The Greenville County Clerk of Court handles the filing and management of legal documents for the county, covering civil and criminal cases, public records, and court-related forms. This office also manages fee collection, fine payments, and provides essential support for attorneys, self-represented litigants, and the public seeking official records. It ensures that all filings comply with South Carolina laws and maintains accurate, up-to-date court records.
This page covers everything the Clerk of Court offers, including case filings, records, forms, fees, payment methods, locations, and contact details, and it is an essential resource for anyone needing accurate information or services from Greenville County’s judicial system; Greenville County Court plays a key role by giving residents a clear point of reference for filings, forms, and essential guidance, helping visitors quickly find filing procedures, obtain necessary forms, and access information about fees or fines efficiently.
What is the Greenville County Clerk of Court?
The Greenville County Clerk of Court is the official responsible for managing court records and supporting the day-to-day operations of local courts. Led by Clerk Jay Gresham, the office ensures smooth administration of legal processes through clerk services, document filing, and records management.
The Clerk’s Office provides comprehensive administrative services to both the Circuit Court—which includes Common Pleas and General Sessions—and the Family Court. This includes overseeing case filings, scheduling court proceedings, and maintaining accurate legal documents. By managing dockets, the office ensures that judges, attorneys, and the public have timely access to necessary information.
Key Responsibilities of the Clerk of Court
The office handles a variety of critical functions that keep Greenville County’s legal system organized and efficient:
- Case Filings: Receiving and processing new legal cases, from civil suits to criminal matters.
- Document Filing and Legal Paperwork: Accepting and maintaining legal documents, including petitions, motions, and other filings.
- Docket Management: Scheduling hearings, tracking case progress, and updating court calendars.
- Jury Management: Coordinating jury selection and notifications for trials.
- Record Preservation: Safeguarding historical and current court records in secure systems.
- Public Records Access: Providing information to authorized parties while ensuring compliance with state rules.
- Courtroom Support: Assisting judges and court staff during proceedings to maintain efficient court operations.
By handling these tasks, the Clerk’s Office acts as the backbone of court administration, ensuring that Greenville County’s judicial process runs smoothly and efficiently. The office serves as a central hub for filings and records management, supporting both legal professionals and the community.
Court Divisions Served by the Clerk’s Office
The Greenville County Clerk of Court serves multiple court divisions, ensuring all filings, records, and proceedings run smoothly. The office manages both civil and criminal cases as well as sensitive family law matters, providing support to judges, attorneys, and the public.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court in Greenville County handles a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Civil case filings often involve personal injury claims, contract disputes, property disagreements, and other civil controversies. On the criminal side, the court addresses both felonies and misdemeanors, including Common Pleas and General Sessions cases.
The Clerk’s office plays a critical role in maintaining court operations:
- Accepting filings: All complaints, petitions, and motions are filed and logged for accurate records.
- Maintaining records: Pleadings, judgments, and orders are preserved as part of the official criminal case records and civil case files.
- Docket management: Scheduling hearings, tracking case progress, and coordinating with judges and attorneys.
- Jury services: Assisting with jury selection, summons distribution, and administration.
By keeping records organized and accessible, the Clerk’s office ensures that attorneys, defendants, and the public can efficiently interact with the court system. Accurate record-keeping also supports appeals, legal research, and public transparency.
Family Court
Family Court in Greenville County manages cases that involve family relationships and minors. Common family law filings include divorce, child custody and support, adoption, and juvenile docket matters such as delinquency cases.
The Clerk’s office is responsible for:
- Secure record-keeping: Sensitive family matters are treated with confidentiality to protect privacy.
- Processing filings: Petitions, motions, and orders are logged, scheduled, and maintained according to state regulations.
- Coordinating court operations: Supporting judges and attorneys while handling notifications and documentation.
Greenville County Family Court balances public record transparency with the need for discretion in private cases. Proper administration of filings ensures legal processes run smoothly while maintaining the trust and safety of those involved.
Key Services in Family Court Greenville:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Divorce & Separation | Processing filings, orders, and decrees |
| Child Custody & Support | Maintaining records and scheduling hearings |
| Adoption | Logging petitions and ensuring compliance with state law |
| Juvenile Delinquency | Handling juvenile dockets with confidentiality |
The Clerk of Court provides essential support across all divisions, maintaining orderly operations and ensuring cases progress efficiently, whether in civil, criminal, or family matters.
Key Services Provided by Clerk of Court
The Greenville County Clerk of Court provides essential services that keep the judicial system running smoothly, from filing legal documents to managing public records, court schedules, and financial matters.
Case and Document Filings
The Clerk accepts a variety of court forms and legal paperwork, such as summonses, complaints, answers, motions, and pleadings, and ensures that civil cases include the required initial filing fee and coversheet for proper processing.
Records Management & Public Records Access
The office maintains detailed case files and a public index, allowing individuals to submit a public records request to access copies of documents for legal, personal, or professional use.
Certified & Non‑Certified Copies, Exemplifications
Clerk staff provide both certified and non-certified copies of court records, including sealed and attested documents, with fees applied for certified copies and exemplifications when needed for out-of-state or official legal purposes.
Jury Administration & Docket Scheduling
The Clerk manages jury lists and coordinates court calendars, scheduling hearings and trials while ensuring jurors are notified and courtrooms operate on schedule for efficient court administration.
Courtroom Support & Transcripts
Working with court reporters, the Clerk ensures accurate transcripts of hearings and trials are available upon request, while clarifying that the office does not provide legal advice but supports the proper documentation of proceedings.
Fee Accounting & Financial Services
The office oversees clerk accounting, collecting filing fees, fines, and court-ordered payments such as child support, then disbursing funds and maintaining detailed financial records for all court-related transactions.
Greenville County Clerk Services Explained
The Greenville County Clerk of Court provides essential services for residents, attorneys, and businesses, including filing cases, obtaining records, and managing court payments. Below is a step-by-step guide for common tasks, with practical information on procedures, fees, and office locations.
Filing a New Civil Case
Filing a civil case in Greenville County begins with preparing the necessary documents, including a summons and complaint to outline the claim, a civil coversheet (SCCA/234), and paying the $150 filing fee to the Clerk of Court. Once ready, filings are submitted at the Civil Records Office at 305 E North Street, Greenville, SC 29601, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Court Dockets play a central role at this stage, as each filing is entered into the docket to track the case’s progress and upcoming actions. After submission, the case is assigned a number, entered into the docket, and the plaintiff must serve the defendant, while the court schedules hearings, mediations, or conferences. Keeping copies of all filings and proof of payment is recommended for reference throughout the process, and following these steps ensures that the case is officially recognized and processed efficiently.
Requesting Copies or Certified Copies of Court Records
Residents and attorneys can request court records either online through the Greenville County Public Index portal or in person at the Criminal Records Department, Suite 228, Greenville County Courthouse, providing the case, warrant, or indictment number and the full names of the involved parties. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page, certified copies $10, and exemplifications $10, with FOIA research or redaction fees of $18 per hour after the first 15 minutes, and payment can be made by cash, money order, cashier’s check, or card if accepted. Electronically filed records are usually available immediately, while recently completed or non-digitized cases may take 2–3 business days, and following these procedures allows anyone to obtain official legal records efficiently in Greenville County.
Paying Court Fines or Fees
The Clerk of Court manages payments for filing fees, fines, court-ordered financial obligations, and certain child support transactions, and payments can be made at the Accounting or Finance Department of the Greenville County Courthouse using cash, money order, cashier’s check, or sometimes a credit card, while providing the case or reference number to ensure proper crediting. Meeting court deadlines is essential to avoid additional fees, and the office ensures that all payments are applied correctly to civil or criminal case fees, document copies, and other financial obligations required by the court.
Obtaining Court Transcripts or Reporter Copies
Court transcripts record what occurs during hearings or trials and must be requested directly from the assigned court reporter, including details such as the case name, hearing date, and contact information, with attorneys able to submit requests on behalf of clients. Fees vary depending on the type and length of the transcript, and processing times may differ based on the reporter’s schedule, but following this process guarantees access to an official record of the proceedings in Greenville County.
Representing Yourself — What the Clerk’s Office Can
Self-represented litigants, or pro se individuals, can rely on the Clerk of Court for administrative support, including forms, filing instructions, and procedural information, but the office cannot provide legal advice. Individuals can also consult the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, the Greenville County Library, or the Greenville Technical College Library to complete filings and meet court requirements, ensuring they comply with local procedures while managing their cases independently.
Fees, Payment & Certified Copies — Complete Fee Schedule
Residents or attorneys using the Greenville County Clerk of Court office can expect modest, straightforward charges for filings, copies, and other document services. Below is the current fee schedule for common services.
Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil case filing (initial complaint/summons) | $150.00 |
| Copying ordinary documents (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (with Clerk’s seal) | $10.00 per document |
| Exemplified copy (court‑sealed official copy) | $10.00 per document |
| Redaction / FOIA research (when > 15 min) | $18.00 per hour (prorated in 15‑minute increments) |
This fee table represents the standard “court fee schedule Greenville” for civil filings and document services. It helps users quickly find the “filing fee,” “copy fees,” “certified copy cost,” and “document filing cost.”
Payment Methods & Next Steps
The Clerk of Court accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash
- Money orders
- Cashier’s checks
- Credit or debit cards (if card processing is available)
Prepaid fees (for filings or copy work) should be submitted to the Clerk of Court’s office. After payment, the Clerk assigns a case number for new civil matters, schedules the case on the court docket, and creates the official court record. For copy requests, once payment clears, staff begin processing — certified or exemplified copies usually become available within a few days, provided no further retrieval from off‑site storage is required.
Visitor Information — Courthouse Etiquette, Parking & Security
Visitors to the Greenville County Courthouse should arrive prepared for security screening and follow courtroom rules to ensure a smooth experience. Downtown parking is available in nearby garages, but arriving early helps prevent delays.
Courtroom Etiquette & Dress Code
When attending court sessions in Greenville, appropriate attire and behavior are expected. Visitors should avoid shorts, tank tops, or casual clothing. Men are encouraged to wear a coat and tie, and women should opt for professional dresses or slacks. Talking, using cell phones, or causing distractions is prohibited. Courtroom staff and judges expect quiet and respectful conduct at all times.
Key courtroom rules in Greenville include:
- No food, drinks, or chewing gum inside the courtroom.
- Keep phones on silent and avoid unnecessary movement.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
Security Procedures
The courthouse enforces strict security screening to protect visitors and staff. All bags are scanned, and metal detectors are used at entrances. Prohibited items include:
- Weapons of any kind
- Sharp objects
- Alcohol or illegal substances
- Large containers or backpacks
Security staff may request visitors to remove jackets, belts, or hats for inspection. Following these procedures ensures quick entry without delays.
Parking & Arrival Tips
Parking near the Greenville County Courthouse is available in several public garages:
| Garage Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commons Garage | N. Main St | Covered, short walk to courthouse |
| Church Street Garage | Church St | Open 24/7, hourly rates |
| South Spring Street Garage | S. Spring St | Convenient for afternoon sessions |
Contact & Communication — How to Reach the Clerk’s Office
The Greenville County Clerk of Court can be reached by mail, phone, or email, depending on the type of request. Each department offers direct contact options to make record requests, filings, or general inquiries straightforward.
For general correspondence, the mailing address is:
Greenville County Courthouse
305 East North Street
Greenville, SC 29601
For online information, the official website is greenvillecounty.org.
Phone Contacts by Department
Different departments handle specific requests. Contacting the right department speeds up responses:
| Department | Phone Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Records | +1 (864) 467-7000 | For civil case filings and record copies |
| Criminal Records | +1 (864) 467-7000 | For criminal case inquiries and record requests |
| Accounting | +1 (864) 467-7000 | For fees, payments, or financial questions |
| General Office | +1 (864) 467-7000 | General questions or guidance |
Email Contact
For certain requests, email is preferred. For criminal records requests, contact via criminalrecords@greenvillecounty.org (verify on the official website before sending).
How to Access Clerk of Court Services — Locations, Hours & Contact
The Greenville County Clerk of Court’s office handles civil, criminal, and family court matters. Residents can visit the Circuit Court or Family Court during office hours to request records or submit filings.
Court Locations:
- Circuit Court: 305 East North Street, Greenville, SC 29601
- Family Court: 350 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607
Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding county holidays)
Services Include:
- Civil and criminal record requests
- Case filings and payments
- Forms and instructions for court procedures
Parking:
- Nearby public garages
- First-come, street parking
- ADA-accessible entrances
Contact:
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| Civil Records | (864) 467-7000 |
| Criminal Records | (864) 467-7200 |
| Accounting / Payments | (864) 467-7300 |
| General Info | (864) 467-7400 |
(FAQ) About the Clerk of Court
The Greenville County Clerk of Court assists residents with filing documents, accessing court services, and handling administrative tasks. While clerks cannot provide legal advice, they ensure the public can complete forms correctly and meet procedural requirements.
Can the Clerk’s Office give me legal advice?
No, the Clerk’s Office cannot provide legal guidance or interpret laws for individuals. Clerks can, however, explain procedural steps, help with forms, and provide general information about how the court system operates. Anyone needing advice on legal strategy, rights, or interpretation of statutes must consult a licensed attorney, but the office remains a reliable resource for administrative support and understanding filing requirements.
How do I start a civil lawsuit in Greenville County?
Starting a civil case requires filing the appropriate documents with the Clerk’s Office. This includes completing the complaint and submitting a civil coversheet along with the filing fee. Once filed, the Clerk’s Office assigns a case number and provides information about the court schedule. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully, and detailed guidance is available in the Filing a New Civil Case section for those unsure of the exact steps.
How can I get a copy of a criminal case record?
Criminal case records can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office either as a standard copy or a certified copy. Requests must include the case number and the full name of the defendant. Some records may be restricted due to confidentiality or legal regulations. The office can provide information on fees, processing times, and the necessary documentation needed to obtain the records, with additional details in the Requesting Copies or Certified Copies section.
What if a file is sealed or confidential (e.g., adoption, juvenile)?
Certain cases are legally sealed or considered confidential, such as adoption or juvenile records. These records are generally inaccessible to the public to protect privacy. Exceptions occur only when a court order specifically allows release. Anyone seeking access must comply with Greenville County’s public records policy, and the Clerk’s Office can confirm whether a record may be released or if additional authorization is needed.
How and when can I get court transcripts?
Court transcripts are official records of courtroom proceedings and can be requested through the Clerk’s Office. Requests require the case number, date, and type of proceeding. There are fees associated with producing transcripts, and processing times can vary depending on the length and complexity of the record. More detailed information is available in the Obtaining Court Transcripts section, which explains the steps for submission and estimated timelines.