Court records of Pickens County, South Carolina, are available through several channels. PickensCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official online portals of the state court system, directly at the Clerk of Court's office, and through public terminals in the Pickens County courthouse.
Pickens Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Pickens County, each handling specific categories of cases. Federal cases are processed through the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, and the local state court system is organized as follows:
Circuit Court (Court of General Sessions / Court of Common Pleas) — a court of general jurisdiction. General Sessions handles serious criminal offenses (felonies), while Common Pleas deals with civil claims over $7,500, real estate cases, and other significant civil disputes. The Clerk of Court of Pickens County maintains records for both divisions.
Family Court handles:
- Divorces, alimony, and property division
- Child custody and adoption
- Domestic violence cases and protective orders
- Juvenile delinquency cases
Family court records often have limited public access, especially when minors are involved.
Magistrate Court operates under the guidance of South Carolina Court Administration. Magistrates issue warrants, set bail, and hear misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $7,500. Small claims up to $7,500 are also filed here.
Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianship appointments, and involuntary commitments. It is a separate court with its own judge and office.
Pickens Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index. This portal allows you to search cases across all counties in the state, including Pickens, and view scheduled hearing dates.
For Magistrate Court cases, the schedule can be clarified directly at the Magistrate Court office of Pickens County. The Circuit Court and Family Court calendar is published through the state's Court Administration system.
A few practical tips:
- Go to the SC Judicial Department Public Index portal and select Pickens County.
- Enter the party's name or case number.
- The search results will display scheduled hearing dates, court type, and case status.
- If you need information about a specific magistrate court, call the relevant office directly — several magistrate divisions operate in the county.
Note: the portal is not an official county record but an informational tool. To confirm a hearing date, it is better to contact the court office.
How to Get a Copy of a Pickens Court Document
The Clerk of Court's office maintains records for the Circuit Court (General Sessions and Common Pleas), and it is the place to request copies of most court documents. There are three main ways to obtain a copy.
In person:
Visit the office during business hours. You will need the party's name or case number. Office staff will help locate the necessary document and make a copy on the spot.
By mail: send a written request to the address above. Include the full name of the party, case number (if known), document type, and return address. Add payment in the form of a money order. Details on the request procedure are available on the Pickens County Records Requests page.
Online: basic case information — dates, parties, status — can be viewed through the SC Judicial Department Public Index. However, to obtain certified copies of documents, you need to contact the Clerk of Court directly.
The difference between types of copies is important:
- Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy of a document, suitable for review.
- Certified copy — has an official seal and signature of the clerk. Usually required for submission to another court, government agency, or for legal procedures.
Probate Court records are kept separately in the Probate Court office. Magistrate Court records are in the respective magistrate division.
Pickens Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court records in South Carolina are regulated by state law. Below are typical fees applied at the Pickens County Clerk of Court's office. It is recommended to verify exact amounts directly with the office, as they may be updated.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search fee | Depends on the complexity of the request; check with the Clerk of Court |
| Document copy (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per document (according to S.C. Code § 8-21-310) |
| Criminal history check via SLED CATCH | $25.00 per name search |
Payment at the Clerk of Court's office is usually accepted in cash, money order, or certified check. For mail requests — money order only. Some state online services accept credit cards: for example, SLED CATCH allows online payment for criminal history checks, and the SC traffic ticket payment portal accepts payments by ticket number.
If you need records not stored in court — such as accident reports — the request is submitted through the FOIA procedure of the Department of Public Safety. A separate fee is charged for such reports.