Hampton County Court Records provide open access to civil, criminal, and probate cases handled by the 14th Judicial Circuit in South Carolina. These records include original filings, motions, judgments, and full transcripts indexed by case number and date. Residents, lawyers, and researchers can search by party name, attorney, or docket type and download PDF copies of both sealed and unsealed documents. The system tracks appeals, letting users follow a case from start to finish, including any review by the South Carolina Supreme Court. Historical files go back to 1878, offering valuable primary sources for genealogists and legal historians.
How to Search Hampton County Court Records Online
The official Hampton County Public Records portal allows instant searches of court documents through a user-friendly interface. Users enter a case number, party name, or attorney name to pull up relevant records. Results show filing dates, case types, and current status. Each entry links to a downloadable PDF containing the full document. Filters help narrow results by year, court level, or document type. The system updates daily, ensuring access to the most recent filings. No login is required for basic searches, making it easy for anyone to find information quickly.
Types of Court Records Available in Hampton County
Hampton County maintains three main categories of court records: civil, criminal, and probate. Civil records cover lawsuits, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. Criminal records include misdemeanor and felony charges, arrest reports, and sentencing details. Probate records contain wills, estate settlements, guardianship cases, and adoption files. Each record type is stored with full documentation, including pleadings, motions, court orders, and final judgments. All files are indexed for fast retrieval and available in digital format.
- Civil cases: property disputes, debt collection, divorce, and contract issues
- Criminal cases: theft, assault, DUI, and felony charges
- Probate cases: wills, estates, name changes, and guardianships
Clerk of Court Services and Office Information
The Clerk of Court office, located at 80 Elm Street in Hampton, SC, serves as the central hub for all judicial records. Staff members assist with record requests, certified copies, and filing procedures. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Certified copies of judgments, liens, and marriage licenses are available for a small fee. While the office does not give legal advice, it directs visitors to legal aid resources and self-help guides. Attorneys can file documents electronically using the state’s e-court system with a verified ID.
Accessing Property and Land Records
The Register of Deeds, part of the Clerk of Court’s office, manages all real estate records. This includes deeds, mortgages, plats, surveys, and liens. Each document receives a unique instrument number and is indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description. The online GIS mapping system shows parcel boundaries, ownership history, and tax assessments for every property in the county. Users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view tax bills from 1995 onward and download PDF summaries. Historic records date back over a century and are preserved in climate-controlled storage.
Judicial Scheduling and Court Rosters
The 14th Judicial Circuit Court provides a real-time docket system showing upcoming hearings, trials, and motions. The public roster lists courtroom assignments, judge names, and scheduled times for civil, criminal, and family law cases. Users can search by date, case number, or party name to find specific events. The system updates throughout the day as schedules change. This helps attorneys, defendants, and observers plan their attendance. The court also posts appellate calendars for cases moving to higher courts.
Marriage Licenses and Business Registrations
Hampton County’s Public Index includes marriage licenses and business filings alongside court records. Marriage licenses show names, dates, and officiant details. Business registrations cover LLCs, corporations, and trade names with filing dates and status updates. All records are scanned and linked to case numbers for easy access. Certified copies are available in person or by mail for official use. These documents support background checks, legal proceedings, and personal verification needs.
Historical Archives and Genealogy Research
Researchers value Hampton County’s extensive historical archives, which begin in 1878 when the county was founded. These records include old court cases, land deeds, probate files, and census-related documents. Genealogists use them to trace family histories, property ownership, and legal events. The archives are digitized where possible, with fragile originals stored securely. Staff can assist with locating hard-to-find records upon request. Many documents are free to view online, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Electronic Filing and Modern Court Procedures
Hampton County supports electronic filing for attorneys through the South Carolina Courts Online portal. This system requires a secure login and attorney verification. Filings include complaints, motions, and appeals with automatic docket updates. The court encourages digital submissions to reduce paper use and speed up processing. Self-represented litigants may still file in person or by mail. All e-filed documents become part of the public record unless sealed by court order.
Public Transparency and Government Meetings
The county promotes transparency by publishing meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings from the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board. These materials date back to 2010 and are available on the official website. Citizens can review decisions on zoning changes, budgets, and policy updates. Live streams and archived videos help residents stay informed without attending in person. This openness builds trust and encourages civic participation.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For direct assistance, visit the Clerk of Court at 80 Elm Street, Hampton, SC 29924. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone inquiries can be made during business hours. Certified copies, record searches, and filing services are available on-site. The Register of Deeds operates within the same location, providing land and property records. Staff members are trained to help with navigation of both physical and digital systems.
Official Website: http://www.hamptoncountysc.org/628/Public-Records Phone: 803-914-2250 Address: 80 Elm Street, Hampton, SC 29924 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 
Frequently Asked Questions About Hampton County Court Records
Many people have questions about how to use court records, what information is available, and how to request documents. Below are common inquiries with clear, helpful answers based on current county policies and procedures.
How do I request a certified copy of a court judgment?
To request a certified copy of a court judgment, visit the Clerk of Court office at 80 Elm Street during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if known. If you don’t have the case number, staff can help locate it using party names or filing dates. Certified copies cost a small fee per page and are stamped with the official court seal. Processing takes 15–30 minutes for most requests. You can also mail a written request with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, but in-person pickup is faster. Certified copies are often needed for legal proceedings, loan applications, or government forms.
Are divorce records public in Hampton County?
Yes, divorce records in Hampton County are public unless sealed by a judge. These records include the final decree, property settlements, and custody arrangements. They are part of the civil court file and can be searched online or viewed at the courthouse. However, sensitive details like Social Security numbers or children’s names may be redacted. If a case was sealed due to domestic violence or privacy concerns, access is restricted. Researchers should check the docket status before visiting. Most divorce decrees from the past 50 years are available in digital format.
Can I search court records by someone’s name?
Yes, you can search Hampton County court records by a person’s full name. The online portal allows searches using “party name” as a filter. Enter the first and last name exactly as it appears in court filings. Common names may return multiple results, so include a middle initial or case type if possible. The system shows all active and closed cases involving that person, including civil suits, criminal charges, and probate matters. This feature helps with background checks, legal research, or personal verification. Results include case numbers, filing dates, and document links.
How far back do Hampton County court records go?
Hampton County court records date back to 1878, the year the county was established. Historical files include civil, criminal, and probate cases from the 19th and 20th centuries. Many older records have been digitized for online access, while fragile originals are stored in secure archives. Genealogists and historians frequently use these documents to study local families, land ownership, and legal trends. Some records from the early 1900s may require special permission to view due to preservation needs. The county continues to scan and index older files to improve accessibility.
Is there a fee to view court records online?
No, there is no fee to view or search court records online through the official Hampton County portal. Users can access dockets, case summaries, and document previews at no cost. Downloading PDF copies of unsealed documents is also free. However, certified copies requested in person or by mail carry a small statutory fee, usually $1–$5 per document. This fee covers processing and certification. The county does not charge for basic searches or public access to digital records. This policy supports transparency and equal access to justice.
What should I do if I can’t find a record online?
If you can’t find a record online, contact the Clerk of Court office directly. Some older or sensitive files may not be digitized yet. Staff can perform a manual search using alternative methods like microfilm or paper logs. Provide as much detail as possible, including names, dates, and case types. You may need to visit in person or submit a formal request by mail. The office will notify you if the record exists and how to obtain it. In rare cases, records may have been lost or destroyed due to age or disaster, but most files from 1950 onward are preserved.
Can I file a court document online in Hampton County?
Only attorneys with verified e-filing accounts can submit documents online through the South Carolina Courts Online system. Self-represented individuals must file in person at the Clerk of Court office or by mail. Accepted forms include small claims petitions, probate applications, and motions. All filings must follow court rules and include required fees. The office provides basic forms for pickup, but does not offer legal advice. Electronic filing speeds up processing and reduces errors. Check the court website for updated forms and instructions before submitting.