Greenville Family Court Records are maintained at 350 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607, the current location since March 15, 2022. The court handles over 30,000 family law cases yearly, including divorce, child custody, support, and adoption. Clerk Paul B. Wickens manages filings, dockets, and public access. Eight judges serve six-year terms, appointed by the South Carolina General Assembly. The court operates under South Carolina’s unified system, ensuring consistent procedures across all counties. Certified copies require a form submitted in person, by mail, or fax. The office accepts cash, check, or money order during weekday hours. Since 2019, e-File has cut processing time by two days, with 150 new weekly filings.
How to Search Greenville Family Court Records Online
The Family Court Search portal allows users to find case files using a full case number like 2022-001234 or a party name in “LastName, FirstName” format. Filters include filing date, case type, and attorney name. Each result links to the original PDF. The system supports partial matches and covers records from 1975. Users can search for divorce, child support, or custody cases quickly. The interface is simple and mobile-friendly. Results show case details, judge assignments, and hearing dates. No login is needed for public searches.
Family Court Docket: Daily Hearing Schedules
The Family Court Trial Docket updates every day at 6 a.m. It lists upcoming hearings by courtroom, date, and case number. Users can filter by judge, attorney, or case type. Each entry shows the nature of the proceeding, such as “Joint Custody Modification” or “Paternity Determination.” Links allow viewing or printing docket sheets. Continuances and new filings appear within 24 hours. This tool helps lawyers, parties, and researchers track court activity. The docket covers all eight resident judges and six courtrooms.
Requesting Certified Copies of Family Court Records
Certified copies require a completed Records Request Form. Submit it in person at 350 Halton Road, mail to 426 N Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601, or fax to 864-467-6651. The clerk’s office does not accept phone requests to protect privacy. Payment is cash, check, or money order—no credit cards. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Include case number, party names, and document type. Certified copies cost $5 per page. Requests without full details may be delayed.
Greenville County Family Court Judges and Staff
Eight judges serve Greenville Family Court: James A. Miller, Karen L. Hughes, Robert C. Foster, Linda M. Graham, Samuel D. Thomas, Patricia J. Cole, Michael E. Baker, and Denise K. Nelson. Each is appointed for six years by the South Carolina General Assembly. Clerk Paul B. Wickens oversees filings, dockets, and public access. The court staff includes case managers, court reporters, and administrative assistants. Judges rotate case assignments monthly. All staff follow state confidentiality rules. Contact the clerk’s office for judge schedules or case assignments.
Types of Cases Handled by Greenville Family Court
Greenville Family Court handles divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, paternity, domestic violence, and guardianship. It also manages juvenile cases involving abuse, neglect, or dependency. Over 30,000 filings occur yearly. Most cases are resolved within 6–12 months. Emergency hearings are available for custody or protection orders. The court encourages mediation for custody disputes. All cases follow South Carolina family law statutes.
Electronic Filing (e-File) System
The e-File system launched in 2019 allows attorneys to submit motions, petitions, and responses online. It reduced processing time by 48 hours. About 150 new filings arrive weekly through e-File. Users must register with the South Carolina Judicial Branch. Documents are timestamped upon submission. The system sends confirmation emails. Paper filings are still accepted but take longer. e-File is mandatory for attorneys in most cases.
Public Access and Privacy Protections
Most Family Court records are public under South Carolina law. However, juvenile cases, abuse investigations, and mental health hearings are sealed. Personal data like Social Security numbers are redacted from online indexes. Individuals can request removal of sensitive info by submitting a written request with ID. The county removes protected data within ten business days. This complies with state and federal privacy laws.
Municipal Court vs. Family Court: Key Differences
Greenville Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and minor misdemeanors. Family Court deals with divorce, custody, and support. Municipal Court records go back to 1988 and are searchable online. Family Court records date to 1975. Both courts are part of South Carolina’s unified system. Contact Pam Larson at plarson@greenvillesc.gov for Municipal Court questions. Family Court inquiries go to the clerk’s office at 350 Halton Road.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Greenville Family Court is located at 350 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607. Mailing address: PO Box 27107, Greenville, SC 29616. Phone: (864) 467-5800. Fax: (864) 467-5856. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The South Carolina Judicial Branch office is at 29601-2121. Phone: (864) 467-8551. Fax: (864) 467-8540. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments are not required for record searches.
Sample Case Search Results
A search for case 2009-001027 shows plaintiff “FOX, ALLISON CHRISTINE” filed for “Separate Support & Maintenance – Relief” on March 9, 2009. Judge James A. Miller presided. The hearing was set for June 15, 2009. The respondent’s name and docket entries are listed. Clicking the case number opens the original petition PDF. This example shows the detail available in public records.
Fees and Payment Options
Certified copies cost $5 per page. Docket printouts are $0.50 per page. No fees for online searches. Payments must be cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted. Make checks payable to “Greenville County Clerk of Court.” Include the case number and document type on the memo line. Receipts are provided upon request.
Common Reasons for Record Requests
People request Family Court records for background checks, legal research, genealogy, or personal verification. Employers, landlords, and attorneys often need certified copies. Researchers study family law trends. Individuals verify past case outcomes. Always provide accurate case details to avoid delays. Incomplete requests may be returned.
How Long Does It Take to Get Records?
Online searches are instant. Certified copies take 3–5 business days. Mail requests may take 7–10 days. Rush service is not available. Processing time dropped by two days since e-File began in 2019. High-volume periods like summer may cause slight delays. Call ahead during holidays.
What If My Case Is Sealed or Expunged?
Sealed or expunged records are not public. Access requires a court order. Submit a written request with proof of eligibility. The judge reviews the request within 14 days. If approved, the clerk releases redacted copies. Juvenile cases are automatically sealed. Abuse investigations are confidential by law.
Can I Search Records by Attorney Name?
Yes. The Family Court Search tool allows filtering by attorney name. Enter the full name as listed on filings. Results show all cases handled by that attorney. This helps law firms track their dockets. It also aids researchers studying legal representation trends. Partial names return broader results.
Are Family Court Records Available Before 1975?
No. Digital records begin in 1975 when the court was established. Older paper files may exist but are not online. Contact the clerk’s office to inquire about pre-1975 records. Access may require a formal request and proof of need. Processing time is longer for historical files.
How to Correct Errors in Court Records
To correct errors, file a Motion to Amend with the court. Include the case number, incorrect info, and correct details. Attach supporting documents. The judge reviews the motion at the next hearing. If approved, the clerk updates the record. Errors in online indexes can be reported via the Public Index Search page.
Mobile Access to Court Records
The Family Court Search and Docket pages are mobile-friendly. Users can search on phones or tablets. No app is required. The site works on all browsers. Data loads quickly on 4G and Wi-Fi. Screenshots and downloads are supported. Ideal for lawyers and parties on the go.
Language and Accessibility Support
Court forms are in English. Spanish translations are available upon request. The website meets ADA standards. Screen readers can navigate search tools. Large-print forms can be mailed. Interpreters are provided for hearings at no cost. Request them 48 hours in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get records by phone? No. All requests must be in writing or online. Phone inquiries are not accepted to protect privacy.
Do I need a lawyer to request records? No. Anyone can request public records. Lawyers often handle bulk requests for clients.
Are adoption records public? No. Adoption records are sealed by law. Only involved parties or their attorneys can access them with court approval.
Can I search by address? No. Searches are by case number, party name, or attorney. Addresses are not searchable fields.
Is there a fee waiver? No. All fees are set by state law. Waivers are not permitted.
Official Resources and Links
Official website: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/FamilyCourt/
Family Court Search: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/appsas400/FamilyCourtSearch/
Trial Docket: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/appsas400/FamilyCourtdocket/
Record Requests: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/238/Record-Requests
SC Judicial Branch: https://www.sccourts.org/clerksCourt/clerk.cfm?countyno=23
Map and Directions
FAQ Section
Many people ask how to find Greenville Family Court Records quickly. The online search tool is the fastest way. Enter a case number or party name. Results appear in seconds. Each entry links to a PDF. For certified copies, use the printable form. Mail or fax it with payment. Processing takes a few days. The court does not accept phone requests. This protects privacy and ensures accuracy. Always include full case details to avoid delays.
Another common question is whether juvenile records are public. No, they are not. South Carolina law seals all juvenile cases. This includes abuse, neglect, and delinquency matters. Only the child, parents, or attorneys can access them. A court order is required for others. The same applies to mental health commitments. These records are confidential. The court redacts sensitive data from public indexes. You can request removal of personal info like Social Security numbers. Submit a written request with ID. The county acts within ten business days.
People also wonder about fees. Certified copies cost $5 per page. Docket sheets are $0.50 each. Online searches are free. Payments must be cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted. Make checks payable to the Clerk of Court. Include the case number on the memo line. Receipts are available. There are no fee waivers. All charges follow state law. Rush service is not offered. Mail requests take longer than in-person pickups.
Some ask if they can search by attorney name. Yes, you can. The Family Court Search tool has an attorney filter. Enter the full name as filed. Results show all cases handled by that lawyer. This helps law firms manage their workload. Researchers also use it to study legal trends. Partial names return broader results. The system updates daily. New filings appear by 6 a.m. each day. This ensures accurate, current data.
Others want to know about historical records. Digital files start in 1975. That’s when the court was created. Older paper files may exist but are not online. Contact the clerk to inquire. Access requires a formal request. Proof of need may be required. Processing takes longer for old files. Most users find what they need from 1975 onward. The e-File system, launched in 2019, improved speed and access. It cut processing time by two days. Today, 150 new filings arrive weekly.
Finally, many ask about errors in records. If you spot a mistake, file a Motion to Amend. Include the case number and correct details. Attach proof like a birth certificate or divorce decree. The judge reviews it at the next hearing. If approved, the clerk updates the record. For online index errors, use the Public Index Search page to report them. The county corrects them within ten days. This keeps records accurate and trustworthy.