DEPARTMENT: CHESTER COUNTY CLERK OF COURT
CLERK OF COURT: Sue K. Carpenter
scarpenter@chestercounty.org
DEPUTY CLERK: Dequitta M. Kennedy
dekennedy@chestercounty.org
ADDRESS: PO Box 580
1476 J.A. Cochran Bypass
Chester, SC 29706
PHONE: 803-385-2605
FAX: 803-581-7975
OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday - Friday, except legal holidays)
MISSION STATEMENT:
This office maintains court records, handles reporting requirements, receives and disburses fines and fees. Family Court receives and disburses child support and alimony fees. Our mission is to accomplish all of these tasks in an optimal efficient manner, and to provide a friendly and helpful atmosphere for all visitors.
HISTORY:
The Chester County Clerk of Court's Office is located inside the Chester County Courthouse, in beautiful, historic downtown Chester, recently selected the "Picture Perfect Town of South Carolina". Built in 1852, the Courthouse has served as the seat of county government for 149 years. The Clerk's office has expanded over the years, now composing nearly half of the first floor of the Courthouse.
Chester County is in the 6th Judicial Circuit, which is composed of Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster Counties. Forty-three Circuit Judges rotate among the 16 circuits. The judges are elected by the General Assembly for six-year terms, and their salaries are paid by the state government. The Clerk is elected county-wide and serves a four-year term.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SERVICES:
1. Record criminal cases heard in the Court of General Sessions;
2. Record cases heard in the Court of Common Please when the value of property exceeds $5,000; for claims less than $5,000, see Magistrate Court;
3. Maintain the records of Family Court which include juveniles, domestic relations, child support, abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, adoption and name changes;
4. Schedule Civil Jury and Non-jury trials;
5. Keep records of judgments for the Court of Common Pleas;
6. Prepare and schedule hearing documents for Family Court Judge;
7. Select and notify jurors;
8. Appoint attorneys for indigent citizens;
9. Record military discharges;
10. Collect and disburse court-ordered money;
11. Maintain records of Bond issues;
12. Maintain records of Deeds, Mortgages, and other land records; also Powers of Attorney;
13. Passport applications are available in this office, and can also be downloaded (see form);
14. Notary Public applications are available in this office (see form).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. How do I pay child support? Can I use a personal check or credit card?
A. No. The only accepted means of payment are cash, money order, certified check or wage garnishment.
Q. How do I get a copy of my records?
A. The individual may secure records at the Office of the Clerk of Court for a copying fee of 25 cents per page.
Q. How do I get appointed a Public Defender?
A. A person needing a Public Defender should come to the Clerk's Office and make a request. The application fee is $25.00.
Q. How old are your records?
A. We have records that date back to the year 1776, and they are the authentic hard copies.
Q. Is there a copier available for public use? If so, what is the charge for using it?
A. There is a copier available to make copies of documents housed in this office. Cost per page is 25 cents, except for large sheets, which are 50 cents per page.
Q. Where do jurors park?
A. Parking is available at the front, side and rear entrances. An elevator is located at the rear entrance. Please note that Main Street parking is limited to a 2-hour time frame.
INNOVATIONS:
This office recently acquired a new scanner for the purpose of scanning documents. By scanning our own documents, we are saving a great deal of time and money. The scanning is much more effective than using microfilm.
LINKS:
www.judicial.state.sc.us/clerks/chester
FORMS:
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