Greenville County Court Records

This guide explains how court records work in Greenville County, South Carolina — which courts hear which cases, who holds the records, and how to search and order copies. It covers the practical steps for using the statewide public index and requesting certified documents.

How Courts Are Structured in Greenville County

Court records in Greenville County, South Carolina are spread across several courts, each handling different types of cases. Knowing which court heard a matter tells you which office keeps the file.

Court of Common Pleas — the state trial court for civil cases (lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury, and similar matters).
General Sessions Court — the state trial court for criminal cases, including felonies and serious misdemeanors.
Family Court — handles domestic matters such as divorce, custody, and support (see the sibling Divorce Records page for that topic).
Magistrate and Municipal Courts — handle lower-level matters such as small claims, traffic, and local ordinance cases.

The Greenville County Clerk of Court maintains records for the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions. The South Carolina Judicial Branch operates a statewide system that ties many of these courts together for public searching.

Which Office Holds Which Records

Matching your request to the right custodian saves time. Based on the confirmed roles for Greenville County:

Greenville County Clerk of Court — civil and criminal case files for the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions.
South Carolina Judicial Branch — provides a statewide public index for court case searches across participating courts.
Greenville County Register of Deeds — records deeds, mortgages, plats, and other real property documents (covered in more detail on the Property Records page).
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records — issues birth and death certificates (see the Vital Records page).

If you are unsure which court handled a case, the statewide public index is often the best starting point because it can point you toward the correct county and court.

Using the Online Case Search

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a statewide public index for court case searches. This is the primary free tool for finding case information in Greenville County without visiting a courthouse.

What you can typically search by

Party name (plaintiff, defendant, or petitioner)
Case number, if you already have it
County and court type

Search results generally show case numbers, party names, charge or case type, filing dates, and the status or disposition of the case. The exact fields displayed and any date-range limits should be confirmed on the South Carolina Judicial Branch site, as online systems change.

A note on accuracy

Online indexes are summaries. For the complete, official record — including motions, orders, and exhibits — you may need to contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court directly. Remember that an arrest or a criminal charge shown in the index is not a conviction; always read the disposition before drawing any conclusion.

Public Records vs. Sealed or Restricted Records

Most court records in South Carolina are open to the public, but certain categories are restricted or sealed by law or court order. Common examples of restricted material include juvenile records, some family court matters, adoption files, expunged cases, and records sealed by a judge.

If a case does not appear in the public index, it may be sealed, expunged, or filed in a court not fully covered by the online system. The specific rules on what is public and what is confidential are set by South Carolina law and court policy; confirm any borderline situation with the Greenville County Clerk of Court or the South Carolina Judicial Branch.

This information is provided for general research only. Court records should not be used to make decisions about employment, housing, credit, or insurance.

Ordering Certified Copies

When you need an official document — for example, a certified copy of a judgment or a criminal disposition — you generally request it from the office that holds the record. For Common Pleas and General Sessions cases, that is the Greenville County Clerk of Court.

Typical steps

Identify the case number and the names of the parties.
Contact the Greenville County Clerk of Court to confirm whether the request can be made in person, by mail, or online.
Provide the required identifying details and specify that you want a certified (rather than plain) copy.
Pay the applicable copy and certification fees.

Fee amounts, accepted payment methods, and turnaround times are set by the Clerk of Court and are not published here. Because these details change, confirm the current fees and procedures directly with the Greenville County Clerk of Court before sending payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I search Greenville County court cases online?

Use the statewide public index provided by the South Carolina Judicial Branch. It covers court case searches across participating courts, including those in Greenville County.

Who keeps the actual case files?

The Greenville County Clerk of Court maintains records for the Court of Common Pleas (civil) and General Sessions (criminal). Contact that office for full files and certified copies.

How much does a certified copy cost?

Certified copy and certification fees are set by the Greenville County Clerk of Court. The amount is not listed here — confirm the current fee schedule and payment options directly with the Clerk's office.

Does a case in the index mean someone was convicted?

No. An entry in the court index reflects a filing or charge, not a conviction. Always check the case disposition, and remember an arrest or charge is not proof of guilt.

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Greenville County Court Records

How Courts Are Structured in Greenville County

Which Office Holds Which Records