Beaufort County Court Records

Beaufort County court records are official documents and materials filed with, generated, or maintained within the local judicial system. These records provide pertinent information about local courts, including their administrative processes and the court cases that they handle.

Court records are used as formal documentation of important aspects and incidences that occurred during a court case's legal proceedings. As a result, court records generally contain different information about court cases that can be reviewed later. Court records allow for the transparency of judicial processes to improve public trust in their legal system. Additionally, court records are scrutinized by relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that judicial processes are carried out fairly without bias.

Some information and materials typically found in Beaufort County court records include affidavits, depositions, judgments, pleadings, opinions, orders, dockets, sentences, and motions.

Are Court Records Public in Beaufort County?

Yes. South Carolina Public Record Act requires that most records, including court records, maintained by public bodies be made public. As a result, court records are considered part of the Beaufort County Public Records. Therefore, anyone is allowed access to most court records in Beaufort County except certain exempt records. These exempt records include and are not limited to juvenile records, adoption records, records sealed by court order, expugned records, records of abuse and neglect, and documents containing sensitive personal information.

Beaufort County Court Records Search

Beaufort County court records searches can be conducted through the following places:

• Beaufort County Clerk of Court
• Online resources provided by the County Clerk of Court
• The Courthouse where a case was originally filed
• Private aggregate websites that offer court records search services.

Beaufort County Court Records Search by Name

Interested persons can conduct a Beaufort County court record search by name through the Beaufort County Clerk of Court and local courthouses where a court case was handled. The County Clerk of Court serves as the record custodian for the County’s Circuit Court and Family Court.

Record seekers can conduct a court records search by name through the Beaufort County Clerk of Court in-person or online. In-person searches can be performed by visiting the Clerk of Court office's physical address during normal business hours and querying the office’s staff to view court records. Record seekers must provide the name of a party or business involved in a case to facilitate a “by name” search. Although record searches may be free, requesting copies of a court record is subject to certain fees ($0.2 for a plain copy and $3 for a certified copy per page). The Beaufort County Clerk of Court is located at:

102 Ribaut Road
Suite 208
Beaufort, SC 29902

Meanwhile, online searches can be conducted through the Beaufort County Clerk of Court case search portal.

On the other hand, record seekers can search for court records of cases heard at any of Beaufort County’s probate, magistrate, or municipal courts by visiting the specific courthouse where the case was handled. These courthouses typically have a clerk's office interested persons can query to search for and access court records.

Beaufort County Courts

There are five (5) types of courts found in Beaufort County. The County’s Circuit Court, Family Court, Probate Courts, Magistrate Courts, and Municipal Courts. The following are the courthouse locations and contact information of these courts:

Beaufort County Circuit Court

Beaufort County Circuit Court
102 Ribaut Road, Suite 208,
P.O. Box 1128,
Beaufort, SC 29901
Phone: (843) 255-5050 (Civil)
Fax: (843) 255-9412 (Civil)
Phone: (843) 255-5057 (Criminal)
Fax: (843) 255-9412 (Criminal)

Beaufort County Family Court

Beaufort County Family Court
102 Ribaut Road,
1st Floor of Main Courthouse (Room 119),
Beaufort, SC 29901
Phone: (843) 255-5660
Fax: (843) 255-9421

Beaufort County Probate Courts

Beaufort Main Office
102 Ribaut Road,
Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone: (843) 255-5850
Fax: (843) 379-9817

Hilton Head Island Satellite Office
County Government Center South
539 William Hilton Parkway,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Phone: (843) 255-5866
Fax: (843) 255-9518

Bluffton Satellite Office:
4819 Bluffton Pkwy,
Myrtle Park Bldg., 3rd Floor,
Bluffton, SC 29910.
Phone: (843) 255-5872

Beaufort County Magistrates Courts

Beaufort Magistrate Court - Beaufort
104 Ribaut Road,
P.O. Box 2207,
Beaufort, SC 29901
Phone: (843) 255-5700

Bluffton Magistrate Court - Bluffton
4819 Bluffton Parkway,
P.O. Box 840,
Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: (843) 255-5610

Beaufort County Municipal Courts

Beaufort Municipal Court
1901 Boundary Street,
Beaufort Municipal Complex
Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone: (843) 525-7036
Fax: (843) 986-5602 8

Bluffton Municipal Court
20 Bridge Street,
P.O. Box 386,
Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: (843) 706-4530
Fax: (843) 706-4503 9

Port Royal Municipal Court
700 Paris Avenue,
Port Royal, SC 29935
P.O. Drawer 9
Phone: (843) 986-2229
Fax: (843) 986-2210

Beaufort County Superior Court Case Search

South Carolina's trial court system consists of five (5) types of courts: family courts, circuit courts, magistrate courts, probate courts, and municipal courts. Hence, Beaufort County does not have a superior court.

Beaufort County District Court Records

The South Carolina trial court system does not include district courts. As a result, there are no district courts in Beaufort County. The typical cases that district courts in other states handle are instead shared among and heard by other types of courts in Beaufort County, South Carolina.

Beaufort County Criminal Records

In Beaufort County, local law enforcement agencies, such as the county Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments, maintain certain criminal records at their respective juridical levels. These criminal records include Beaufort County arrest records and criminal incident reports. These criminal records are mostly public. Hence, they are typically accessible to anyone who requests them

For instance, interested persons can conduct countywide criminal record checks through Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Records Section. The record check results would include all criminal records the county sheriff's office has generated and those that other local law enforcement agencies, such as municipal police departments, have reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

Criminal record requests can be made to the County Sheriff's Criminal Record Section by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request or via walk-in request. For municipal-level criminal record checks, record seekers can query municipal police departments. Local police departments typically have an administrative or record division that maintains the agency’s criminal records. For instance, interested persons can visit or contact the Bluffton Police Department Record and Evidence via email during the department’s regular office hours to request criminal records the Police Department has generated at:

Bluffton Police Department
101 Progressive Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
Email:pdreports@townofbluffton.com

Similarly, record seekers can complete a FOIA form and submit it by email or mail to the Beaufort Police Department to request local criminal records the agency maintains at:

Beaufort Police Department
1911 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29902.
Email:beaufortpd.recordsadmin@cityofbeaufort.org

Beaufort County Criminal Court Case Lookup

In Beaufort County, criminal cases are heard by different types of courts depending on the case’s specifics. The county circuit court has general jurisdiction over criminal cases. Meanwhile, the magistrate court has trial jurisdiction over criminal offenses that are punishable by a maximum fine of $500, maximum imprisonment of 30 days, or both. Lastly, municipal courts share the same trial jurisdiction as the magistrate courts regarding criminal matters arising from municipal ordinance violations.

Hence, to conduct a criminal court case lookup in Beaufort County, record seekers must ascertain which court (circuit, magistrate, or municipal court) handled the case. For criminal cases the county circuit court is responsible for handling, the County Clerk of Court can be queried to look at the case’s court records. The Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of the County Circuit Court case records and provides a case record search portal that record seekers can use to search criminal court case records remotely. The portal is accessible through the Clerk of Court's official website. Alternatively, record seekers can visit the clerk's office during regular office hours (Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to inspect physical copies of criminal court records. Interested persons can also request copies of criminal court case records from the clerk's office staff for a fee.

On the other hand, record seekers can visit or query the appropriate county magistrate court where a criminal case was handled to look up the case’s court record. There are two magistrate courts in Beaufort County, the Bluffton Magistrate Court and Beaufort Magistrate Court. Both magistrate courts have a court clerk that record seekers can query to access criminal court records. Record seekers can also query the appropriate magistrate court’s traffic and criminal departments to find information about relevant criminal cases by fax or email at:

Beaufort Magistrate Court - Traffic & Criminal Department
Fax: (843) 255-9427
Email: beaufortmagistratecriminal@bcgov.net

Bluffton Magistrate Court - Traffic & Criminal Department
Fax: (843) 255-9510
Email: BlufftonTraffic@bcgov.net

It is worth noting that Beaufort and Bluffton Magistrate Courts' criminal dockets are accessible online. Lastly, record seekers can look up court records of criminal cases handled by a Beaufort County Municipal Court by querying the specific Municipal Court where the case was heard. Queries may be made by visiting the appropriate Municipal Court in person to submit a criminal case record request to the court clerk’s office.

Get Beaufort County Civil Court Records

In Beaufort County, two types of courts handle civil cases, the county’s circuit and magistrate courts. The circuit court has general jurisdiction over civil cases in Beaufort County, while the magistrate court hears civil cases where the amount in dispute is not more than $7,500. Therefore, individuals who want to get Beaufort County civil court records must first ascertain which court heard the specific civil case.

Beaufort County Clerk of Court office serves as the record custodian of the County Circuit Court. Hence, record seekers can query the County Clerk of Court office to get court records of civil cases handled by Beaufort County’s Circuit Court. Queries can be made in person by visiting the County Clerk of Court office and submitting a request to inspect physical copies of a civil case’s court records to the office’s staff. Interested persons can also request copies of civil case court records for a fee. Alternatively, record seekers can remotely access civil cases court records through the County Clerk of Court Case Records Search portal.

For civil cases that fall under the jurisdiction of magistrate courts, record seekers must ascertain which magistrate court (Bluffton Magistrate Court or Beaufort Magistrate Court) handled the case. After that, record seekers can make an in-person request for the civil case’s court records at the appropriate magistrate courthouse. Inquiries about the civil cases court records may also be made to each Magistrate Court Civil Department at;

Beaufort Magistrate Court - Civil Department
Fax: (843) 255-9516
Email: beaufortmagistratecivil@bcgov.net

Bluffton Magistrate Court - Civil Department
Fax: (843) 255-9517
Email: BlufftonCivil@bcgov.net

It is worth noting that Beaufort County’s Magistrate Court civil dockets are accessible through the county Magistrate Court Online Court Docket page.

Beaufort County Family Court Records

Beaufort County Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all family law cases that involve or include any of the following:

• Adoptions
• Termination of parental rights
• Alimony
• Divorce
• Visitations rights
• Domestic abuse cases
• Child support
• Child custody
• Separation and maintenance
• Juvenile Cases

Some family law case court records, such as adoption and juvenile cases, are considered confidential and are only accessible to eligible parties and entities. Meanwhile, other family law case court records are public.

The Beaufort County Clerk of Court is the appointed record custodian of family court records. Hence, record seekers can query the County Clerk of Court office to access family court records. Queries can be made in person at the clerk’s office or online through the clerk’s Case Records Search portal. Record seekers can also request copies of family court records from the clerk’s office for a fee. Note that Beaufort County’s family court dockets are also accessible online.

Beaufort County Dissolution of Marriage Records

“Dissolution of Marriage” is a term used to describe the process of obtaining a divorce to end a marriage legally. Beaufort County Dissolution of marriage records are all legal documents concerning divorce proceedings, including divorce filings and records. Interested persons can obtain these dissolutions of marriage records through the Beaufort County Clerk of Court similar to other family court records as previously explained.

Beaufort County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Beaufort County, legal requirements for marriages, like obtaining a marriage license, are requested through the County’s Probate Court. Meanwhile, the County’s Family Court handles divorce proceedings. Both (marriage and divorce) records are subject to the South Carolina Public Records Act. As a result, these records are accessible to everyone who requests them from their respective custodians.

Interested persons can obtain Beaufort County marriage records and filings through the County’s Probate Court. Record Seekers can visit the specific probate courthouse where the marriage license filing was submitted to make an in-person request for the marriage record. Note that, in-person visits at all three probate courts in Beaufort County are by appointment. Individuals can contact the specific probate court (contact information provided in previous sections) they wish to visit to schedule an appointment and inquire about the desired marriage records. Alternatively, record seekers can remotely access information about Beaufort County marriage license filings through the South Carolina Probate Court Marriage License Index.

On the other hand, Beaufort County divorce filing and records are obtainable through the County Clerk of Court. Record seekers can visit the County Clerk of Court's physical address to make an in-person request for divorce filings and records, like other types of family court records. Record seekers can also search for divorce records remotely through the Clerk of Court Case Record Search portal.

Beaufort County Birth and Death Records

In South Carolina, birth and death records are maintained at the state level by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). The DPH is the official custodian of vital records of different life events, such as deaths, births, marriages, and divorces, that happen in South Carolina, including Beaufort County. As a result, the DPH maintains Beaufort County vital records, including birth and death records.

Note that Beaufort County birth records and death records are private records under South Carolina laws and are only made public after a specific timeframe passes. Birth certificates become public after 100 years, while death certificates are public records after 50 years. As a result, members of the general public can only obtain uncertified copies of a private death or birth certificate. However, only certain eligible persons can obtain certified copies of a private death or birth certificate. These eligible persons include:

Death certificate

• The decedent's immediate family members. These include the decedent’s
  • Parent
  • Grandparent
  • Spouse (not divorced)
  • Sibling
  • Child
  • Grandchild
• A legal representative of any of the decedent’s eligible immediate family members
• Other individuals who can provide evidence of tangible interest they have in a personal or property right that the death certificate is needed to settle.

Birth certificate

• The person named on the certificate provided they are older than 18 years.
• The parent(s) named on the birth certificate
• The legal guardian(s) of the person named on the record. They must provide a certified court order establishing their guardianship/custody right.
• Legal representatives of the person named on the record, their parent(s), or legal guardian(s).

Interested persons can request Beaufort County birth certificates and death certificates through the DPH online, by phone, in-person, by mail, and via Drop-offs. Online and by-phone requests are made through third-party service providers listed on the DPH Vital Records death certificate and birth certificate pages. Meanwhile, in-person, by mail, and drop-off requests are made directly to the DPH.

Note the DHP charges requesters a $12 search fee, a $17 expedited search fee, and $3 for each additional copy when requesting birth certificates or death certificates. Additionally, requesters must provide their valid government, school, or employer-issued photo ID. Requesters must also utilize the Vital Records Birth Application and the Vital Records Death Application forms when requesting a Beaufort County birth certificate or death certificate from the DPH in person, by mail, or via drop-off. These forms must be appropriately completed and submitted alongside the required fees, and the requester’s valid government, school, or employer-issued photo ID.

Requesters can make in-person requests by visiting any of the DPH’s Vital Records Offices. Note that the average processing time for in-person requests is 30 - 45 minutes. Fortunately, there is a Regional vital records office located in Beaufort County at:

Beaufort County
1407 King St.
Beaufort, SC 29902
Phone: (843) 525-7637

The State Office in Richland County is the only Vital Records Office that accepts by-mail and drop-off requests. Hence, requesters should mail or drop off all items required for requesting a birth certificate or death certificate (including a completed application form, the required fees, and the requester’s ID) in an enclosed envelope at the State Vital Records Office:

Richland County (State Office)
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 898-3630

Note that the average processing time for by-mail and drop-off requests is 4 weeks and 2 days, respectively. Requesters who submit via drop-off request will receive a receipt. Additionally, requesters have the option of having their requested certificate mailed to them or made available for pick up at the State Office once it is found.

Beaufort County Probate Court Records

In South Carolina, probate courts have jurisdiction over marriage licenses, guardianships of minors and incompetents, estates of deceased persons, minor settlements under $25,000.00, and involuntary commitments to mental institutions. They also share jurisdiction with circuit courts over power of attorney cases.

Most probate court records are public under the South Carolina Public Records Act. Hence, interested persons can access these records by querying their appropriate custodian. Record seekers can obtain public Beaufort County Probate Court Records by visiting the specific probate court where the case was handled to make an in-person request for the desired probate court record. Beaufort County has three probate courts, and all three operate by appointment only for in-person visits.

Alternatively, record seekers can search for court records of Beaufort County probate cases through the South Carolina Probate Court Index. The index is accessible for free, and searches for probate cases on the index can be made by the case’s party name or the case’s details (i.e., case number and case type)

Beaufort County Property Records

Beaufort County property records are maintained primarily by two (2) local agencies, the County’s Register of Deeds, the Auditor’s Office, and the Treasurer’s Office. The County Register of Deeds Office maintains most property transactions and ownership-related records, such as deeds, mortgages, plats, mechanics liens, tax liens, and Financing Statements (UCCs). The Auditor’s Office creates and assesses tax bills for personal properties, like motor vehicles, boats, and rentals. Meanwhile, the Treasurer’s Office sends and collects tax bills for all types of properties in Beaufort

The easiest and most convenient way of accessing property records maintained by the Beaufort County Register of Deeds Office is through the office’s property records search portal. On the other hand, interested persons can access property tax records through the Propertymax portal provided by Beaufort County. Alternatively, record seekers can query the County Treasurer's Office for the most current and official tax records of real and personal properties in Beaufort County.

Beaufort County Court Records Online

Conducting Beaufort County court record searches online through government channels may be tedious. Record seekers would need to ascertain which court maintains their desired court record and determine its procedures for requesting court records. Consequently, inquirers may conduct court record searches through third-party websites like Southcarolinacourtrecords.us. Some benefits of third-party websites include ease of use and limited search criteria. For instance, searches for a court record can be easily conducted using a subject’s name as a criterion. However, third-party websites usually charge users a fee or a subscription to access their services.