Small claims court in Charleston County, South Carolina
In Charleston County, small claims cases up to $7,500 are heard by more than one court: 12 magistrate offices in the county (Adams Run Magistrate, Charleston City Magistrate, East Cooper Magistrate, James Island Magistrate, Johns Island/Wadmalaw Magistrate, McClellanville Magistrate, North Area 1 Magistrate, North Area 2 Magistrate, North Area 3 Magistrate, Ravenel Magistrate, Small Claims - North, West Ashley Magistrate). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 843-202-6650 (Charleston County Magistrate Court) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Charleston County
One of several courts in Charleston County: 12 magistrate offices in the county (Adams Run Magistrate, Charleston City Magistrate, East Cooper Magistrate, James Island Magistrate, Johns Island/Wadmalaw Magistrate, McClellanville Magistrate, North Area 1 Magistrate, North Area 2 Magistrate, North Area 3 Magistrate, Ravenel Magistrate, Small Claims - North, West Ashley Magistrate). Find the right one: Official court directory.
Charleston County Magistrate Court
Address: 4045 Bridge View Drive, Charleston, SC 29405 · Map
Phone: 843-202-6650
12 magistrate offices in the county (Adams Run Magistrate, Charleston City Magistrate, East Cooper Magistrate, James Island Magistrate, Johns Island/Wadmalaw Magistrate, McClellanville Magistrate, North Area 1 Magistrate, North Area 2 Magistrate, North Area 3 Magistrate, Ravenel Magistrate, Small Claims - North, West Ashley Magistrate); civil cases are usually filed with the office for the area where the defendant lives - call to confirm
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File with the magistrate court in the county where the defendant lives. Use a street address, not a P.O. box or route number.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all South Carolina counties.
How to file in Charleston County
Ask for payment in writing
South Carolina doesn't require a demand before filing, but asking for payment in writing first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Fill out the claim form
Summons and Complaint (Magistrate Court) (SCCA 701).
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$80 to file a Summons and Complaint, which includes service by the court; extra defendants may cost more. Starting January 1, 2027, the total rises to about $125 under Act 155 of 2026. Fee waiver: Ask the magistrate's office whether you can file without paying the fee..
Have the papers served
The magistrate's office serves the summons and complaint for you; the service fee is part of the filing fee.
Go to the hearing
The court sets a trial after the defendant answers; timing depends on the county. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full South Carolina filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Charleston County?
Charleston County has more than one small claims court (12 magistrate offices in the county (Adams Run Magistrate, Charleston City Magistrate, East Cooper Magistrate, James Island Magistrate, Johns Island/Wadmalaw Magistrate, McClellanville Magistrate, North Area 1 Magistrate, North Area 2 Magistrate, North Area 3 Magistrate, Ravenel Magistrate, Small Claims - North, West Ashley Magistrate)). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Charleston County Magistrate Court, 4045 Bridge View Drive, Charleston, SC 29405. Phone: 843-202-6650. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.sccourts.org/courts/courthouse-search/
How much can I sue for in Charleston County small claims court?
Up to $7,500. Magistrate Court hears civil claims up to $7,500. Businesses have the same limit. A counterclaim over $7,500 moves the case to the Court of Common Pleas.
How much does it cost to file in Charleston County?
$80 to file a Summons and Complaint, which includes service by the court; extra defendants may cost more. Starting January 1, 2027, the total rises to about $125 under Act 155 of 2026. Fee waiver: Ask the magistrate's office whether you can file without paying the fee..