Richland County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Richland County, SC. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Columbia area.
Small claims in South Carolina — the numbers for Richland County courts
$7,500
maximum claim
$80
filing fee (published)
3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full South Carolina small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SCCA/700 + SCCA/701): every field explained.
Main Courthouse
Richland County Magistrate - Central Court
2500 Decker Blvd
Columbia, SC 29206
Other Courthouse Locations
Richland County Magistrate - Blythewood
118-A McNulty St
Blythewood, SC 29016
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Columbia
3875 Lucius Rd
Columbia, SC 29201
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Dentsville
2500 Decker Blvd
Columbia, SC 29206
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Dutch Fork
1019 Beatty Rd
Columbia, SC 29210
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Eastover
501 Main St
Eastover, SC 29044
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Hopkins
5425 Lower Richland Blvd
Hopkins, SC 29061
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Lykesland
1403 Caroline Rd
Columbia, SC 29209
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Olympia
1601 Shop Rd (Suite B)
Columbia, SC 29201
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Pontiac
2500 Decker Blvd
Columbia, SC 29206
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
Richland County Magistrate - Waverly
2712 Middleburg Dr., Ste. 106
Columbia, SC 29204
Serves: Serves a designated magistrate district within Richland County.
How to File in Richland County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action in Richland County?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in South Carolina
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $7,500.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Richland County?
Filing fees in South Carolina are set by the state and are $80. If you can't afford the fee, South Carolina offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Richland County?
Small claims cases in Richland County are limited to $7,500. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Richland County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Richland County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Richland County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.