Beaufort County Court Records

What Is Beaufort County Court Records

Court records in Beaufort County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-20(c), which classifies court records as public documents subject to specific disclosure provisions.

Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and proceedings
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Transcripts of court proceedings
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
• Sentencing records in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Beaufort County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian for judicial records generated by the following courts:

• Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas)
• Family Court
• Probate Court
• Magistrate Courts
• Municipal Courts

Court records encompass documentation from various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a historical account of judicial activities and legal precedents established within Beaufort County's jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Beaufort County

Court records in Beaufort County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the constitutional principle of open courts established under Article I, § 9 of the South Carolina Constitution. This presumption of openness applies to most judicial records, though certain exceptions exist to protect privacy interests and sensitive information.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive personal information)
• Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain juvenile matters excepted)
• Court dockets and hearing schedules
• Final judgments and orders
• Property records related to judgments and liens

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Beaufort Division of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.

Certain categories of records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department Rule 41.2, including:

• Juvenile records (except as specified by statute)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Certain family court matters involving minors
• Grand jury proceedings

The South Carolina Supreme Court has established specific rules governing electronic access to court records, balancing the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns. Currently, the state maintains a public index system that provides case information while restricting access to certain sensitive documents.

How To Find Court Records in Beaufort County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Beaufort County may utilize several methods to locate and review judicial documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing court records:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
2. Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
3. Provide case number or party names to facilitate record location
4. Pay applicable search and copying fees
5. Review records on-site or request certified copies

Written Requests:

1. Submit a formal written request to the Beaufort County Clerk of Court
2. Include specific case information (names, dates, case numbers if known)
3. Enclose appropriate search and copying fees
4. Provide return address for document delivery

Beaufort County Clerk of Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Beaufort County Clerk of Court

For specialized court records, requestors should contact the specific court division:

Beaufort County Probate Court
102 Ribaut Road, Suite 106
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5850
Beaufort County Probate Court

Beaufort County Family Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5700
Beaufort County Family Court

Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30, government agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time. Requestors should be prepared to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication services as authorized by state law.

How To Look Up Court Records in Beaufort County Online?

Beaufort County residents and interested parties may access certain court records through various online portals maintained by state and county judicial authorities. The following digital resources are currently available for electronic court record searches:

South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index This statewide system provides access to case information from Circuit, Family, and Probate courts:

1. Navigate to the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
2. Select Beaufort County from the jurisdiction menu
3. Search by name, case number, or filing date
4. Review basic case information, including parties, charges, and scheduled hearings
5. Note that complete case files are not available through this system

Beaufort County Clerk of Court Online Services The county maintains limited online access to certain court functions:

1. Visit the Beaufort County Clerk of Court website
2. Navigate to the appropriate court division (Circuit, Family, etc.)
3. Access available online services, which may include docket information and payment options
4. Note that document retrieval generally requires in-person visits

Federal Court Records (PACER) For federal cases heard in the Beaufort Division:

1. Register for an account at PACER
2. Select the District of South Carolina
3. Search by case number, party name, or filing date
4. Access dockets, pleadings, and judicial orders (fees apply)

South Carolina Traffic Ticket Payment System For traffic citations and related court information:

1. Visit the South Carolina Traffic Tickets and Court Payments portal
2. Select Beaufort County from the jurisdiction menu
3. Enter citation number or personal information
4. Review case status and payment options

Users should be aware that online systems typically provide limited information compared to physical records available at the courthouse. Sensitive documents, sealed records, and certain case types may be excluded from digital access pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department Administrative Order 2016-11-01.

How To Search Beaufort County Court Records for Free?

South Carolina law guarantees the public's right to inspect judicial records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches. Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 30-4-30(B), "The public body may establish and collect fees not to exceed the actual cost of searching for or making copies of records."

Free access options for Beaufort County court records include:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the Beaufort County Courthouse during regular business hours
• Request to view specific case files at the appropriate clerk's office
• Examine records on-site without charge (copying fees may apply)
• No appointment is necessary, though wait times may vary based on staff availability

Online Resources:

• The South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index provides free basic case information
• Search by name, case number, or filing date without registration or fees
• Access limited to case summaries, party information, and hearing schedules
• Document images generally not available through this system

Public Access Terminals:

• Computer terminals at the Beaufort County Courthouse provide free access to electronic court records
• Available during regular business hours
• May offer more comprehensive information than remote online access
• Staff assistance available for search guidance

Law Library Resources:

• The Beaufort County Law Library maintains public legal resources
• Located within the courthouse complex
• Provides access to case digests and legal research materials
• May include historical court records not available online

While basic record inspection is free, users should be prepared for potential fees related to:

• Document copying ($0.25-$1.00 per page, depending on document type)
• Certification of records ($5.00-$10.00 per document)
• Extensive search requests requiring significant staff time
• Expedited processing of urgent requests

The South Carolina Judicial Branch continues to expand free online access to court records while balancing privacy concerns and resource limitations.

What's Included in a Beaufort County Court Record?

Beaufort County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure. Typical components include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Discovery documents (limited public access)
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Court orders and rulings
• Final judgment or dismissal
• Post-judgment collection documents

Criminal Case Records:

• Indictment or information
• Arrest warrant (if applicable)
• Bond documentation
• Motions to suppress or dismiss
• Plea agreements
• Trial exhibits and evidence summaries
• Sentencing recommendations
• Judgment and sentence
• Probation/parole conditions
• Appeal documentation

Family Court Records:

• Divorce petitions and decrees
• Child custody and support orders
• Visitation schedules
• Financial declarations (limited access)
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)
• Name change petitions
• Juvenile proceedings (restricted access)

Probate Court Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Estate inventories
• Letters of administration
• Claims against estates
• Guardian/conservator appointments
• Mental health proceedings (restricted access)
• Estate accounting reports
• Final distribution orders

Each court record also contains a case docket sheet that chronologically lists all filings, hearings, and judicial actions. This docket serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a procedural history of the litigation.

Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from public court records pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department Rule 41.2, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Minor children's names (in certain contexts)
• Medical and mental health information
• Victim identification in sensitive cases

How Long Does Beaufort County Keep Court Records?

Beaufort County adheres to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History Records Retention Schedules for maintaining court records. These schedules establish minimum retention periods based on document type and legal significance. The preservation of judicial records is governed by South Carolina Code § 30-1-90, which prohibits the destruction of public records except as authorized by approved retention schedules.

Standard retention periods for common court records include:

Circuit Court - Criminal (General Sessions):

• Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
• Non-capital felony cases: 15 years after case closure
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
• Expunged records: Destroyed as directed by court order
• Docket books: Permanent retention

Circuit Court - Civil (Common Pleas):

• Case files with judgments: 20 years after final disposition
• Dismissed cases: 3 years after final order
• Mortgage foreclosures: 10 years after final judgment
• Civil docket books: Permanent retention
• Judgment rolls: Permanent retention

Family Court:

• Divorce proceedings: Permanent retention
• Child support cases: Until youngest child reaches age 23
• Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 21
• Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)
• Protection orders: 15 years after expiration

Probate Court:

• Estate administration: 10 years after estate closing
• Wills: Permanent retention
• Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination
• Mental health commitments: 10 years after discharge
• Marriage licenses: Permanent retention

Magistrate Court:

• Civil cases: 3 years after final disposition
• Criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
• Landlord-tenant actions: 3 years after final disposition

Records with historical significance may be transferred to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for permanent preservation after their active retention period expires. Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format for improved access and preservation.

Individuals seeking older court records that may have been transferred to archival storage should contact:

South Carolina Department of Archives and History
8301 Parklane Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 896-6100
SC Archives

Types of Courts In Beaufort County

Beaufort County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. These courts operate within South Carolina's unified judicial system as established by Article V of the South Carolina Constitution. The following courts currently serve Beaufort County residents:

Beaufort County Circuit Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5050
Beaufort County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles major civil cases, felony criminal matters, and appeals from lower courts

Beaufort County Family Court
102 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5700
Beaufort County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles divorce, child custody, juvenile matters, and domestic relations cases

Beaufort County Probate Court
102 Ribaut Road, Suite 106
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5850
Beaufort County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments

Beaufort County Magistrate Court - Beaufort
104 Ribaut Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 255-5200
Beaufort County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles minor civil cases, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings

Beaufort County Magistrate Court - Bluffton
4819 Bluffton Parkway
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 255-5200
Beaufort County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles minor civil cases, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings

Beaufort County Magistrate Court - Hilton Head
539 William Hilton Parkway
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 255-5200
Beaufort County Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles minor civil cases, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings

United States District Court - Beaufort Division
2500 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 524-6220
United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Handles federal cases, including federal crimes, civil rights violations, and diversity jurisdiction matters

The South Carolina court system follows a hierarchical structure with appeals progressing from Magistrate Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and ultimately to the South Carolina Supreme Court. Federal cases follow a separate appellate path through the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and potentially to the United States Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Beaufort County Courts Hear?

Beaufort County's various courts adjudicate specific case types according to jurisdictional limits established by South Carolina Code § 14-5-350 and related statutes. The following breakdown outlines the primary case categories handled by each court:

Circuit Court - Common Pleas (Civil Division):

• Civil actions exceeding $7,500 in damages
• Real property disputes and foreclosures
• Complex business litigation
• Administrative appeals from state agencies
• Civil appeals from Magistrate Court
• Injunctions and declaratory judgments
• Medical malpractice claims
• Product liability lawsuits
• Class action litigation

Circuit Court - General Sessions (Criminal Division):

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Serious misdemeanor cases
• Criminal appeals from Magistrate Court
• Post-conviction relief proceedings
• Habeas corpus petitions
• Criminal bond hearings for serious offenses
• Probation violation hearings
• Expungement proceedings

Family Court:

• Divorce and separation proceedings
• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Alimony determinations
• Equitable division of marital property
• Adoption proceedings
• Name changes
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Child abuse and neglect proceedings
• Domestic violence protection orders

Probate Court:

• Will probate and estate administration
• Appointment of personal representatives
• Trust administration disputes
• Guardianships for incapacitated adults
• Conservatorships for financial management
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Marriage license issuance
• Minor settlements exceeding $10,000
• Determination of heirs

Magistrate Court:

• Civil claims up to $7,500
• Landlord-tenant evictions
• Claim and delivery actions
• Public intoxication and disorderly conduct
• Simple assault and battery
• Shoplifting (first and second offense)
• Traffic violations
• DUI (first offense)
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Setting bail for criminal defendants

Municipal Courts:

• Municipal ordinance violations
• Traffic infractions within city limits
• Public nuisance violations
• Open container violations
• Minor criminal offenses within city jurisdiction

U.S. District Court (Federal):

• Federal criminal prosecutions
• Civil cases involving federal questions
• Diversity jurisdiction cases (parties from different states with claims exceeding $75,000)
• Bankruptcy proceedings
• Patent and copyright litigation
• Civil rights violations
• Maritime/admiralty cases
• Federal habeas corpus petitions

Case assignment is determined by subject matter, monetary thresholds, and severity of charges. Certain specialized matters, such as complex business litigation or multi-district cases, may be assigned to designated judges with expertise in those areas.

How To Find a Court Docket In Beaufort County

Court dockets in Beaufort County provide a chronological listing of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for active cases. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods as authorized by South Carolina Code § 14-17-540, which requires clerks of court to maintain public records of court proceedings.

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
2. Select Beaufort County from the jurisdiction menu
3. Search by case number, party name, or filing date
4. Review docket entries showing scheduled hearings and filed documents
5. Note that some recent filings may not appear immediately due to processing delays

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse for the court of interest
2. Request docket information from the clerk's office
3. Provide case number or party names to facilitate search
4. Review printed docket sheets or access public terminals
5. Obtain copies of docket entries for a nominal fee

Telephone Inquiries:

1. Contact the appropriate court clerk's office:
   • Circuit Court: (843) 255-5050
   • Family Court: (843) 255-5700
   • Probate Court: (843) 255-5850
   • Magistrate Court: (843) 255-5200
2. Provide case number or party information
3. Request basic docket information (limitations apply for complex inquiries)

Weekly Court Calendars:

1. Review posted court calendars at courthouse locations
2. Check the Beaufort County Clerk of Court website for published schedules
3. Note that calendars typically show upcoming hearings for the next 1-2 weeks

For criminal matters, the South Carolina Traffic Tickets and Court Payments portal provides docket information for scheduled hearings related to traffic citations and certain criminal offenses.

Federal court dockets for the Beaufort Division are accessible through the PACER system (fees apply) or by visiting the clerk's office at the federal courthouse. The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina maintains separate docketing systems from state courts.

Docket information typically includes:

• Scheduled hearing dates and times
• Assigned courtroom and judge
• Filed pleadings and motions
• Issued orders and judgments
• Case status updates
• Party and attorney information

Users should be aware that docket entries provide summary information only; accessing the underlying documents generally requires additional steps and may involve fees for copies.

Which Courts in Beaufort County Are Not Courts of Record?

In South Carolina's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive documentation of all judicial actions. This distinction is established by South Carolina Code § 14-25-45 and related statutes. Courts not designated as courts of record maintain more limited documentation and typically handle less serious matters.

The following Beaufort County courts are classified as courts not of record:

Magistrate Courts:

• Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
• Maintain basic case files and judgment records
• Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (completely new trials) in Circuit Court
• Governed by summary procedures rather than formal rules of civil/criminal procedure
• Located at multiple sites throughout Beaufort County

Municipal Courts:

• Handle ordinance violations and minor offenses within city limits
• Do not create complete transcripts unless specifically requested
• Maintain simplified record-keeping systems
• Appeals proceed as trials de novo in Circuit Court
• Include courts for Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and Port Royal

These courts not of record share several characteristics:

• Presiding judges are not required to be attorneys (though many are)
• Proceedings are typically less formal than in courts of record
• Rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
• Jury trials are available but less common
• Record-keeping focuses on essential documents rather than comprehensive files

By contrast, the following Beaufort County courts are designated as courts of record:

• Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions)
• Family Court
• Probate Court
• United States District Court

In courts of record, proceedings are recorded by court reporters or electronic recording systems, creating an official transcript that can be used for appellate review. These courts follow formal rules of procedure and evidence, with comprehensive documentation of all filings, hearings, and judicial determinations.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is particularly important for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new trial rather than reviewing the proceedings of the lower court for legal errors.

Lookup Court Records in Beaufort County

Beaufort County Clerk of Court

South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index

Traffic Tickets and Court Payments | South Carolina

United States District Court for the District of South Carolina

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