York County, South Carolina court records are available through several channels. YorkSCCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official court resources, including the South Carolina Judicial Department's public index, directly at the clerk of court's office, or via public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, hearing calendars, obtaining document copies, and fees.
York Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in York County, each handling specific categories of cases. Understanding jurisdiction will help determine where to search for the required docket.
- Court of General Sessions (criminal court) — handles criminal cases from misdemeanors to felonies. The York County General Sessions Court maintains its own docket, available on the county's website.
- Court of Common Pleas (civil court) — civil lawsuits, including real estate disputes, contract disputes, and damage claims. Records are maintained by the York County Clerk of Court.
- Family Court — divorce, child custody, alimony, and protective orders. Many family cases have limited public access. More details can be found on the Family Court page.
- Probate Court — estate cases, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships, as well as issuing marriage licenses. Due to high demand, the Probate Court requires appointments for most procedures.
- Magistrate Court — minor civil claims (typically up to $7,500), traffic violations, search warrants, and preliminary hearings in criminal cases. Several magistrate courts operate in different towns within the county.
Traffic violations recorded by the South Carolina Highway Patrol usually go to the magistrate court or the municipal court of the respective city. If the violation involves DUI, the case may be transferred to General Sessions.
York Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the date and time of a hearing, start with the county's website. The General Sessions page publishes the criminal case docket — you can view scheduled sessions for the current week there.
For civil cases and Court of Common Pleas matters, the hearing schedule is available through the clerk of court's office. Call or visit in person:
Some practical tips:
- Check the SC Judicial Department's public index — it shows the case status and the next scheduled date.
- For family cases, contact Family Court directly, as some information may be restricted.
- Probate Court maintains a separate calendar; inquire by phone or during a visit.
Schedules may change without notice — judges sometimes reschedule sessions. Always confirm the date the day before the hearing.
How to Get a Copy of a York Court Document
The York County Clerk of Court maintains records of criminal, civil, and family cases. There are two types of copies: certified (with an official seal, suitable for legal use) and uncertified (informational).
Ways to obtain:
- In person — visit the clerk's office at the address above. You will need the party's name or case number. The clerk will search and produce a copy on-site.
- By mail — send a written request with the full name of the party, case number (if known), document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — the public index allows you to view case information, but downloading full documents or obtaining certified copies usually requires contacting the clerk.
Probate Court records (wills, estate cases) are maintained separately. Contact the Probate Court directly — appointments are required for estate and guardianship matters.
A statewide criminal history check can be conducted through the CATCH system of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This is a name-based search that shows records from the SLED database.
Access Restrictions
Not all records are open to the public. Juvenile cases, sealed records, certain family cases, and domestic violence cases may be inaccessible to the public. If a record is marked as restricted, the clerk will inform you.
York Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in South Carolina are regulated by state law. Below are typical fees charged by the York County Clerk of Court. It is recommended to confirm exact amounts directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | Depends on the type of request; check with the clerk |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $1.00 for the first page + $0.25 for each additional page (according to S.C. Code § 8-21-310) |
| Document certification (court seal) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Criminal check via SLED CATCH | $25.00 (online, card payment) |
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some services may accept credit and debit cards — confirm in advance. For mail requests, include a check made payable to "York County Clerk of Court."
Probate Court fees (e.g., filing a petition to open an estate) differ from the clerk of court fees — they are set separately according to S.C. Code § 8-21-790 and other applicable statutes.