How do I file documents with Charleston County Clerk of Court?

You can file documents with Charleston County Clerk of Court in three ways: 1) In-person at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401, 2) Through the South Carolina E-Filing system for registered users, 3) By mail for non-urgent filings. Julie J. Armstrong's office processes filings Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. PettyLawsuit can help prepare and file your documents for just $29 plus court fees.

What's the difference between Common Pleas, Family Court, and Magistrate Court filing?

In Charleston County: Common Pleas handles civil cases over $7,500 (filed with Clerk of Court), Family Court handles divorce, custody, and support matters (filed with Clerk of Court), and Magistrate Court handles small claims up to $7,500 (filed directly with Magistrate). The Clerk of Court coordinates filing for Common Pleas and Family Court, while Magistrate Court has separate filing procedures.

How do I register for South Carolina E-Filing?

To register for SC E-Filing: 1) Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department E-Filing portal, 2) Create an account with your email and bar number (attorneys) or personal information (self-represented), 3) Complete verification process, 4) Pay any applicable registration fees. Once registered, you can file documents electronically 24/7. PettyLawsuit handles e-filing for you without registration requirements.

What documents are required for different case types in Charleston County?

Required documents vary by case type: Civil cases need a summons and complaint, filing fee, and civil cover sheet. Family Court requires specific forms for divorce, custody, or support plus financial declarations. Criminal cases are filed by the prosecutor. Small claims (Magistrate) need a statement of claim and defendant information. PettyLawsuit ensures you have all required documents for your case type.

Who is the current Charleston County Clerk of Court?

Julie J. Armstrong is the current Charleston County Clerk of Court. Her office is located at 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The Clerk's office provides filing services, maintains court records, manages jury services, and supports the Court of Common Pleas and Family Court. Contact: (843) 958-5000.

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Charleston County Clerk of Court Filing Services

Complete guide to filing documents with Julie J. Armstrong's office. File for Common Pleas, Family Court, or coordinate with Magistrate Court.

Office of Julie J. Armstrong

Charleston County Clerk of Court

Common Pleas

$150

Cases over $7,500

Family Court

$150

Divorce, custody, support

Magistrate

$40-$80

Small claims up to $7,500

$29 service fee + court filing fees

Understanding Court Divisions

Court of Common Pleas

Filed with Clerk of Court

Civil cases over $7,500

Contract disputes
Personal injury
Property disputes
Business litigation

Filing fee: $150

Family Court

Filed with Clerk of Court

Domestic relations matters

Divorce proceedings
Child custody
Child support
Alimony

Filing fee: $150

Magistrate Court

Separate filing

Small claims up to $7,500

Security deposits
Property damage
Unpaid debts
Landlord-tenant

Filing fee: $40-$80

Three Ways to File Documents

In-Person Filing

Most Common

Visit the Clerk's office for immediate filing.

Location:

100 Broad Street

Charleston, SC 29401

Hours:

Monday - Friday

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

✓ Immediate processing
✓ Staff assistance available
✓ Get stamped copies same day

E-Filing System

24/7 Available

File electronically anytime through SC E-Filing.

Registration required

✓ File anytime, anywhere
✓ Automatic case updates
✓ Electronic service available
✓ Credit card payment accepted

Or use PettyLawsuit:

We handle e-filing for you - no registration needed!

Mail Filing

Non-urgent

Mail documents for non-time-sensitive filings.

Mail to:

Charleston County Clerk

100 Broad Street

Charleston, SC 29401

• Include all forms
• Include filing fee check
• Include SASE for copies
• Allow 5-7 business days

Required Documents by Case Type

Civil Cases (Common Pleas)

Over $7,500

Initial Filing:

• Summons
• Complaint
• Civil cover sheet
• Filing fee ($150)

Additional Documents:

• Proof of service
• Corporate disclosure (if applicable)
• Attorney certification (if represented)
• Exhibits (if any)

Family Court Cases

Domestic Relations

Divorce Filing:

• Complaint for divorce
• Family court cover sheet
• Financial declaration
• Parenting plan (if children)

Support/Custody:

• Petition/complaint
• Financial affidavit
• Child support worksheet
• Proposed order

Small Claims (Magistrate)

Up to $7,500

Required Documents:

• Statement of claim
• Defendant information
• Filing fee ($40-$80)
• Evidence copies

Supporting Documents:

• Contracts/agreements
• Receipts/invoices
• Photos (if applicable)
• Correspondence

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Determine Your Court Division

• Common Pleas: Civil disputes over $7,500
• Family Court: Divorce, custody, support matters
• Magistrate: Small claims up to $7,500

Prepare Your Documents

• Complete all required forms accurately
• Make at least 3 copies of everything
• Organize supporting evidence
• Calculate correct filing fees

Submit to Clerk's Office

• Visit 100 Broad Street or file electronically
• Present documents to filing clerk
• Pay filing fees
• Receive case number assignment

Serve Other Parties

• Arrange proper service on defendants
• File proof of service with Clerk
• Meet service deadline requirements
• Track service completion

Receive Confirmation

• Get stamped copies of filed documents
• Confirm case number and judge assignment
• Note any scheduled hearing dates
• Keep all receipts and confirmations

Simplify Your Court Filing Process

PettyLawsuit handles all document preparation and filing with Charleston County Clerk of Court. Professional service for just $29 plus court fees.

View Fee Schedule

Clear pricing: $29 service fee + applicable court filing fees

Related Charleston County Resources

Clerk Main Office

Court Records

Courthouse Info

Summary Court