Charleston County Court Information

Courts, filing fees, e-filing, and clerk contacts for Charleston County, South Carolina.

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Filing at a Glance

Verified from official sources · 2026-07-15
Civil filing fee
$150
E-filing
Mandatory
Case lookup
Free online
Divorce / family
$150

At $150, the civil filing fee in Charleston County is about the same as nearby counties (median $150 across 5 nearby counties).

Clerk of Court

Charleston County Clerk of Court (Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions, Ninth Judicial Circuit)

Julie J. Armstrong

Self-Help & Jury

Jury Service(843) 958-5000
E-FilingMandatory

South Carolina Electronic Filing System (SCEF), SC Judicial Branch · for attorneys (Common Pleas attorney filings since Oct 21, 2019; pro se may file conventionally)

Open e-filing portal →
Civil Complaint
$150
$150 (Common Pleas civil action; SC statutory)
Small Claims
$80
$80 (Magistrate Court, not Common Pleas: $45 filing + $10 service + $25 statutory)
Divorce / Family
$150
$150 (Family Court/domestic relations)

Courts in Charleston County

2 Courts

Charleston County Courthouse

Address

100 Broad St, Charleston, 29401

Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Parking

Garage nearby

Accessibility

Historic building

North Charleston Courthouse

Address

2500 City Hall Ln, North Charleston, 29406

Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Parking

Free parking

Accessibility

Modern facility

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I file documents with the court?

    You can file documents in person at the courthouse or electronically through an approved eFiling service provider. Through 1Court, our trusted partner Nationwide Legal can manage the entire process on your behalf ensuring every document is correctly formatted, court-compliant, and submitted on time. Whether your court supports eFiling or still requires in-person delivery, Nationwide Legal handles the full filing cycle and returns your stamped copies directly to you.

  • What types of cases can be filed here?

    Most county courts handle civil, small claims, family, probate, and criminal matters. Each courthouse division may have its own filing requirements and deadlines. 1Court simplifies this by linking you to the right division and form set for your case. And if you need hands-on help, Nationwide Legal can prepare, assemble, and file your case materials accurately for any court division statewide.

  • Can I eFile in this court?

    Many California and partner-state courts now support eFiling for civil and probate cases. If this court offers eFiling, you can upload and submit instantly through 1Court’s connected network. If not, Nationwide Legal can physically deliver your documents to the clerk’s office ensuring same-day or next-day filing in counties without eFiling access. You’ll get digital proof of submission and return copies through your preferred system or email.

  • How long does it take to get a stamped copy back?

    Turnaround time varies by court and document type typically 1–3 business days for eFilings and 3–5 days for physical filings. With Nationwide Legal, you don’t need to track court queues yourself: their filing team monitors court responses and sends your file-stamped copies directly to your inbox or case management system as soon as they’re accepted.

  • What are the court’s filing hours?

    Most clerks accept filings from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays. eFiling portals remain open 24/7, but filings submitted after 11:59 p.m. are considered received the next business day. Nationwide Legal ensures every submission meets cutoff times whether by electronic upload or physical drop-off to avoid any late filing risks. Check your specifc court in our 1Court directory

  • What are the filing fees?

    Filing fees vary by case type, division, and county. You can view the latest fee schedule on the court’s official website or request a custom quote directly through Nationwide Legal when uploading your documents on 1Court. Their filing specialists confirm exact costs, manage check or e-payment, and ensure the proper fee waiver or exemption is applied when applicable.

  • What if my filing is rejected?

    Rejections are often caused by missing signatures, incorrect case numbers, or improper document formatting. Nationwide Legal’s trained reviewers check each filing for compliance before it ever reaches the court. If a rejection does occur, they correct and resubmit immediately, often within hours, so your case remains on track without added delays.

  • Where can I find local court forms?

    You can download official forms from the county’s “Forms & Resources” page linked above. For a faster option, Nationwide Legal can generate, assemble, and file the correct form set for you directly through 1Court. Their paralegal-grade team ensures you’re using the most current versions approved by the court and delivers ready-to-file packets for immediate submission.

  • How much does it cost to file a civil case in Charleston County?

    The civil filing fee in Charleston County, South Carolina is $150 (Common Pleas civil action; SC statutory)

  • What is the small claims filing fee in Charleston County?

    $80 (Magistrate Court, not Common Pleas: $45 filing + $10 service + $25 statutory)

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Charleston County?

    $150 (Family Court/domestic relations)

  • Can I e-file court documents in Charleston County?

    Yes. E-filing is available through South Carolina Electronic Filing System. It is mandatory for attorneys.

  • Is there a free online case search for Charleston County?

    Yes. You can look up cases online at jcmsweb.charlestoncounty.gov.

  • Where do I file court documents in Charleston County?

    Filings go to the Charleston County Clerk of Court (Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions, Ninth Judicial Circuit). You can reach the clerk at (843) 958-5000.

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