Kershaw County court records are official documents that track every legal action in the county’s courts. These include civil cases, criminal charges, family law matters, probate filings, and adoption proceedings. Anyone can view or copy most of these records because South Carolina law treats them as public information. The main office for accessing these files is the Clerk of Court at 1121 Broad Street in Camden. You can visit in person, mail a request, or use online tools for some searches. Fees apply for copies and certification. This page explains exactly how to find, request, and pay for Kershaw County court records with up-to-date addresses, phone numbers, hours, and digital options.
How to Get Certified Copies of Court Records
To receive a certified copy of any court docket in Kershaw County, go to the Clerk’s office at 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. Staff will let you look at any file that is not confidential. Each printed page costs $0.50. If you need an official stamp (certification), add $1.00 per document. The office takes cash, credit cards, and county-issued checks. If you send a written request by mail, you must pay a non-refundable $20.00 search fee first. This fee covers staff time to locate your file. After retrieval, you’ll be billed for the per-page copy cost plus certification if needed. Records are only released during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on county holidays.
Public Records Office Location and Services
The Kershaw County Public Records Office handles more than just court files. It provides land records, vital statistics like birth and death certificates, and minutes from municipal meetings. The office is at 515 Walnut Street, Camden, SC 29020. You can call (803) 425-1500 for questions. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. On-site requests follow the same pricing as court records: $0.50 per page. Electronic PDFs can be emailed if you prefer digital delivery. This central hub makes it easy to get multiple types of public documents in one trip.
Clerk of Court Duties and Payment Rules
The Clerk of Court manages key legal functions in Kershaw County. This includes issuing summons, keeping docket sheets, and selecting jurors for civil, criminal, and grand jury panels. Since February 4, 2019, the clerk no longer accepts regular payments for family court cases—only cash is accepted at the window. Child support payments must go to the County Treasurer at 210 North Main Street, Camden, SC 29020. The clerk also validates notary commissions and processes probate filings. All services operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Arrest and Criminal History Reports
The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office maintains the official criminal history database. It issues arrest reports and background checks. Visit in person at 821 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, SC 29078, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For mailed requests, send a letter to P.O. Box 70, Lugoff, SC 29078. Include the subject’s full name, date of birth, and a signed authorization form. Call (803) 425-1512 for help. Responses usually arrive within ten business days. This office does not handle civil or family court records—those belong to the Clerk of Court.
Adoption Records and Confidential Files
Adoption records in Kershaw County are part of the public court system but have special access rules. These files contain petitions, consent forms, home-study reports, and final decrees. They are stored securely in the clerk’s archive. You can request them in person or by mail. Each page costs $0.50, with an extra $1.00 for certification. Some details may be redacted to protect privacy, especially for minors. The archive also holds appellate briefs and hearing minutes, giving a full picture of each case’s history.
Free Online Access to Case Information
Kershaw County offers free electronic access to case data from seven local courts. These include Bethune Municipal Court (101 Elm St, Bethune, SC 29009; phone 843-334-6238), Blythewood Municipal Court (10509 Two Notch Rd, Elgin, SC 29045; phone 803-788-8232), and Camden Circuit Court (1121 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020; phone 803-425-1500). Other venues are the Kershaw County Judicial Center, East Kershaw Circuit Court, West Kershaw Circuit Court, and Kershaw County Family Court. Each provides online docket search portals via the county’s public record website. Basic case status queries cost nothing.
Online Services Portal Features
The county’s online portal supports many transactions beyond court records. You can apply for residential or commercial permits, register new or high-mileage vehicles, search land records, report public works issues, download GIS maps, check inmate status, and view circuit court rosters. Every service uses a secure login. Fee schedules appear on each request page. Users track permit or filing status in real time and get email confirmations when tasks complete. This system reduces in-person visits and speeds up government responses.
December 2021 Public Data Release
In December 2021, Kershaw County released a major data dump with over 250,000 property tax parcels. It included detailed GIS shapefiles for flood zones, zoning districts, and road networks. The dataset also featured the latest assessor valuation tables. Criminal record searches used a searchable index of arrests from 2010 to 2021. Additional records covered marriage licenses, birth certificates, and business entity filings. Users could filter by parcel ID, owner name, or case number to create custom reports for research or compliance.
Register of Deeds and Land Records
The Register of Deeds preserves land transaction records dating back to 1791. Original deeds, mortgages, and plats from 1791 to 1995 are kept in climate-controlled vaults. You must visit the office at 1121 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020, to view these older files. The State Tax Lien Registry became publicly accessible on November 1, 2019. Certified copies cost $0.65 per page. Electronic PDFs of post-2000 records are available through the county’s online portal. This office is essential for real estate research and title verification.
Statewide Case Search via SC Judicial Branch
To search case filings across South Carolina, use the Public Index on the South Carolina Courts website. Select “Kershaw County” from the dropdown menu. The site requires cookies and JavaScript enabled in your browser. You can pay traffic ticket fines directly through the portal using a credit card or electronic check. The system generates a receipt after successful payment. This tool connects all county courts into one searchable database, making it easier to find cases without visiting multiple offices.
Kershaw County Public Records Directory
The county maintains a comprehensive directory of public record sources. It links to property tax databases, vital record archives, inmate search portals, court case indexes, professional license registries, contractor license verification, and building permit applications. Each entry includes a brief description and direct link to the source. This helps researchers, journalists, and the public quickly navigate to the right resource without guessing URLs or calling offices.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
Most Kershaw County court record requests involve three types of fees: search fees, copy fees, and certification fees. A $20.00 non-refundable search fee applies to mailed requests. Copying costs $0.50 per page. Certification adds $1.00 per document. Payments accept cash, credit cards, and county-issued checks. In-person requests pay at pickup. Mailed requests receive an invoice. Processing takes 1–3 business days for simple searches and up to 10 days for complex or archived files. Rush service is not available.
Confidential vs. Public Court Files
Not all court records are open to the public. South Carolina law seals certain files to protect privacy. These include juvenile cases, mental health hearings, some adoption records, and protective order details. The Clerk’s office will review your request and redact sensitive information before release. If a file is fully sealed, you’ll receive a notice explaining why access is denied. You may appeal to the presiding judge if you believe the seal is improper.
How to Request Records by Mail
To request Kershaw County court records by mail, write a letter with the case number (if known), party names, and date range. Include your name, address, phone number, and a statement authorizing the search. Send it to Clerk of Court, 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. Attach a check or money order for $20.00 (search fee). Do not send cash by mail. Once processed, you’ll get an invoice for copy and certification fees. Payment must be received before documents ship.
In-Person Visit Tips
When visiting the Clerk’s office, bring a valid photo ID and know the case number or party names. Arrive early—lines form quickly near closing time. Staff cannot give legal advice or interpret records. Use the public terminals to search dockets before requesting files. If you need large volumes, call ahead to schedule a pickup time. The office does not offer scanning or email for walk-ins unless pre-arranged.
Common Reasons People Need Court Records
Individuals request Kershaw County court records for many reasons. Lawyers need them for case preparation. Landlords check tenant backgrounds. Employers verify applicant histories. Researchers study legal trends. Families seek divorce or custody documents. Title companies require probate records for property sales. Genealogists trace ancestors through old filings. Each use case follows the same access rules, but purpose may affect redaction levels.
Mobile-Friendly Access and Digital Tools
Kershaw County’s website works on phones and tablets. The online docket search, payment portal, and GIS maps are responsive and fast. You can view case status, pay fines, or download records from anywhere. No app is required—just a modern browser. For best results, enable JavaScript and allow cookies. The system supports screen readers and keyboard navigation for accessibility.
Holiday Closures and Emergency Access
The Clerk’s office closes on federal and county holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. No after-hours drop boxes or emergency access exists. If you need urgent records for a court deadline, submit your request at least five business days early. The office does not expedite for last-minute needs.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Clerk of Court: 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020 | (803) 425-1500 | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Public Records Office: 515 Walnut Street, Camden, SC 29020 | (803) 425-1500 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sheriff’s Office (Arrest Reports): 821 Ridgeway Road, Lugoff, SC 29078 | (803) 425-1512 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask how to get court records fast, whether online access is free, and what fees apply. Below are detailed answers to the most common questions about Kershaw County court records, based on current policies and procedures.
Can I get Kershaw County court records online for free?
Yes, basic case information is free online through the county’s public portal and the SC Judicial Branch site. You can view docket entries, case status, and hearing dates without charge. However, downloading full documents or getting certified copies requires payment. The free search tools help you identify the right case before requesting physical files. This saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary copy fees. Always verify the case number and party names during your free search to ensure accuracy.
What happens if I don’t know the case number?
If you don’t have the case number, the Clerk’s office can still help. Provide the full name of a party involved, the approximate date of filing, and the type of case (civil, criminal, family). Staff will conduct a manual search using their index system. This service requires the $20.00 non-refundable search fee for mailed requests. In-person visitors can use public terminals to look up cases before speaking with staff. Without a case number, processing may take longer due to the volume of records.
Are adoption records in Kershaw County open to the public?
Adoption records are partially public but contain redactions to protect privacy. You can request them like any other court file, but sensitive details—such as birth parent identities or child medical history—will be blacked out. Final decrees and consent forms are usually visible. If you are an adoptee seeking original birth certificates, you must follow South Carolina’s specific adoption disclosure laws, which may require a court order. Contact the Clerk’s office for guidance on restricted access procedures.
How long does it take to receive mailed court records?
Mailed requests typically take 7–10 business days from receipt to delivery. The process includes payment processing, file retrieval, copying, certification (if needed), and postage. Complex or archived cases may take longer. The Clerk’s office does not offer expedited service. To speed things up, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with sufficient postage. Digital PDFs can be emailed faster if available, but certification still requires physical stamping and mailing.
Can I pay for Kershaw County court records with a credit card by mail?
No, mailed requests must be paid by check or money order made out to the Kershaw County Clerk of Court. Credit cards are only accepted in person at the Broad Street office. If you prefer card payment but can’t visit, ask a friend or representative to go on your behalf with a signed authorization letter. The office does not process card payments over the phone or via email for security reasons.
What if my court record request is denied?
If your request is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation citing the legal basis for denial, such as a sealed juvenile file or ongoing investigation. You have the right to appeal to the presiding judge of the relevant court. Submit a motion to the Clerk’s office within 30 days of denial. Include your contact information and reasons for appeal. Legal aid organizations may assist if cost is a barrier. Most denials involve confidentiality protections, not bureaucratic error.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Clerk’s office?
No appointment is needed for routine record requests. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. However, if you need extensive research or multiple file reviews, calling ahead helps staff prepare. Large volume requests (over 50 pages) may require scheduling to avoid long waits. The office cannot accommodate same-day service for complex searches. Plan your visit early in the day for the quickest turnaround.