Lexington County Court Records

Lexington County court records refer to the documents and papers maintained by the Clerk of Courts in a civil, criminal, or traffic proceeding. Such documents are usually generated by the court or submitted to the court during a lawsuit. Court records include orders, exhibits, pleadings, affidavits, summons, complaints, dispositions, and testimonies.

Lexington Court records may provide the names of all parties involved in the lawsuit and their date of birth, age, and county of residence. Court records can contain the file number, case number, filing date, case type, and case status. Court records in South Carolina may also contain

the names of the judges and attorneys, motions, pleadings, briefs, and hearing dates, types, and times.

Are Court Records Public in Lexington County?

Court records are public documents in Lexington County. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), public records, including all books, papers, recordings, and documents in the possession of or retained by a public body, such as the Lexington County Courts, are public records. Per the law, all Lexington County public records, including its court records, are open to the public for inspection, viewing, and copying.

However, despite the state's stance on the openness of its public records, the law excludes some court records from public view. Consequently, court records that fall under the following categories are not available to the public:

• Court records containing personally identifying details
• Court records containing information that, if made public, would constitute a breach of personal privacy
• Court records sealed by a judge or a court order
• Information compiled by law enforcement officers contained in a court record where disclosure can reveal the identity of a confidential source.
• Court records containing a company’s trade secrets
• Court records with information that could endanger the lives of people if made public
• Expunged court records

As a result, members of the public cannot access, view, or obtain copies of the following Lexington County Court records without a court order:

• Medical records
• Income tax returns
• Adoption records
• Juvenile records
• Hospital medical staff reports
• Family court medication records

Note: In some instances, the law permits the redaction of certain information from the court record. For instance, court records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account numbers are redacted. In addition, portions of Lexington County court records containing specific emergency and escape response plans are redacted from the court record before issuance to the requester.

Lexington County Court Records Search

Lexington County court records originate from the County's Circuit, Probate, Family, Municipal, and Magistrate Courts. Persons interested in conducting a Lexington County Court record search may contact the Clerk of Courts at the courthouse where the case was filed. In addition, South Carolina offers an online repository of all court cases filed in the state. Record seekers can obtain the county’s court records by querying the platform. The web tool uses the subject's name, case number, case type, or court agency as search criteria.

Lexington County Court Records Search by Name

The South Carolina Judicial Branch website provides an online Case Record Search tool, where persons seeking the state court records may view them or obtain copies of the record. To conduct a Lexington County court records search by name, record seekers must have the full name of the individual named on the record. Record seekers must present valid government-issued identification cards and pay the fee before obtaining copies of the court record. The fees vary based on the type of court record and number of copies requested.

Lexington County Courts

South Carolina court adopts a five-trial court system consisting of Circuit Courts, Family Courts, Probate Courts, Magistrate Courts, and Municipal Courts. Lexington County adopts the state courts system, having five trial court systems within the county. The courthouse directories are as follows:

Circuit Courts in Lexington County

Lexington County Circuit Court
205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8212
Fax: (803) 785-2215

Family Courts in Lexington County

Lexington County Family Court
205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8212
Fax: (803) 785-2215

Probate Courts in Lexington County

Lexington County Probate Court
205 East Main Street, Suite 134, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-8324

Magistrates Courts in Lexington County

Lexington County Magistrate Court - Bond Court
521 Gibson Road, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-2845
Fax: (803) 785-8356
(Also Preliminary Hearing Court)

Lexington County Magistrate Court - Central Traffic Court
139 East Main Street, Suite A, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-2142
Fax: (803) 785-2530

Lexington County Magistrate Court - Criminal Domestic Violence Court
139 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-2886
Fax: (803) 785-2530

Lexington County Magistrate Court - District 1, Lexington
139 East Main Street, Suite B, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 785-2383
Fax: (803) 785-8155

Lexington County Magistrate Court - District 2, Irmo
111 Lincreek Drive, Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: (803) 785-2384
Fax: (803) 749-4050

Lexington County Magistrate Court - District 3, Batesburg-Leesville
231 West Church Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006
Phone: (803) 785-5013
Fax: (803) 332-0357

Lexington County Magistrate Court - District 4, Swansea
500 Charlie Rast Road, Swansea, SC 29160
Phone: (803) 785-6250
Fax: (803) 785-4078

Lexington County Magistrate Court - District 5, Oak Grove
428 Oak Drive, Lexington, SC 29073
Phone: (803) 785-6251
Fax: (803) 785-2571

Lexington County Magistrate Court - District 6, Cayce-West Columbia
650 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
Phone: (803) 785-6267
Fax: (803) 796-7635

Municipal Courts in Lexington County

Batesburg-Leesville Municipal Court
660 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006
Phone: (803) 532-4408
Fax: (803) 532-0357

Cayce Municipal Court
City Hall
1800 12th Street, Cayce, SC 29033
Phone: (803) 550-9550

Chapin Municipal Court
157 NW Columbia Avenue, P.O. Box 183, Chapin, SC 29036
Phone: (803) 575-8052
Fax: (803) 575-8053

Gaston Municipal Court
186 North Carlisle Street, Gaston, SC 29053
Phone: (803) 796-7725
Fax: (803) 739-5793

Irmo Municipal Court
Town Hall
7300 Woodrow Street, P.O. Box 406, Irmo, SC 29063
Phone: (803) 781-7050
Fax: (803) 749-2743

Lexington Municipal Court
111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 951-4634
Fax: (803) 358-7277

Pelion Municipal Court
1010 Main Street, P.O. Box 7, Pelion, SC 29123
Phone: (803) 894-3535
Fax: (803) 894-2549

Pine Ridge Municipal Court
Town Hall
2757 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, SC 29172
Phone: (803) 755-2500
Fax: (803) 955-0605

South Congaree Municipal Court
119 West Berry Road, West Columbia, SC 29172
Phone: (803) 755-2760 ext. 103
Fax: (803) 755-0456

Springdale Municipal Court
Town Hall
2915 Platt Springs Road, Springdale, SC 29170
Phone: (803) 794-0408
Fax: (803) 791-0567

Swansea Municipal Court
320 West Third Street, Swansea, SC 29160
Phone: (803) 568-3366
Fax: (803) 568-3034

West Columbia Municipal Court
200 North 12th Street, P.O. Box 4044, West Columbia, SC 29171
Phone: (803) 791-1880
Fax: (803) 739-2662

Lexington County District Court Records

District Courts are courts that determine facts and apply legal principles in criminal and civil cases. They are courts of equity having limited jurisdiction and can only hear cases involving federal crimes or disputes of residents from different states. State District Court presides over most misdemeanors, low-level felonies, and infractions cases as well as civil cases involving recovery of personal property and contracts. In addition, some state District Court handles cases related to juveniles, damage of personal property, domestic violence protection, child neglect, child abuse, annulment, and spousal settlement agreements.

Although Lexington County does not have a state District Court, there is a federal District Court in South Carolina referred to as the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. The federal District Court in the state handles court cases with respect to federal tax suits, real property, intellectual property, torts, bankruptcy, civil rights, prisoner petitions, forfeitures, and immigration lawsuits.

Lexington County Criminal Records

Lexington County criminal records contain a list of an individual's involvement with law enforcement agencies and the courts. Criminal records are lifelong records that provide details of a person's previous criminal charges, arrests, convictions, sentencing, parole violations, and dismissals. Lexington County criminal records, also referred to as Lexington County arrest records, are public records and are available for inspection and copying at the Clerk of Court's office. Also, record seekers may use the online web tool provided by the state to locate criminal records. The county also permits mail requests for criminal records.

Lexington County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides an online tool to look up criminal court case records. Record seekers may view and print Lexington County criminal court records using the platform. In addition, the Clerk of Court is the custodian of criminal court records in the county, and persons seeking the records may visit the office to view the records. Record seekers may also request Lexington County criminal court records by mail. Mail requests should contain information about the criminal court case and the requester's details. In addition, searchers must include a self-addressed envelope, government-issued identification card, and money orders or checks to cover the cost of printing the records.

Get Lexington County Civil Court Records

Civil court records contain files and documents generated in court during a legal dispute between two or more parties in a civil court case proceeding. Civil court cases contain information on the claims, pleadings, damages, injuries, witness testimonies, compensation, and judgment. Civil court cases heard in Lexington County include tenancy, foreclosure, lien claims, disputes, breach of contract, real estate, civil equity, bond issues, and inmate litigation cases.

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a civil court case record search for all counties in the state. Record seekers can conduct a case name or case number search to get Lexington County civil court case records. While it is free to view the records, obtaining copies of the records attracts a fee. Lexington County civil court records are also available at the Clerk of Court office. Record seekers may visit the courthouse in person to view the records. The Clerk of Court also accepts mail requests for civil court records. Interested persons may request the records in writing and include a copy of their government-issued identification card, money order, or check for the fees, and a self-addressed envelope. The fees vary depending on the amount of copies requested.

Lexington County Family Court Records

Per state law, Lexington County Family Courts preside over all matters relating to family, juvenile, mental health, or domestic relations cases. Cases heard at the Family Court in Lexington County include legal separation, divorce, alimony, annulment, child visitation, child custody, foster care, domestic abuse, termination of parental rights, adoption, name change, and guardianship of minors.

Family Court records in Lexington County are public records and are open to the public per the FOIA. However, the law restricts public access to some family court records such as adoption court records and child custody court records. Record seekers can access Lexington County Family Court records online using the Family Court Public Access Portal. Searchers can query the database for family court records using the individual’s names, business names, or case numbers. The Clerk of Family Court in Lexington County also grants access to family court records in its custody. Persons interested in obtaining the record may write a letter requesting the same from Lexington Family Court or visit the office in person to obtain the records. Record seekers must provide government-issued identification cards and pay the fees before receiving copies of the record.

Lexington Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage is the formal legal step taken to end a marriage in court. Dissolution of marriage does not undo the marriage rather it ends the legal union of a couple completely. Although the dissolution of marriage decree is maintained by the Lexington County Clerk of Court, the dissolution of marriage record is a vital record maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC) in Columbia. Persons seeking certified copies of Lexington dissolution of marriage records may visit the DHEC office or mail a written request for the record. Record seekers must include valid photo identification cards and pay the fees to obtain the record.

Lexington County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage records are official records certifying that a couple has been married. Lexington County marriage records -marriage licenses and marriage certificates are public records and are available for inspection, viewing, and copying. However, only the couple, their legal representatives, the couple's adult children, and the couple’s former or present spouse may obtain certified copies of the Lexington County Marriage certificate.

The Clerk of Lexington County Probate Court is the custodian of marriage records in the county and persons interested in obtaining the record may visit the office in person or mail-in their requests. Record seekers must fill out the Certified Marriage License Request Form, and provide the names of the couple, year of marriage, phone number, self-addressed and stamped envelope, and the fees payable by check or money order. It costs $5.25 for each copy of a certified marriage record. The Clerk accepts cash payment for walk-in requests. Lexington County also provides an online search tool with Marriage License Information filed in the county from 1986 to the present.

Divorce records are official documents issued to a couple certifying the end of the marriage. Divorce records -divorce decrees and divorce certificates- in Lexington County are public records and are available only to the following eligible persons:

• The individuals named on the divorce record
• Their legal representatives
• Their adult children
• Former of the current spouse of the divorced couple

Lexington County divorce records are available at the DHEC. Eligible persons may request certified copies of divorce records in person or mail in a request for the records. Record seekers must fill out the Vital Records Divorce Application Form and provide a photocopy of a current government, school, or employer photo identification card. There is a $12 search fee and a $3 fee per copy of the same record requested. The SCDHEC accepts only checks or money orders for mail-in requests of divorce records. In-person, requesters may pay with cash or debit and credit cards.

Lexington Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records form part of Lexington County Vital Records. Lexington County birth certificates are official legal documents documenting the birth of a child. Birth records are necessary to apply for a passport, obtain a social security number, or apply for other benefits. Birth records are open to the public. Eligible persons who may request birth records include the persons named on the record, their parents named on the record, their legal guardians, and legal representatives. Persons interested in obtaining certified copies of the record may contact the DHEC. The office accepts mail-in and in-person requests for Lexington County birth records. Record seekers may fill out the Vital Records Birth Application Form. Requesters must include a copy of a current government, office, or school identification card, and money orders or checks for the fees. There is a non-refundable standard searching fee of $12 and a $3 fee for each additional copy of the birth records ordered.

Death records are legal proof that someone is deceased. Death records help to settle the deceased estate and obtain other benefits such as pension or insurance. Immediate family members of the deceased or legal representatives of the deceased family member may order certified copies of earth records in Lexington County. Requests for death records may be in-person or by mail. Records seekers must complete the Vital Record Death Application Form. The DHEC requires all persons requesting death records to provide a photocopy of a government, school, or employer-issued photo identification card. There is a non-refundable search fee of $12 and an additional $3 to obtain additional copies of the same record. Requesters should note that mail requests for birth and death records are available only at the DHEC office in Richland County at:

DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Lexington County Probate Court Records

The Lexington County Probate Courts handles estate administration, guardianship for adults, mental health commitments, conservatorship for adults and minors, and application and issuance of marriage licenses.

Lexington County Probate Court records are available at the Clerk of Probate Court office. Persons interested in the record may visit the office in person or mail in their written requests. Record seekers must include valid photo identification cards and self-addressed and stamped envelopes to obtain the records. The Clerk charges a fee to obtain probate records. The amount varies depending on the type of record and the number of copies requested. Requesters can mail their requests, or visit the county’s probate records at:

Lexington County Probate Court,
205 East Main Street
Suite 134
Lexington, SC 29072

Lexington County Property Records

The county’s Register of Deeds maintains Lexington County Property records and includes all records the registrar deems recordable as well as:

• Deeds of distribution
• Deeds
• Property titles
• Right of ways and easements
• Plats
• Federal and state tax liens
• Power of attorneys
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) finance statements
• Mortgages

Lexington County property records are public records and are available online. Online documents include documents from August 1984. Interested persons can access the records by following the online instructions document. Copies of deeds are available at the Register of Deeds Office for $0.5 per page. The Register of Deeds office is located at:

212 South Lake Drive, Suite 301
Lexington, SC 29072

Lexington County Court Records Online

Third-party online sources like courtrecords.us also provide public Lexington court records to interested persons. Accessing these records online provides a convenience to going to the court or clerk to access these records. Users of third-party online sources of Lexington County court records may, however, experience a delay in the updating of the records when compared to the official government sources of this same information.