CivilCriminal
Dorchester County Circuit Court
Address
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard, St. George, 29477
Phone
Dorchester County courts
Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.
Reviewed July 2026 · Official sources
E-filing
Required
Through South Carolina Electronic Filing
Same-day deadline: 11:59 PM
Filing fees
Official fee schedule| Filing type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil lawsuit | $150 |
| Small claims | $80 |
| Divorce / family | $150 |
Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $150, the civil filing fee in Dorchester County is about the same as nearby counties (median $150 across 6 nearby counties).
Clerk & court records
Courthouses in Dorchester County
FamilyJuvenile
Dorchester County Family Court
Address
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard, St. George, 29477
Phone
CivilSmall ClaimsEvictionCriminalTraffic
Dorchester County Magistrate Court - Saint George Magistrate
Address
212 Deming Way, Summerville, 29483
Phone
CivilSmall ClaimsEvictionCriminalTraffic
Dorchester County Magistrate Court - Summerville Magistrate
Address
212 Deming Way, Summerville, 29483
Phone
Probate
Dorchester County Probate Court
Address
5200 East Jim Bilton Boulevard, St. George, 29477
Phone
Need papers served or filed in Dorchester County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.
Official links
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file a civil case in Dorchester County?
The civil filing fee in Dorchester County, South Carolina is $150.00 (Court of Common Pleas civil action filing fee)
What is the small claims filing fee in Dorchester County?
$80.00 (Magistrate Court summons and complaint for a money claim)
How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Dorchester County?
$150.00 (Family Court summons and complaint, e.g. divorce/separate support)
Can I e-file court documents in Dorchester County?
Yes. E-filing is available through South Carolina Electronic Filing. It is mandatory for attorneys.
Is there a free online case search for Dorchester County?
Yes. You can look up cases online at publicindex.sccourts.org.
Where do I file court documents in Dorchester County?
Filings go to the Dorchester County Clerk of Court (First Judicial Circuit). You can reach the clerk at (843) 563-0160.