York County
Established in 1975, York County is situated on the south-central border of South Carolina. Its estimated population of nearly 300,000 people makes it the state's seventh-most populous county. Its county seat is York City.
The York County trial court system encompasses several trial courts, including a circuit court, a family court, a probate court, magistrate courts, and municipal courts. The York County Circuit Court is a general jurisdiction court that comprises the following divisions:
The Common Pleas Court handles civil claims exceeding $7,500, while the General Sessions Court hears criminal cases, including felonies and criminal misdemeanors. The Circuit Court shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Magistrate, Family, and Probate Courts over certain suits.
The York County Family Court judge oversees children-related cases, domestic relations lawsuits, juvenile issues, and mental commitment proceedings.
The Probate Court exercises general jurisdiction over probate matters, including wills, administrations of estates, and guardianships. In contrast, the Magistrate Courts adjudicate cases that attract a punishment of fines or short imprisonment terms.
Municipal Courts, or Summary Courts, in York County, are courts of limited jurisdiction that only preside over municipal code violations and lack civil jurisdiction.
York County Court records are records of various judicial proceedings in county court trials. They highlight the York County courts' transparency and accountability and promote effective justice delivery. Indexes, calendars, case recordings, minutes of proceedings, motions, decrees, and judgments are typical contents of court records. These records, which are compiled and maintained by court clerks, typically include:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Family law records
- Probate records
- Juvenile court records
The York County Clerk of Court keeps court records, including the Circuit and Family Court records. Per State law, York County court records are open records and can be accessed by interested persons upon request. Requesters can obtain court records via online, mail, or in-person requests. Requests for hardcopy records can also be made in person at the Clerk of Court's Office or the courthouse where the cases were tried.
