The Anderson County Clerk of Court is the official recordkeeper and administrator for the judicial system in Anderson County, South Carolina. As a cornerstone of the local justice system, the Clerk’s Office ensures that every legal filing, court document, and public record is handled with accuracy and transparency. The office serves citizens, attorneys, law enforcement, and government agencies with professionalism, providing essential access to court records, case searches, probate documents, and more.
Located in the heart of downtown Anderson, the Clerk of Court’s Office plays a central role in supporting the circuit court, family court, and probate court systems. Whether you need to file a civil case, pay a court fine, obtain a marriage license, or research court dockets, the office is designed to make the legal process as accessible and efficient as possible.
About the Anderson County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court for Anderson County SC acts as the custodian of judicial records and legal proceedings within the county’s jurisdiction. The office operates under state laws and is responsible for ensuring all documentation complies with South Carolina court rules.
Core duties include:
- Recording and maintaining civil and criminal case filings.
- Managing jury service and issuing jury summons.
- Accepting and recording probate court filings and estate documents.
- Handling family court cases, including child custody and support orders.
- Issuing marriage licenses and other official certificates.
- Processing court fines, restitution payments, and filing fees.
Every case that passes through the Anderson County Circuit Court or Family Court is recorded and managed by this office, making it the most reliable source for verified court information.
Commitment to the Community
Beyond its official duties, the Anderson County Clerk of Court is dedicated to serving the residents of the county with fairness and transparency. The office maintains open channels of communication and provides clear public access to information that promotes trust in the local justice system.
The staff is trained to help visitors find forms, understand filing requirements, and navigate the court process — without offering legal advice — ensuring that everyone, from first-time filers to experienced attorneys, receives efficient support.
Office Location and Hours
The Clerk’s Office is located in the historic Anderson County Courthouse:
- Address: 100 South Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (864) 260-4053
- Website: Anderson County Clerk of Court Portal
Parking is available behind the courthouse, and accessibility features are provided for individuals with disabilities.
Court Divisions Managed by the Clerk
The Anderson County Circuit Court is the general jurisdiction trial court that handles civil and criminal cases. The Clerk’s Office manages case filings, maintains the court docket, and ensures the accurate recording of judgments and proceedings.
Common case types include:
- Felony criminal trials
- Civil disputes exceeding $7,500
- Appeals from lower courts
- Foreclosures, property disputes, and personal injury claims
Through detailed recordkeeping and docket management, the Clerk ensures every case is processed in accordance with South Carolina law.
Family Court
The Anderson County Family Court addresses sensitive domestic matters. The Clerk of Court oversees documentation related to:
- Divorce decrees and separation filings
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Adoption cases and guardianship proceedings
- Domestic abuse protective orders
- Child and spousal support enforcement
This division prioritizes confidentiality, compassion, and precision in all family-related legal matters.
Probate Court
While the Probate Court operates as a separate judicial office, it works closely with the Clerk of Court to manage estate-related filings and documentation. Residents can file and access:
- Wills, trusts, and estate inventories
- Guardianship and conservatorship records
- Estate administration reports
- Small estate affidavits and probate certificates
The Anderson County Probate Court ensures that estates are settled fairly and legally, protecting the rights of heirs and beneficiaries.
Services Provided by the Anderson County Clerk of Court
The Clerk’s Office provides a broad range of services designed to meet the legal and administrative needs of Anderson County residents. These include public access, online searches, and in-person assistance across several departments.
Civil and Criminal Case Management
The Civil Division processes complaints, motions, orders, and judgments for disputes such as contracts, property ownership, or personal injury claims. Meanwhile, the Criminal Division tracks felony and misdemeanor charges, manages sentencing documentation, and records case outcomes.
Services include:
- Case initiation and filing fee processing
- Scheduling of hearings and trial dates
- Maintenance of official court minutes
- Archiving of historical legal records
Accurate case management ensures a transparent judicial process for all parties involved.
Marriage Licenses and Vital Records
Residents planning to marry in Anderson County can apply for a marriage license through the Clerk of Court’s Office. Requirements include proof of identity, payment of applicable fees, and a mandatory 24-hour waiting period as required by South Carolina law.
Additionally, the office maintains vital records, including historical marriage licenses and certain court-ordered name changes. Certified copies can be requested online or in person.
Court Fines and Payments
To make payment easier, the Anderson County Clerk of Court accepts several forms of payment for fines, fees, and restitution. You can pay:
- Online through the county’s secure portal
- By mail via check or money order
- In person using cash, credit, or debit
Receipts are issued immediately, ensuring proper credit and timely updates to court records.
Accessing Court Records in Anderson County
The Anderson County court system offers a comprehensive online case search portal, allowing users to view public court Records documents from home. Through this system, you can:
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Review civil, criminal, family, and probate court case summaries
- Access docket entries, hearing dates, and final judgments
- Request certified record copies for legal or personal use
The Anderson County Clerk of Court online search tool is one of the most convenient ways to stay updated on current or past court cases.
In-Person Record Requests
For certified copies, sealed records, or complex case searches, you can visit the Clerk’s Records Division.
Make sure to bring:
- Valid photo identification
- Payment for copy or certification fees
- Relevant case details (e.g., names or case number)
Clerk staff are available to assist with locating files and explaining how to submit requests properly.
Legal Resources and Public Assistance
The Anderson County Clerk of Court provides resources for residents who wish to handle basic legal matters on their own. While the Clerk’s staff cannot give legal advice, they can point you toward the correct South Carolina Judicial Branch forms and procedural guides.
These include:
- Small claims and civil complaint forms
- Divorce and family court packets
- Probate estate and guardianship forms
- Criminal record expungement applications
All forms are available for download through the South Carolina Courts website or in printed form at the courthouse. Clear instructions ensure that citizens can file correctly and on time, reducing common mistakes that cause delays.
Jury Duty Information
The Jury Management Division of the Clerk’s Office coordinates the random selection, summoning, and scheduling of jurors for both the Circuit and Family Courts.
Jurors are selected from voter registration and driver’s license databases to ensure fairness. Summons include details on when and where to report. If you receive a notice, you can verify your service or request postponement online.
Serving as a juror is a civic duty that helps ensure the justice system operates fairly and efficiently for all Anderson County residents.
Public Access and Transparency
Transparency is a key mission of the Anderson County Clerk of Court. The office maintains compliance with South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), making non-confidential records publicly accessible.
Certain documents—such as juvenile, adoption, and sealed records—remain confidential by law, but most other filings are available for review. Members of the public can view open case files, historical court orders, and judgment indexes during business hours.
The Anderson County Court System
Anderson County operates under the South Carolina Unified Judicial System, which integrates local courts with state oversight. The Clerk of Court is the administrative link between these levels, ensuring all county proceedings align with state standards.
The system includes:
- Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas)
- Family Court
- Probate Court
- Magistrate and Municipal Courts
Each level of court has its own procedures, but the Clerk’s Office ensures smooth communication and document transfer among them.
Civil and Criminal Case Flow
For civil disputes, a plaintiff files a complaint through the Clerk’s Office, after which the defendant is served and a hearing schedule is established.
Criminal cases begin with an indictment or arrest warrant and progress through arraignment, pre-trial motions, and trial.
The Clerk maintains records of every step:
- Court minutes and transcripts
- Filed exhibits and evidence lists
- Judicial orders and verdicts
- Sentencing and restitution documentation
This accurate recordkeeping preserves the integrity of every case and ensures that appeals and post-trial motions can proceed smoothly.
Appeals and Post-Judgment Filings
If a party wishes to appeal a Circuit Court decision, the Clerk of Court provides guidance on the required forms and deadlines. Appeals typically move to the South Carolina Court of Appeals or, in rare cases, to the State Supreme Court.
The Clerk’s Office records all notices of appeal, bonds, and transcripts forwarded to higher courts. Timely filing is critical—missing a deadline can forfeit the right to appeal—so individuals are encouraged to verify schedules through the Clerk’s appellate desk.
Electronic Filing and Online Access
South Carolina courts have adopted an Electronic Filing (E-Filing) System to modernize record management. The Anderson County Clerk of Court actively supports this initiative by maintaining a secure digital portal for attorneys and registered users.
Benefits of e-filing:
- Faster case submission and acknowledgment
- Automatic docket updates
- Reduced paper use and improved accuracy
- 24/7 document access
Attorneys can file pleadings, motions, and exhibits online without visiting the courthouse, while the public can still view non-restricted documents through the case search feature.
Online Payments and Financial Services
The Clerk’s Office provides an online payment gateway for court fines, restitution, and filing fees. Users can access the portal via the Anderson County website and submit payments securely with a debit or credit card.
Processing times are fast, and payment confirmations are automatically added to the relevant court docket. This digital convenience supports residents who cannot appear in person during business hours.
Security and Data Protection
The Clerk of Court ensures strict data protection policies under South Carolina and federal privacy laws. Confidential records are stored in encrypted databases, and public access terminals are monitored for security.
All electronic transactions comply with state cybersecurity standards, safeguarding users’ personal and financial data.
Common Reasons to Visit the Clerk’s Office
While many services are available online, several important matters still require in-person attention.
Residents often visit the Anderson County Clerk of Court to:
- File or respond to a lawsuit
- Obtain certified copies of court judgments
- Request probate or guardianship documents
- Apply for a marriage license
- Verify a jury summons
- Pay fines that cannot be processed online
Friendly and trained clerks assist visitors daily, ensuring each case or record request is handled promptly and accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Residents can search for court dates, access case records, and track civil or criminal filings through the Clerk of Court, with online portals making this process easier. Family matters, fines, and appeals are managed efficiently to ensure transparency and convenient public access.
How do I find my court date in Anderson County SC?
You can easily find your court date using the Anderson County online court docket search. Just enter your name or case number to view upcoming hearings, trials, or motion dates. The online system updates regularly, so you’ll always have access to the most current schedule. If you need help locating your case, the Clerk’s Office can assist during business hours.
Can I view Anderson County criminal records online?
Yes, Anderson County criminal records are available through the Clerk of Court’s secure online case search portal. You can view non-restricted cases, including court filings and case statuses, directly from your computer or mobile device. For older or sealed records, you must visit the Records Division in person. Certain records remain confidential under South Carolina law.
What payment methods are accepted for court fees?
The Anderson County Clerk of Court accepts multiple payment options for your convenience. You can pay using cash, check, money order, debit, or credit card directly at the courthouse. Online payments are also available through the county’s secure payment portal. This system allows you to pay fines, fees, or restitution quickly and receive instant confirmation.
Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree?
Certified copies of divorce decrees are issued by the Family Court Division of the Clerk’s Office. To obtain one, bring a valid photo ID and pay a small certification fee. Certified copies are often required for legal name changes, benefits, or remarriage purposes. You can request copies in person or by mail, depending on your preference.
How do I apply for a marriage license in Anderson County?
To apply for a marriage license in Anderson County, both applicants must appear in person at the Clerk’s Office with valid identification. After completing your application, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the license can be issued. Licenses are valid for use anywhere in South Carolina, and fees vary slightly by county.
Can I perform a background check through the Clerk’s Office?
The Clerk of Court does not perform official background checks, but you can access public case records through the court’s database. These records can be used by third-party screening agencies or employers. For certified background checks, contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which maintains statewide criminal history reports.