Georgetown County Court Records

Georgetown County court records are the official documents generated, assembled, and managed by the county court system in filing its legal affairs. These records are essential for verifying court actions, understanding legal outcomes, and safeguarding the rights of individuals involved in litigation.

Typically, Georgetown court records include vital legal information such as pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and trial exhibits. They also contain details about criminal indictments, civil lawsuits, family court proceedings, and probate matters. These files show an official account of court events, helping individuals/entities track legal disputes, confirm verdicts, or review case histories.

Are Court Records Public in Georgetown County?

Yes. Georgetown County court records are publically accessible under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4. This law allows the public to inspect or obtain copies of Georgetown County's public records, including court documents.

However, Section 30-4-40 of the South Carolina Freedom Act outlines some exemptions from public disclosure:

• Personal privacy: Information of a personal nature that would invade an individual’s privacy, such as audio recordings of a dying victim's final statements in 911 calls, could be redacted unless waived by next of kin. This includes sensitive personal information related to the handicapped or disabled when requested for commercial solicitation purposes.
• Law enforcement records: Court records or information gathered for law enforcement purposes can be exempt if disclosure would:
  • Interfere with current investigations or legal action
  • Threaten a person's right to a fair trial.
  • Unreasonably invade personal privacy.
  • Reveal the identity of a confidential source.
  • Disclose law enforcement techniques, procedures, or guidelines that may hinder enforcement.
  • Endanger the life or safety of an individual.
  • Reveal intercepted communications not disclosed in a trial.
• Attorney-Client Privilege: Any correspondence or work products between legal counsel and a public body that could violate the attorney-client relationship is exempt from disclosure.
• Research Data: Proprietary data related to scholarly or scientific research collected by state institutions of higher education is protected from public disclosure until publicly released, published, or patented.

Georgetown County Court Records Search

Members of the public can perform a Georgetown County court records search at the following locations:

• A court clerk's office.
• The originating courthouse (i.e., where a case was filed).
• An electronic portal is provided by the county.
• A third-party public records website.

Georgetown County Courts

The Georgetown County court system comprises a Circuit Court, a Family Court, a Probate Court, Magistrates Courts, and Municipal Courts. Below is a list of all 11 courthouse addresses:

Georgetown County Circuit Court
401 Cleland Street,
Room 115, P.O. Box 479
Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3215

Georgetown County Family Court
401 Cleland Street, Room 115,
P.O. Box 479, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3046

Georgetown County Probate Court
401 Cleland Street, Room 140,
P.O. Box 421270, Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3274

Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Andrews
110 North Morgan Avenue
Andrews, SC 29510
Phone: (843) 545-3631

Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Georgetown
333 Cleland Street, P.O. Box 807
Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-3381

Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Murrells Inlet
14329 Ocean Highway, P.O. Box 1830
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 545-3635

Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Pawleys Island
14329 Ocean Highway, P.O. Box 1830
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 545-3633

Georgetown County Magistrate Court - Pleasant Hill
9974 Pleasant Hill Drive
Hemingway, SC 29554
Phone: (843) 545-3637

Andrews Municipal Court
101 North Morgan Street, P.O. Box 1223
Andrews, SC 29510
Phone: (843) 264-8222

Georgetown Municipal Court
2222 Highmarket Street, P.O. Box 939
Georgetown, SC 29442
Phone: (843) 545-4020

Pawleys Island Municipal Court
321 Myrtle Avenue, P.O. Box 1818
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Phone: (843) 237-1698

Georgetown County Criminal Records

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the central repository for criminal records such as Georgetown County arrest records. Individuals and organizations can search name-based criminal history through SLED's Criminal Records Check (CATCH) system. Requesters should note that SLED only provides access to criminal records, which typically include Georgetown arrest records within South Carolina, not national criminal records unless permitted by law.

To do a Georgetown criminal records check through the SLED CATCH system, a non-refundable fee of $25 is required for each search. Payment can be made using major credit or debit cards. There is an additional $1.00 convenience fee for background searches. Charitable organizations that meet the requirements under state law are eligible for a reduced fee of $8.00. Also, criminal records checks for prospective teachers and substitute teachers are free to local school districts, in line with Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code. SLED’s CATCH system requires an exact match of the subject’s last name, first initial, and date of birth. If a Social Security Number is provided, it will also be searched.

Interested parties should note that the CATCH system does not provide information on wanted persons or registered sex offenders. For county sex offender information, the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry is available to the public at no cost.

Alternatively, individuals can request a criminal records check by mail. While mail-in requests do not include a convenience fee, payment is available via certified check, business check, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks and cash are not accepted. Interested parties can mail a completed Criminal Records Check Form, along with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, should to:

SLED Records Department,
P.O. Box 21398 Columbia
SC 29221-1398.

If notarization or certification is needed, it should be requested in the application.

Get Georgetown County Civil Court Records

Georgetown County civil court records consist of documentation from cases involving non-criminal legal disputes. These records include property disputes, contract issues, family law matters such as divorces, and personal injury claims. The Georgetown County Circuit Court typically handles general civil claims exceeding $7,500, such as property disputes or significant contract breaches, and shares jurisdiction with the Magistrate Courts for claims under $7,500.

The court clerk of the respective dealing court serves as the record custodian, and interested parties can direct inquiries to the appropriate Clerk of Court's office. The process for obtaining records may vary, so contacting the office via phone is recommended to confirm the proper protocol before making a records request. For example, if the Georgetown County Circuit Court handled a particular civil case, inquiries about record access can be made by calling the court clerk's office at (843) 545-3215. Individuals can also visit the Clerk of Court's office in person to submit a request:

401 Cleland Street,
1st Floor, Room 115,
Georgetown, SC 29440.

Georgetown County Marriage Records

Access to Georgetown County vital records such as marriage records is governed by the South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-63-8. Only the following parties can obtain certified copies of Georgetown County marriage certificates under certain circumstances, such as for legal matters involving paternity, child support, or divorce:

• The married couple,
• Their adult children
• A current or former spouse or their legal representatives.

Parties not authorized to access certified copies may still access official marriage statements from the Georgetown County Probate Court which provide limited information about the union. This includes a formal disclosure confirming the marriage, along with the date and the location where it took place.

To request marriage records, interested parties should submit the application to the Georgetown County Probate Court located:

401 Cleland Street
Room Number 140.Georgetown
SC 29440.

It is advisable to contact the court directly at (843)-545-3274 for any questions regarding fees, eligibility, or the correct request protocol before visiting or submitting requests.

Georgetown County Divorce Records

Access to Georgetown County divorce records is governed by the South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-63-8. Certified copies of divorce documents can only be obtained by the following eligible individuals under conditions such as for legal matters involving paternity, child support, or property settlements:

• The divorced parties
• Their adult children
• A former or current spouse or their respective legal representatives

Individuals not authorized to receive certified copies of divorce records can still request an official government statement confirming the divorce. This limited information includes a confirmation that the divorce occurred, the date and other appropriate public details.

To obtain divorce records, interested parties should submit a request to the Georgetown County Family Court Clerk of Court's office, where divorce proceedings are typically filed:

401 Cleland Street
1st Floor Room 115
Georgetown, SC 29440

It is advisable to contact the Clerk of Court's office at (843) 545-3215 for any further questions about fees, eligibility, or request procedures.

Georgetown Birth and Death Records

Birth records are crucial for establishing identity, obtaining passports, enrolling in schools, and applying for social services.

Per South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-63-80, birth records such as Georgetown County birth certificates become publicly accessible after 100 years from the date of birth. However, certified copies of original or amended birth records may be accessed by the registrant, if of legal age, the registrant's parent or guardian, or other legal representatives. Other applicants may only receive a statement confirming their birth, date, and location. To access Georgetown County birth records, eligible individuals should contact the Georgetown County Department of Social Services at (843) 546-5134 or visit the office at:

330 Dozier St.,
Georgetown, SC 29440.

Requesters might have to provide valid government-issued identification to prove eligibility for records.

Regarding county death records, South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-63-84 states that they become publicly accessible 50 years after the date of death. Certified copies of death records can be issued to the deceased's family members or legal representatives. Other applicants may only receive a statement confirming the death, along with the date and location. Eligible individuals can access these records by contacting the Georgetown County Department of Social Services at (843) 546-5134. Requesters should bring valid identification when applying for certified copies.

330 Dozier St.,
Georgetown, SC 29440.

Death records are essential for settling estates, verifying death for insurance purposes, and genealogical research.

Georgetown County Probate Court Records

The Georgetown County Probate Court functions across three primary divisions: Estate, Commitment, and Marriage. The court provides various services, including probating estates, settling disputes related to estates and trusts, issuing marriage licenses, handling involuntary commitments for chemical dependency or mental illness, and overseeing guardianship and conservatorship cases. Additionally, the court approves settlements in wrongful death and minor cases.

To obtain court records, individuals may contact the court for inquiries. Requests can be made by calling the court at (843) 545-3274 or visiting the courthouse in person:

401 Cleland Street,
Room 140, Georgetown,
SC 29440.

Georgetown County Property Records

Georgetown County property records show valuable details regarding land ownership, property boundaries, and valuation. These files include details such as the property owner's name, legal description, parcel number, assessed value, and any liens or mortgages on the property. Also, records may offer information on the property's transaction history, zoning, and improvements made over time. These records are essential for checking ownership, conducting title searches, determining property taxes, and assessing land value for potential buyers or sellers.

To access these records in Georgetown, interested parties should follow these steps:

• Visit the Georgetown County Property Assessor website.
• Click on "Search Records" in the top right corner.
• Conduct a search by using any of the following available criteria:
  • Owner Name
  • Location Address
  • Parcel Number
  • Account Number
  • Mobile Home Decal Number

Georgetown County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Southcarolinacourtrecords.us offer interested parties easy access to Georgetown County court records. The platform allows users to search remotely without visiting the courthouse. It provides records for civil, criminal, and probate cases, making it a time-saving and convenient option with advanced search capabilities. However, users should know of potential limitations, such as outdated or incomplete information and restricted access to sensitive records. Additionally, since these third-party sites may not always provide official or accurate records, verifying information through official sources is advisable.