The Legal System
Jobs not Jail: Alternatives to Incarceration for Low - Income, Noncustodial Parents
A report that looks at alternative methods of having fathers provide for their children.
Lawyers Fund for Client Protection
Information about the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection, how it is funded, whose claims it covers, and how to file a claim. PDF document (may load slowly).
Legal Aid Services in South Carolina
Lawline FAQ: Legal Services in non-criminal matters for people who cannot afford a private lawyer are provided by the South Carolina Centers for Equal Justice. Legal Services programs do not handle criminal law cases.
Magistrates Landlord/Tenant Court
Lawline FAQ: A magistrate may sit as a judge of a landlord-tenant court. This discussion will concentrate on rental agreements for a personal residence such as an apartment or single family home as opposed to rental of a business.
Magistrates Small Claims Court
Lawline FAQ: The magistrate court in many instances functions as a Small Claims Court. In order for this court to have jurisdiction, your claim cannot exceed $7,500.00, except in disputes between landlords and tenants. Employees of the magistrate court will help you file your claim in writing and will explain to you how your case will proceed through trial. You are not required to hire an attorney unless you so desire.
Masters-in-Equity by Clickable Map
Interactive map. Click on your area to learn about your Master-in-Equity.
Masters-in-Equity Home Page
Masters are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the General Assembly for a term of six years. They have the power and authority of the Circuit Court sitting without a jury, to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before them, and to perform all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the efficient performance of their duties under the order of reference.
Masters-in-Equity Judges
Name and contact information for each judge serving as a Master-in-Equity.
My lawyer wants to settle, I don't. The lawyer will withdraw if I don't settle.
Lawline FAQ: Yes. If your lawyer wants to settle, it means that your lawyer believes this is the highest settlement offer the other side is willing to make. If the offer is less than you expected, you may wish to hire another lawyer.
My lawyer will not respond to my letters or return my phone calls. What should I do?
Lawline FAQ: It is important at the time you hire your lawyer, or soon after, to tell your lawyer how often you would like to be updated on your legal matter.
Probate Court Home Page
Each county has a Probate Judge who is popularly elected to a four year term and has jurisdiction over marriage licenses, estates of deceased persons, guardianships of incompetents, conservatorships of estates of minors and incompetents, minor settlements under $25,000 and involuntary commitments to institutions for mentally ill and/or chemically dependent persons. They also have exclusive jurisdiction over trusts and concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over powers of attorney.
Probate Court Judges
Name and contact information for each Probate Court Judge.
Pro Bono Resources
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Bar's Pro Bono Program.