Sumter County
Sumter County, named after Revolutionary War hero General Thomas Sumter, was founded in 1800. Located in the central part of South Carolina, it covers a total land area of 665 square miles and has a population of 105,556 people. Its county seat and largest city is the City of Sumter.
The court system in Sumter County comprises the Circuit, Family, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts. Sumter County's Circuit Court operates within the Third Judicial Circuit Court. It serves as the highest trial court in the county and has jurisdiction over major criminal cases, appeals, cases in equity, and civil disputes involving $7500 or more. The Sumter County Family Court handles matters related to legal separation, domestic abuse protection orders, foster care, termination of parental rights, child custody, and child support issues. This court also deals with juvenile matters, alimony, division of marital property, guardianship of a minor, adoption, and name changes.
The Probate Court oversees estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Magistrate Courts handle preliminary criminal hearings, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. Meanwhile, the Municipal Court in Sumter City and other municipalities address ordinance violations and minor offenses within their respective municipalities.
Sumter County public court records are official documents detailing the events of court cases in the county. These documents include dockets, case filings, judgments, and orders. According to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, court records created in Sumter County typically ensure transparency and accountability in all judicial processes. The following are common public court records in Sumter County:
- Criminal court records
- Civil court records
- Family law records
- Circuit court records
However, records such as adoption records, juvenile cases, and mental health documents are restricted to only authorized persons due to their confidential nature. To request public court records, individuals can contact the Sumter County Clerk of Court's Office:
Sumter County Clerk of Court
215 N Harvin Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Phone: (803) 436-2227
Sumter County court records are also accessible online via the SC Case Records Search. To use the online platform, requesters must provide details such as names of involved parties or case numbers. While online viewing is free, obtaining certified or physical copies from the Clerk's Office may incur charges.
