Frequently Asked Questions

If you need to seek a restraining order or protection order, here are the steps and resources available in Spartanburg County:

Restraining Orders

Restraining orders are obtained through the Civil Magistrate's Court, located at the main courthouse:

• Address: 180 Magnolia St., Spartanburg
• Phone: 864-596-2564

Requirements:

• You must have documented evidence of harassment or stalking, with a pattern of at least two separate incident reports. Copies of these reports can be obtained from the Records Department at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, located at:
  • Address: 8045 Howard St., Spartanburg
  • Phone: 864-503-4553

Fees & Process:

• There is an $80 filing fee for the non-prevailing party, due at the time of the hearing. The non-prevailing party is the individual the judge rules against.
• Hearing Date: Typically scheduled two weeks after the filing date.

Victim Advocates from the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office are available to help with initiating the paperwork and gathering the required reports.

Protection Orders

Protection orders are handled through Safe Homes on the 3rd floor of the main courthouse. Here’s what to know:

• No filing fee is required.
• An address for the respondent (the individual the order is against) is needed.
• Hearing Date: Scheduled within 15 days of filing, or sooner in emergencies.

For further assistance, bringing any recent reports may help expedite the process.

In South Carolina, if the parents of a child are not married, sole custody is automatically granted to the birth mother. The mother retains this custody unless there is existing child custody paperwork from Family Court or if she has formally relinquished her rights.

For fathers who wish to gain custody or establish legal rights, they must file a petition with Family Court. The Family Court is located on the 2nd floor of the main Courthouse at 180 Magnolia St. in Spartanburg. For assistance or more information, contact Family Court at (864) 596-2588.

To obtain a criminal background check in South Carolina, you can contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) via phone or online:

• Online: Visit www.sled.state.sc.us. You can pay with a debit or credit card, and once the payment is processed, the background check will be available for immediate printing.

• Mail: Send a request to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, SC 29221. For inquiries, contact (803) 896-1447 or (803) 896-7005.

Costs:

• Employment background checks: $25.00
• Housing background checks: $8.00

Accepted payment methods include money orders, business checks, or Visa/MasterCard. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

For accurate processing, ensure your request includes the individual's full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number.

If someone violates a restraining order, you will need to file Contempt Charges in Family Court, as this is a civil matter, not a criminal one.

To proceed, please contact your attorney for assistance in filing.

Family Court Location:
180 Magnolia St., 2nd floor of the main Courthouse
Spartanburg, SC
Phone: (864) 596-2588

If someone violates a condition of their bond, the following steps should be taken:

1. File a New Report with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office to document the violation. You can reach the Sheriff's Office at (864) 503-4500.

2. Inform the Judge who set the bond. Contact the Spartanburg County Magistrate’s Office at (864) 596-2564 (available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).

3. Notify the Solicitor’s Office of the potential violation. Contact them at (864) 596-2575.

These steps ensure that all relevant parties are aware of the violation and can take any necessary legal actions.

If you have concerns about drug-related activities in Spartanburg County, you can report them anonymously by calling the Drug Complaint Line at (864) 595-5403. Your information will help the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office address and investigate drug complaints in the community.