The Greenville County Clerk of Court oversees the administrative functions of both the Circuit Court, consisting of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions, and Family Court, ensuring their efficient operation under South Carolina law. These courts are essential components of the unified statewide judicial system, addressing a wide range of legal matters. Below is an organized breakdown of the Clerk of Court’s responsibilities and important details regarding the courts and their facilities.

The Circuit Court serves as South Carolina’s trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles significant legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. The Clerk of Court’s Office provides essential support to this division through the following duties:

• Case Filings and Records Management: Accepts and processes all filings for civil cases (Court of Common Pleas) and criminal cases (Court of General Sessions). Maintains accurate and secure records, including pleadings, judgments, and orders.
• Docket Management: Oversees the scheduling of hearings and trials in civil matters to ensure the efficient progression of cases.
• Jury Management: Coordinates the selection and notification of jurors for trials.
• Appeals Facilitation: Prepares and transmits case records to appellate courts for cases appealed from the Circuit Court.
• Courtroom Support: Provides logistical and administrative support for judges during trials and hearings. Ensures courtrooms are equipped with modern technology to better serve those who use our courts

The Family Court serves as South Carolina’s court for domestic and family law matters. The Clerk of Court’s Office ensures the smooth operation of this division by:

• Filing and Records Management: Handles filings for divorce, child custody, child support, juvenile delinquency, and adoption cases. Preserves confidential records to protect the sensitive nature of family law proceedings.
• Court Scheduling: Manages dockets for hearings and trials to maintain efficient case flow.
• Public Support: Assists with administrative needs while maintaining the privacy and dignity of families involved in legal proceedings.

The Greenville County Courthouse is located at the corner of Church Street and E. North Street in downtown Greenville. This three-story red brick building occupies an entire city block and serves as the central hub for Circuit Court operations.

The Greenville County Family Court is located at 350 Halton Road, adjacent to the City of Greenville Public Safety Complex. This facility is a dedicated space for family law cases and is designed to provide a professional yet accommodating environment for families navigating sensitive legal matters.

Parking for the Greenville County Courthouse is available at multiple locations:

• Commons Garage (60 Beattie Place, Greenville, SC 29601): Located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency with entrances on Beattie Place and Spring Street. The garage height is 6 feet, 8 inches. Please see the City of Greenville Garages & Lots webpage for more information: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/519/City-Garages-Lots.
• Church Street Garage (320 N. Church Street, Greenville, SC 29601): Entrances on Church Street and Beattie Place. The garage height is 7 feet. Please see the City of Greenville Garages & Lots webpage for more information: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/519/City-Garages-Lots.
• South Spring Street Garage (316 S. Spring Street, Greenville, SC 29601): Located within a short walk to the courthouse. Entrances on Spring and Brown Street. The garage height is 7 feet. Please see the City of Greenville Garages & Lots webpage for more information: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/519/City-Garages-Lots.
• On-Site Parking: Limited parking is available directly in front of the courthouse on E. North Street, and is a first-come, first-served basis.

For additional parking options, several other public lots and street parking spaces are available within walking distance of the courthouse. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a convenient parking spot.

Parking for the Family Court is more straightforward. A dedicated parking lot is located directly in front of the Family Court building, accessible from Halton Road. This lot offers ample space and provides easy access to the courthouse entrance.

The Circuit Court operates in two capacities:

• Court of Common Pleas: Handles civil cases such as personal injury claims, contract disputes, and property matters.
• Court of General Sessions: Presides over criminal cases, including felonies and serious misdemeanors.

While rules and procedures differ for civil and criminal cases, Circuit Court judges are qualified to hear both, depending on their assignments from South Carolina Court Administration.

The Family Court handles matters specific to family and domestic relationships, including:

• Divorce and legal separation
• Child custody, visitation, and support
• Adoption and termination of parental rights
• Juvenile delinquency cases

The Greenville County Courthouse and Family Court are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Greenville County holidays.

Visitors should plan to allow additional time for parking and security screening upon arrival.

• To Circuit Court: From I-385 North, continue into downtown Greenville. The courthouse is located at the corner of Church Street and E. North Street.
• To Family Court: From I-85, take exit 48B to merge onto Laurens Road. Follow Laurens Road and turn onto Halton Road. The courthouse is located at 350 Halton Road.

Navigating legal proceedings can be complex and demanding. While the Clerk of Court’s Office provides administrative support, by law neither judges or court staff are permitted to offer legal advice.

For individuals representing themselves, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the South Carolina Constitution, the Code of Laws of South Carolina, and the relevant Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. These resources are available at the Greenville County Main Library or Greenville Technical College Library. However, seeking the assistance of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended. The South Carolina Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can be reached at 803-799-7100. You may also visit them at their website at https://lrs.scbar.org/.

The Greenville County Clerk of Court’s Office is committed to serving the public with professionalism and integrity. By ensuring the efficient operation of both the Circuit Court and Family Court, the Clerk’s Office plays a critical role in the delivery of justice.

For further information or assistance, please visit the Clerk of Court’s website or contact the Office directly. The staff is dedicated to supporting all visitors to the courthouse and ensuring a fair and accessible judicial process.

Respectifully,

Jay Gresham
Clerk of Court, Greenville County