Court records in Colleton County, South Carolina, can be searched through several channels. ColletonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also look up case details through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index, visit the Clerk of Court's office in person, or use public terminals at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro.
Colleton Court System & Jurisdictions
Colleton 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 where the amount in controversy exceeds the magistrate court's jurisdictional limit, as well as equity cases. All official court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court.
- Family Court — Handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, abuse and neglect proceedings, and juvenile matters. Many Family Court records are restricted or sealed, particularly those involving minors.
- Probate Court — Manages estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitment hearings. Probate Court payments can be made through the Colleton County Online Payments portal.
- Magistrate Court — Addresses criminal offenses carrying penalties of up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, civil claims up to $7,500, preliminary hearings, and restraining orders. Traffic violations are also commonly handled at this level.
- Municipal Courts — The City of Walterboro operates a municipal court for ordinance violations and minor criminal offenses that occur within city limits.
If you are unsure which court heard a case, start by searching the statewide Public Index or contact the Clerk of Court's office directly.
Colleton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Colleton County are published by the South Carolina Judicial Department. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index.
- Select Colleton County and the appropriate court division (Common Pleas, General Sessions, or Family Court).
- Search by party name or case number to view scheduled hearing dates.
Circuit Court term schedules — including jury weeks for General Sessions and Common Pleas — are typically posted by the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit's administrative office. You can also call the Clerk of Court's office to confirm a specific hearing date or check whether a case has been continued.
Colleton County Clerk of Court
Magistrate Court calendars are managed separately. Contact the Colleton County Magistrate Court for scheduling details. Magistrate Court fines and fees can also be paid through the Colleton County Online Payments page.
How to Get a Copy of a Colleton Court Document
The Colleton County Clerk of Court is the custodian of Circuit Court, Common Pleas, and Family Court records. You can request copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Colleton County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can look up the record and provide copies on the spot for most case types.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Online
Basic case information — including docket entries, party names, and filing dates — can be searched at no charge through the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. However, certified copies of documents still require a request to the Clerk's office.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly available, including:
- Sealed juvenile proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records expunged by court order
- Some Family Court files involving minors or abuse allegations
For certified copies of vital records such as divorce decrees, the Clerk of Court's office can provide copies of the final decree. Marriage certificates and birth or death records are obtained through the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Vital Records Division.
Historical Colleton County records may also be available through the South Carolina Archives.
Colleton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in South Carolina are established by state statute (S.C. Code § 8-21-310). The following table reflects standard Clerk of Court fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search fee (per name searched) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Certification / seal (per document) | $2.00 |
| Exemplified copy | Contact Clerk for fee |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order at the Clerk of Court's office.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Colleton County Clerk of Court."
- Online: Some court-related payments — including Probate Court and Magistrate Court fees — can be made through the Colleton County Online Payments portal.
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Clerk's office at (843) 549-5791 to confirm current amounts before mailing a request.