The Legal System
A Beginner's Guide to Community Needs and Resources in South Carolina
A guide that provides information that can be used by organizations in local communities throughout South Carolina about the community resources and organizations that are available not only statewide, but in also specific jurisdictions.
A long time has passed since my accident. Can I still bring a claim for damages?
Lawline FAQ: There is a time limit to file a lawsuit. This is called a statute of limitations which imposes a time limit to sue in certain cases. These statutes vary depending on the type of claim involved. You may wish to contact a lawyer to advise you regarding how such statutes affect your claim. To find a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284 or 803-799-7100.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Lawline FAQ: ADR provides alternatives to lawsuits and trials. The three primary methods of ADR include negotiation, mediation and arbitration.
Attorney Fees
Lawline FAQ: Attorney fees are important to both attorney and client. To the client, the fee is the cost of the legal service purchased. To the attorney, the fee represents his or her compensation. Whether a case is civil or criminal usually affects the fee arrangement.
Can you tell me if there have been complaints against my lawyer?
Lawline FAQ: No. The South Carolina Supreme Court set up the Commission on Lawyer Conduct to hear complaints against lawyers. The complaint process is confidential until the Court disciplines the lawyer. The Board, not the South Carolina Bar, has this information.
Choosing a Lawyer
Lawline FAQ: The South Carolina Bar knows it can be hard to find the right kind of lawyer to help you with your legal matters. That's why we have prepared this brief, but informative fact sheet to help you with your search.
Conflict Resolution
Lawline FAQ: Wherever there are people, sooner or later there is conflict. But conflict - in the home, at school and even in the streets - does not have to be solved by fighting. There are better ways to deal with the problem.
Family Court Home Page
The uniform statewide Family Court system was established by statute in 1976. The Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all matters involving domestic or family relationships.
Family Court Judges by Clickable Map
Interactive map. Click on your area to learn about your Family Court Judges.
Family Court Judges by Name
Name and contact information for South Carolina's Family Court Judges.
Fee Dispute Resolution FAQs
Frequently asked questions concerning disputes over attorneys' fees, with answers by the South Carolina Bar.
Filing a Grievance against an Attorney
Lawline FAQ: A grievance, or complaint, may be brought against an attorney if he violates his Oath of Office, the Code of Professional Responsibility, or criminal laws.
Filing Procedures
If you have ensured that the US District Court has jurisdiction in your case, or if you have a case already pending before the US District Court, following these filing procedures will help keep your case on track.
Finding the Appropriate Magistrate
Lawline FAQ: Finding the appropriate magistrate will depend upon the nature of your problem or claim. The laws of South Carolina require that a small claim, or virtually every other claim of a civil nature, be filed in the county where the defendant lives.
I fired my lawyer and now the lawyer will not give my file back. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: When a lawyer withdraws from a case, steps must be taken to protect your interests. Your lawyer should give you reasonable notice, allow time for you to hire another lawyer, surrender papers and property to which you are entitled, and refund any advance payment of fees that have not been earned. The lawyer may keep papers relating to you to the extent permitted by other law, as well as keep a reasonable nonrefundable retainer.