are restricted from public access to protect minors and families.
- Magistrate Court (Summary Court): Handles criminal cases where the penalty does not exceed 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, civil claims up to $7,500, and preliminary hearings. Magistrates also issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants, and conduct bond hearings.
- Probate Court: Oversees estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and the probate of wills.
- Municipal Courts: Cities within Anderson County (such as the City of Anderson) operate municipal courts that handle ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses within their jurisdictions.
Federal cases originating in the Anderson area are heard at the G. Ross Anderson, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse. Federal docket information is available through PACER.
Anderson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Anderson County's Circuit Courts (General Sessions and Common Pleas) and Family Court are published through the South Carolina Judicial Branch website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Anderson County Public Index.
- Search by case number or party name to view scheduled hearing dates attached to specific cases.
- For broader court term schedules, check the South Carolina Judicial Branch's court calendar section, which publishes General Sessions and Common Pleas term dates by county.
Magistrate court schedules are managed by each individual magistrate's office. Contact the relevant magistrate location directly for hearing dates and times. Family Court hearing schedules may also be confirmed through the Anderson County Family Court office.
For courthouse location details, hours, and directions, the SC Judicial Branch courthouse search for Anderson provides current information.
How to Get a Copy of a Anderson Court Document
The Anderson County Clerk of Court is the custodian of records for Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas) and maintains many Family Court records. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Anderson County Courthouse:
Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up records and provide copies while you wait for most standard requests.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of all parties
- The specific document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
Basic case information — including docket entries, charges, and disposition data — can be viewed at no cost through the Anderson County Public Index. However, downloading or printing certified copies of actual documents typically requires an in-person or mail request to the Clerk's office.
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies carry the Clerk's seal and signature, making them valid for legal proceedings, background checks, and official submissions. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference but are not accepted as official records.
Certain records are restricted from public access. Juvenile cases, sealed records, adoption files, and some Family Court matters generally cannot be obtained without a court order. Ask the Clerk whether the document you need is publicly available before submitting payment.
Anderson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Anderson County are set by South Carolina statute and Clerk of Court policy. The following table reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $1.00 per certification |
| Search fee (per name searched) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy (triple seal) | $2.00 |
Fees are established under South Carolina Code of Laws. For the full statutory framework governing public records access and associated costs, refer to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (Title 30).
Accepted payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. For traffic tickets and certain court-related payments, the SC.gov payment portal may also be an option. Contact the Clerk at (864) 260-4053 to verify accepted payment methods for your specific request.