Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court)
Filing information for Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court) in Sumter, SC. Part of the Sumter County small claims court system.
Small claims in South Carolina — the numbers that apply at this court
$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.
Courthouse Details
Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court)
190 E. Canal St
Sumter, SC 29150
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1428
Sumter, SC 29151
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Area Served
Sumter area and surrounding county areas not covered by Mayesville Magistrate Court
How to File at Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court)
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Sumter County has 2 courts.
See all 2 courts in Sumter County →Small 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 at Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court)?
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 Sumter County?
Small claims cases in Sumter 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 at Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court)?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Sumter County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Where is Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court), and when is it open?
Sumter Magistrate Court (Summary Court) is at 190 E. Canal St, Sumter, SC 29150. Posted hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Phone: (803) 436-2280. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Sumter?
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.