Courts

Chester County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court's office is responsible for maintaining all court records, fulfilling reporting requirements, and processing fines and fees. We strive to perform these duties with optimal efficiency while providing a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone we serve.

Notary Applications & Renewals

Whether you're interested in becoming a notary or need to renew, the National Notary Association has all the details. Also, within 15 days of receipt, please bring your certificate, along with a photo ID and fee ($5), to the Clerk's office to be enrolled.
National Notary Association
On This Page

  • Hours

    8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    Monday - Friday

  • Location Address

    140 Main Street
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Mailing Address

    PO Box 580
    Chester, SC 29706

  • Phone

    (803) 385-2605

  • Fax

    Criminal
     (855) 935-3708

    Civil
     (855) 946-0423

Clerk of Court Responsibilities + Services

Court Services

  • Court of General Sessions

    Records criminal cases heard.

  • Court of Common Pleas

    Records cases heard when the value of property exceeds $7,500.

    Keeps records of judgments.

    Note: For claims less than $7,500, see Magistrate Court.

  • Family Court

    Prepares and schedules hearing documents.

    Maintains records which include:

    • juveniles
    • domestic relations
    • child support
    • abuse and neglect
    • domestic abuse
    • adoption
    • name changes

Additional Services

  • Jury Duty

    Selects and notifies jurors

  • Attorneys

    Appoints attorneys for indigent citizens

  • Court Fees

    Collects and disburses court-ordered money

  • Bond Issues

    Maintains records of bond issuances

  • Mortgage + Land Records

    Maintains records of Deeds, Mortgages and other land records

  • Power of Attorney

    Maintains records of Powers of Attorney

  • Notary Public

    Records notary public issuances

Accessing Deeds & Plats

Clerk of Court Payments + Filings

  • $150 Filing Fee
    for Civil Court

General Sessions Fines + Fees

  • In-Person Payments

    If paying in person, we ask that you have correct change or a money order for the correct amount.

  • Payments by U.S. Mail

    If you choose to mail in your payment for fines and fees, send a money order for the correct amount to:

    Clerk of Court
    General Sessions
    PO Drawer 580
    Chester, SC 29706

Court Filings

  • In-Person or U.S. Mail

    If mailing in or dropping off filings in person, they must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

  • E-Filing

    Filing completed electronically

Child Support

For child support payments, the accepted means of payment are cash, money orders, certified checks or wage garnishment. We do not allow personal checks nor credit cards.

Clerk of Court Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I pay child support? Can I use a personal check or credit card?

    No, we do not allow payment of child support via a personal check nor a credit card. The only accepted means of payment are cash, money order, certified check or wage garnishment.

  • How do I get a copy of my records?

    The individual may secure records at the Office of the Clerk of Court for a copying fee of $0.50 cents per page.

  • Is there a copier available for public use? If so, what is the charge for using it?

    There is a copier available to make copies of documents housed in this office. Cost per page is $0.50 cents, except for ledger size, which is $1.00 per page.

  • How old are your records?

    We have records that date back to the year 1776, and they are the authentic hard copies.

  • How do I get appointed a Public Defender?

    We do not directly appoint Public Defenders. To apply for a Public Defender, you must:

    • Complete an application and submit it to the Public Defender's Office.
    • A $40.00 cash fee must be paid at the Clerk's Office.
    • Following this process, an attorney will be appointed, if you qualify, for Public Defender services.

  • Where do jurors park and enter?

    Parking
    Parking for jury duty is available at the front, side, and rear entrances of the building. Please note that Main Street parking is limited to two (2) hours.

    Building Entry
    All jurors must enter the building through the Front Door.

    If you require the elevator for access, it is located at the rear entrance. Upon arrival, please call our main phone number (803) 385-2605 and a staff member will meet you at the rear entrance to let you in.

  • Does the Clerk of Court office perform criminal background checks and/or title searches?

    The Clerk of Court office does not perform criminal background checks nor does the office perform title searches.