How to File Court Papers in Charleston, SC
2-3 Hours
Total Time
$50-150
Filing Fees
Downtown
Courthouse
30 Days
To Serve Papers
Skip Downtown Traffic - File Online in 5 Minutes
Why deal with parking and wait times in downtown Charleston? We handle everything - forms, filing, and service guidance. File from home and track your case online.
6 Steps to File Court Papers in Charleston
Determine Your Case Type
Identify if you're filing small claims (under $7,500), civil, family, or other case type
- Magistrate Court: For amounts up to $7,500
- Common Pleas: For amounts over $7,500
- Family Court: For divorce, custody, support issues
Get the Right Forms
Obtain forms from the courthouse, SC Courts website, or use PettyLawsuit
- Forms available free at courthouse
- Download from sccourts.org
- PettyLawsuit auto-generates all forms
Complete Your Forms
Fill out all required information accurately and completely
- Use blue or black ink if handwriting
- Include defendant's full legal name
- Be specific about your claim
- Calculate exact amount owed
Make Copies
Create copies for court, defendant, and your records
- Court keeps original
- One copy for each defendant
- Keep one for your records
File at Courthouse
Visit the appropriate Charleston County courthouse location
- Small claims: 101 Meeting Street
- Civil cases: 100 Broad Street
- Open Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Bring payment for filing fees
Serve the Defendant
Have defendant formally served with court papers
- Must serve within 30 days of filing
- Use sheriff ($35) or process server
- Certified mail option available
3 Ways to File Court Papers in Charleston
- Visit courthouse during business hours
- Wait in line (15-45 minutes)
- Complete forms by hand
- Pay fees at clerk window
- Complete forms at home
- Include check for fees
- Mail to courthouse
- Wait 5-7 days for processing
- Complete forms online
- Automatic form validation
- Filing guidance included
- Service assistance
Where to File in Charleston County
- 101 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29401
- Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Filing fees: $50-95
- Parking: Metered street parking
- 100 Broad Street, Charleston SC 29401
- Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Filing fees: $150+
- Parking: Public garage nearby
Form Errors
- • Wrong courthouse location
- • Incorrect defendant name
- • Missing required signatures
- • Wrong fee amount
Process Errors
- • Filing after statute of limitations
- • Missing 30-day service deadline
- • Insufficient copies made
- • Wrong payment method
Related Charleston County Resources
Frequently asked questions
How do I file court papers in Charleston SC?
To file court papers in Charleston, SC: 1) Complete the required forms for your case type, 2) Make copies of all documents, 3) File at Charleston County Courthouse (100 Broad Street or 101 Meeting Street for small claims), 4) Pay filing fees ($50-150 depending on case type), 5) Serve the defendant within 30 days.
Can I file court documents online in Charleston County?
Yes, certain court documents can be filed online in Charleston County through the South Carolina court system or services like PettyLawsuit for simplified online filing. Online filing is available 24/7 and saves a trip downtown.
What forms do I need to file small claims in Charleston?
For small claims in Charleston, you need: Statement of Claim form, Magistrate Summons, and filing fee payment. PettyLawsuit automatically generates all required forms for you.
How long does it take to file court papers in Charleston?
Filing in person at Charleston County Court typically takes 30-60 minutes including wait time. Online filing through PettyLawsuit takes just 5 minutes, and your case is processed the same day.