South Carolina Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in South Carolina.
Maximum Claim
$7,500
Filing Fee
$80
Fee waiver available
Court Name
Magistrate's Court
Hearing Timeline
30–60 days from filing
Find your courthouse in South Carolina
Search by city, county, or ZIP code to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
How Much Can You Sue For in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, individuals can file small claims cases for up to $7,500. This limit applies to both individuals and businesses.
South Carolina Small Claims Court Filing Fees
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard filing fee (varies by county) | $80 |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application when you file.
Statutes of Limitations in South Carolina
You must file your claim within the time limits below, or the court will dismiss your case regardless of its merits.
3
years — written contract
3
years — oral contract
3
years — property damage
3
years — personal injury
Ready to take action in South Carolina?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWhere to File in South Carolina
Small claims cases in South Carolina are handled by the Magistrate's Court. South Carolina has 46 county Magistrate Courts.
Where to file: File in the county where the defendant lives
Not sure which court you need? Our step-by-step filing guide walks you through finding the right court for your case.
Find your specific courthouse: Search for your county courthouse below ↓ — get the address, phone number, hours, and see if e-filing is available.
How to Serve the Defendant in South Carolina
After filing your claim, you must formally notify the defendant. This is called "service of process" and is required before your case can be heard.
Accepted methods: Personal service by sheriff or process server
Deadline: Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing.
South Carolina Small Claims Court Procedures
Can I bring a lawyer?
Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in South Carolina small claims court.
Can I appeal?
Either party may appeal within 30 days to circuit court
Is e-filing available?
No, e-filing is not currently available for small claims in South Carolina. You must file in person or by mail.
Are remote hearings available?
Remote hearings are available in some South Carolina courts. Check with your specific court location for current policies.
Official South Carolina Court Resources
Find Your Courthouse in South Carolina
Select your county to get the courthouse address, phone number, hours, and filing options.
Abbeville County
Abbeville area
(864) 446-6500, ext. 2436 (Civil Court)
Aiken County
Aiken area
(803) 642-1744
Allendale County
Allendale area
(803) 584-3755
Anderson County
Anderson area
(864) 260-4156
Bamberg County
Bamberg area
(803) 245-3016
Barnwell County
Barnwell area
(803) 541-1035
Beaufort County
Beaufort area
(843) 255-5700
Berkeley County
Moncks Corner area
(843) 719-4933
Calhoun County
area
(803) 874-1112
Charleston County
Charleston area
(843) 724-6720
Cherokee County
Gaffney area
(864) 487-2533
Chester County
Chester area
(803) 581-5136
Chesterfield County
Chesterfield area
(843) 623-3431
Clarendon County
Manning area
(803) 435-2670
Colleton County
Walterboro area
(843) 549-1122
Darlington County
Darlington area
(843) 398-4340
Dillon County
Dillon area
(843) 774-1406
Dorchester County
St. George area
(843) 832-0370
Edgefield County
Edgefield area
(803) 637-4052
Fairfield County
Winnsboro area
(803) 635-4525
Florence County
Florence area
(843) 665-0031
Georgetown County
Georgetown area
(843) 545-3381
Greenville County
Greenville area
(864) 467-4625
Greenwood County
area
(864) 942-8655
Hampton County
Hampton area
(803) 914-2230
Horry County
Conway area
(843) 915-5296
Jasper County
Ridgeland area
(843) 726-7933
Kershaw County
Camden area
(803) 425-7226
Lancaster County
Lancaster area
(803) 283-3983
Laurens County
Laurens area
(864) 681-5689
Lee County
Bishopville area
(803) 484-6463
Lexington County
Lexington area
(803) 785-2383
Marion County
Marion area
(843) 292-5238
Marlboro County
Bennettsville area
(843) 479-5620
McCormick County
McCormick area
(864) 852-2316
Newberry County
Newberry area
(803) 321-2144
Oconee County
Walhalla area
(864) 638-4125
Orangeburg County
Orangeburg area
(803) 533-5879
Pickens County
Pickens area
(864) 898-5551
Richland County
Columbia area
(803) 576-2300
Saluda County
Saluda area
(864) 445-4500
Spartanburg County
Spartanburg area
(864) 596-2186
Sumter County
Sumter area
(803) 436-2280
Union County
Union area
(864) 429-1648
Williamsburg County
Kingstree area
(843) 355-9565
York County
York area
(803) 628-3029
Don't see your county? Let us know here!
Ready to take action in South Carolina?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court — our free guide shows you how to write one.
Read the demand letter guide