Court records in Beaufort County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. BeaufortCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, visit the Beaufort County Clerk of Court office in person, or use public terminals available at the courthouse. Additional record types — including property filings and criminal histories — are maintained by separate county and state offices.
Beaufort Court System & Jurisdictions
Beaufort County is part of South Carolina's Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types:
- Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions & Court of Common Pleas) — General Sessions handles felony criminal cases, while Common Pleas covers civil matters exceeding the magistrate court's jurisdictional limit, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real property actions. The Clerk of Court maintains records for both divisions.
- Magistrate Court — Hears minor criminal offenses (penalties up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine), civil cases up to $7,500, and preliminary hearings. The Beaufort County Magistrate Court also processes summons and warrants. Note that under S.C. Code § 22-5-110, arrest warrants are now issued only to law enforcement.
- Family Court — Handles divorce, child custody and support, alimony, adoption, domestic abuse protective orders, and juvenile matters. Many Family Court records are restricted or sealed, particularly those involving minors.
- Probate Court — Manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitments.
- Traffic Court — Traffic violations are generally heard in Magistrate Court or municipal courts. Tickets can be paid through the SC.gov traffic tickets and court payments portal.
Federal cases involving Beaufort County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, with the nearest division in Charleston or Beaufort.
Beaufort Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Beaufort County are managed by each court division. Here is how to find scheduled hearings:
- Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas) — Court term schedules and docket calendars are typically posted by the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit or available through the Clerk of Court's office. Contact the Clerk of Court directly to confirm upcoming hearing dates for a specific case.
- Magistrate Court — Call the Beaufort County Magistrate Court to ask about daily and weekly calendars. Hearing notices are also mailed to parties.
- Family Court — Schedules are coordinated through the Family Court office at (843) 255-5660. Calendars for Family Court are not always posted publicly online due to the sensitive nature of many cases.
- Probate Court — Contact the Beaufort County Probate Court for hearing schedules on estate and guardianship matters.
For same-day or next-day hearing information, calling the appropriate court office is the most reliable method. The SC Judicial Department Public Index may also show case status and scheduled dates for some case types.
How to Get a Copy of a Beaufort Court Document
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's official seal and signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, and official use.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the seal. They work for personal reference or informal review.
How to Request Documents
- Online — Search for case information through the SC Judicial Department Public Index. Some documents can be viewed online, though certified copies usually require an in-person or mail request.
- In person — Visit the Beaufort County Clerk of Court at the address below. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate records quickly.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, document type, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment (check or money order payable to the Beaufort County Clerk of Court).
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public:
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoption records
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Some Family Court filings involving minors
For Family Court records such as divorce filings, child custody, or adoption documents, contact Beaufort County Records Management or the Family Court office at (843) 255-5660.
Other Record Types
- Property records — Deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are searchable through the Beaufort County Register of Deeds public search.
- Criminal history — Statewide criminal records checks are available through SLED CATCH for a $25 fee.
- Inmate information — Use the Beaufort County Detention Center Inmate Inquiry System for individuals currently held locally, or the SC Department of Corrections inmate search for state inmates.
- FOIA requests — Additional government records may be obtained through the Beaufort County FOIA request process.
Beaufort Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Beaufort County are set by South Carolina statute and the Clerk of Court's office. The following table lists common fees. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page | Plus certification fee; contact Clerk for exact total |
| Certification fee | $0.50–$1.00 | Per certification seal applied (per S.C. Code § 8-21-310) |
| Uncertified copy | $0.25–$0.50 per page | Standard photocopy rate |
| Record search (by Clerk staff) | Varies | Some searches are free at public terminals; staff-assisted searches may incur a fee |
| SLED criminal background check | $25.00 | Non-refundable; via SLED CATCH |
| Register of Deeds — recording fee | Varies by document type | Contact Register of Deeds |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Court generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. For online traffic ticket payments, use the SC.gov payment portal and select Beaufort County. Ask the Clerk's office about credit or debit card acceptance for other services, as policies may vary.
Fee amounts are based on South Carolina public records statutes and Clerk of Court schedules. Always verify current fees before submitting payment, especially for large or complex document requests.