Fairfield County Court Records

Fairfield County court records capture all documentable aspects of criminal and civil proceedings. They provide a concrete, consistent, and accountable timeline of court case activities and events.

Court records encompass a diverse range of legal documents, including exhibits, affidavits, petitions, and other filings. These records are generated through private disputes or penal actions. For instance, a criminal case file may include Fairfield County arrest records, court orders, and indictments.

The Fairfield County Clerk of Court maintains primary custody of all court records, regardless of their category.

Are Court Records Public in Fairfield County?

Yes. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act grants citizens the legal right to inspect and copy the records of any public body, including courts. However, certain documents are exempt to safeguard confidential or sensitive information. For example, Rule 41.2 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure regards personal data as protected information that must be removed from open records. In addition, juvenile records (S.C. § 63-19-2020), adoption documents (S.C. § 44-63-140), and mental health records (S.C. § 44-22-100) are excluded from general review.

Fairfield County Court Records Search

To conduct a court records search in Fairfield County, South Carolina, individuals should be prepared to interact with the record custodian, such as the clerk of court. These custodians typically offer several ways to view or obtain copies of official documents, including in-person visits, mail-in requests, phone inquiries, and online options.

To expedite the search process, inquirers should gather key information beforehand. This typically includes:

• The full legal names of the case parties
• The case number and case type
• The name of the court
• The approximate date the case or hearing took place

Additionally, the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index is a free online resource that includes case records from Fairfield County. This tool provides informational summaries and details necessary for the public to obtain the actual legal documents.

Fairfield County Courts

Fairfield County is under South Carolina's 6th Judicial Circuit. The circuit court, which contains the Court of Common Pleas (for civil cases) and Court of General Sessions (for criminal cases), serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction. The county also has local probate, family, magistrate, and municipal courts, as listed below. Each court has its own responsibilities and maintains its own court records.

Fairfield County Circuit Court
Fairfield County Courthouse
101 South Congress Street
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Office: (803) 712-6526
Fax: (803) 712-1506

Fairfield County Family Court
115-A South Congress Street
Winnsboro, SC 29180
P.O. Drawer 299
Office: (803) 712-6526
Fax: (803) 712-1506

Fairfield County Probate Court
101 South Congress Street
Winnsboro, SC 29180
P.O. Drawer 385
Phone: (803) 712-6519
Fax: (803) 712-6939

Fairfield County Magistrate Court
115-B South Congress Street
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Phone: (803) 635-4525
Fax: (803) 635-5717

Municipal Courts in Fairfield County, South Carolina
Ridgeway Municipal Court
170 South Dogwood Avenue
Ridgeway, SC 29130
P.O. Box 24
Phone: (803) 337-2213
Fax: (803) 337-2004

Winnsboro Municipal Court
117 West Washington Street
Winnsboro, SC 29180
P.O. Box 209
Phone: (803) 635-1302
Fax: (803) 815-0602

Fairfield County Criminal and Civil Records

Individuals can use the South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index to find criminal and civil case information for the Fairfield County circuit and family courts, as well as that for the municipal courts of Winnsboro and Ridgeway.

To obtain certified copies of major civil and criminal matters, one can contact the Fairfield County Clerk of the Court directly. Note that local criminal court records may not contain complete Fairfield County arrest records. Those who need this type of information may need to contact the county sheriff or detention center.

For small civil claims (with a value under $7,500), the proper custodian is the local magistrate court office, while the probate judge handles documents related to wills and guardianships.

Fairfield County Marriage Records

The probate court judge is responsible for maintaining marriage records in Fairfield County. Eligible persons who wish to obtain a record of marriage may apply in person or by mail to the Fairfield County Probate Court at 101 South Congress Street, Winnsboro. Alternatively, individuals can email requests to probate@fairfield.sc.gov.

To obtain certified copies of marriages that took place in Fairfield County between July 1950 and December 2023, applicants have the option to apply through the Vital Records section of the S.C. Department of Public Health. The application requires completing the designated form and mailing it, along with a $12 check or money order and a current photo ID, to the Department.

S.C. Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
P.O. Box 2046
West Columbia, SC 29171

Walk-in and drop-off options are not available.

Fairfield County Divorce Records

Divorce records for Fairfield County are retrievable from the Clerk of Court's office. To get the full divorce case file or a divorce decree, requesters can come in person or apply by mail. Each copy costs 25 cents for legal/letter-size papers and 50 cents for ledger-size copies.

Those who only require proof of divorce can mail a completed application form, a $12 fee, and a valid photo ID to the DPH Vital Records Division at P.O. Box 2046, West Columbia, SC 29171.

Fairfield Birth Records

Certified copies of Fairfield County birth records are crucial for establishing citizenship, obtaining a passport or driver's license, and school enrollment. However, per S.C. Code § 44-63-80, issuance of these certified copies is legally restricted to the named individual, their named parents, or their legal agents.

Applicants will need to contact the Vital Records Division of the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Mail-in and drop-off services are only available at the main state office. In-person services are available at all regional centers.

All requesters must complete the birth certificate application form. Mail and drop-off channels attract a standard $12 fee, while walk-in services cost $17. There is an extra $3 fee for each additional certified copy in the same order.

Online orders are available for those who prefer that route.

Fairfield Death Records

Any person made eligible by S.C. § 44-63-84 (family and legal representatives) can retrieve the death records of a deceased Fairfield County resident from the S.C. Department of Health.

A death record can be used to settle a deceased's affairs, claim life insurance, and transfer property titles. Requesters can place an order online through the DPH's approved online services or submit a completed death certificate request form via mail, drop-off, or in person at any regional office of DPH Vital Records.

Fairfield County Probate Court Records

Fairfield County Probate Court records contain documents pertaining to several types of cases. These include matters related to wills, the administration of a deceased person's estate, guardianships for adults who are incapacitated, and court-ordered civil commitments.

Individuals can request copies of probate court records from the Fairfield County Probate Court.

Fairfield County Property Records

The Clerk of Court in Fairfield County serves as the region's Register of Deeds. This office is the sole authority responsible for managing records of deeds, liens, easements, mortgages, and other documents related to real property. Individuals can search for these documents in person at the Register of Deeds office, located at 101 South Congress Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180.

For property appraisal and mapping information, the local Assessor's Office maintains a free search portal on its website where the public can search by owner's name, address, or parcel ID. Requests can also be made directly at the following location.

Fairfield County Assessor
101 South Congress Street
Winnsboro, SC 29180
P.O. Drawer 60Je
Phone: (803) 712-6520

Fairfield County Court Records Online

While South Carolina's statewide index provides a free public resource for case record checks, it may lack the comprehensiveness some users require. As an alternative to visiting a courthouse, third-party online platforms, such as Southcarolinacourtrecords.us, can provide a faster way to access court records. These independent vendors often feature consolidated databases and more diverse search functionality. However, it is essential to note that the records are not officially certified and may not be complete.