Charleston County Filing Fees
Most Common Filing
Small Claims: $50-$95
Save on Charleston County Court Fees
Why spend hours navigating court forms? Our $29 service fee covers complete filing assistance. We handle all forms and provide guidance (court fees apply separately).
2026 Charleston County Court Fee Schedule
Additional Charleston County Court Costs
- Sheriff service (in county)$35
- Sheriff service (out of county)$50
- Certified mail service$15
- Private process server$50-100
- Copy of documents$0.50/page
- Certified copy$1.00/page
- Transcript request$75+
- Motion to continue$25
Traditional Filing vs. PettyLawsuit
Traditional Court Filing
- Filing fee (small claims)$50-95
- Service of process$35-100
- Form copies$5-10
- Parking & travel$10-20
- Total Cost$100-225
PettyLawsuit Filing
- Complete filing service$29
- All forms included✓
- Filing assistance✓
- Online convenience✓
- Total Cost$29
If you cannot afford court filing fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Charleston County provides fee waivers for individuals who meet certain income requirements.
Who Qualifies:
- • Income below federal poverty level
- • Receiving public assistance
- • Unable to pay and meet basic needs
How to Apply:
- • Complete Affidavit of Indigency form
- • Provide income documentation
- • Submit with your filing
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file in Charleston County Court?
Filing fees in Charleston County vary by case type: Small claims cost $50-95, civil cases start at $150, family court filings are $150-350, and probate cases begin at $95.
What are small claims fees in Charleston County?
Small claims in Charleston County cost $50 for claims up to $2,500 and $95 for claims from $2,501 to $7,500. Additional fees apply for service of process and multiple defendants.
Can I get a fee waiver in Charleston County Court?
Yes, Charleston County offers fee waivers for qualifying low-income individuals. You must file an Affidavit of Indigency form showing financial hardship to request a waiver.