Deputies assigned to the Family Court Unit are responsible for providing security for

Judges and assigned Court personnel within the Judicial Center and Historic Courthouse.  They work closely with all court assigned personnel to ensure the safety and integrity of the judicial process.  Security checks are performed twenty four hours a day by Private Security and Law Enforcement personnel.  Security checks are performed on all persons entering the Judicial Center to include: lawyers, private citizens, visitors, witnesses, petitioners, victims, media and others who may have business within the facilities.  Because of security concerns, certain items will not be permitted into the Judicial Center and Historical Courthouse;  these items include but are not limited to: any and all firearms or ammunition including plastic or toy guns, explosive devices, any and all sharp instruments or weapons, also included are items that can be used as a weapons such as baseball bats, golf clubs, etc.  Cameras are not permitted into the building without the approval of the presiding judge.

 Family Court is made up of a variety of courts which may vary from time to time depending on the courts schedule and its dockets.  We currently have five operational Family Courts in session each week, these courts offer services such as, Rules to Show Cause, Emergency Protective Hearings, Domestics, Bench Warrants, Final Hearings, Abuse and Neglect Cases, Orders or Protection, Adoptions, Juvenile Drug Courts, Diversion Courts and parental Rights Cases.

Charleston County Family Court is located in the New Judicial Center at 100 Broad Street near the corner of broad and Meeting Streets, directly behind the Historical Courthouse.  Anyone having questions concerning Family Court may contact the above listed personnel or contact your Clerk of Court at 958-5000 during normal business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  How do I find out if a Juvenile pick-up order has been issued for my child?

A:  You may contact the Department of Juvenile Justice, Family Clerk of Court, or the Charleston County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at 843-740-3111 during regular business hours.

Q:  What steps do I take in order to have an emergency hearing for an order of protection if courts are not in session?

A:  In the event the courts are not in operation during an administrative week, there will be a Family Court Judge assigned to hear emergency type cases.

Q:  How do I go about petitioning the courts for a divorce hearing?

A:  You should contact the Family Clerk of Court at 958-5000 during normal business hours, or come into the Judicial Center to fill the necessary paperwork.