South Carolina

South Carolina Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of South Carolina. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

South Carolina Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income South Carolinians statewide in housing, family, consumer, and benefits matters.

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South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center

Non-profit legal advocacy organization working on systemic issues affecting low-income South Carolinians.

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Protection & Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc.

Provides legal advocacy for South Carolinians with disabilities regarding rights, services, and access.

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South Carolina Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents statewide in housing, family, and benefits matters.

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South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center

Non-profit legal advocacy organization focused on systemic issues affecting low-income South Carolinians.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of South Carolina is the court of last resort with five justices. The Court of Appeals handles intermediate appeals. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across 16 judicial circuits. Family Courts handle domestic and juvenile matters. Magistrate Courts handle minor civil and criminal cases. Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations.

Key State Laws & Protections

South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under S.C. Code 27-40, covering security deposits, habitability, maintenance obligations, and eviction procedures.

South Carolina Human Affairs Law

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, and disability through the Human Affairs Commission.

South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act

Consumer protection law under S.C. Code 39-5 prohibiting unfair or deceptive business practices with treble damages available.

South Carolina Workers' Compensation Act

Provides medical and income benefits to workers injured on the job through the Workers' Compensation Commission.

South Carolina Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under SC Code Title 27, Chapter 40, covering security deposits and habitability.

South Carolina Human Affairs Law

Prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, and disability.

Bar Association

South Carolina Bar
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

SC DV Hotline

Connects to local South Carolina DV services

1-800-799-7233

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

SC Workforce Development (2025)

New programs providing job training, legal protections for apprentices, and employment rights education.

SC Education Reform (2025)

Updated student rights and family choice provisions in education with associated legal protections.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $40-$80 (claims up to $7,500 in Magistrate Court)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $150-$300

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $150-$250

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

South Carolina Legal Services

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income residents in housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

Visit Website →

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center

Legal advocacy on systemic issues affecting low-income South Carolinians.

Visit Website →

Disability Rights South Carolina

Free legal advocacy for South Carolinians with disabilities on access and civil rights issues.

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State Bar Resources

South Carolina Bar

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (803) 799-7100

Pro Bono: SC Bar Pro Bono Program and Access to Justice Commission.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in South Carolina

South Carolina has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In South Carolina, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for South Carolina-specific details.
South Carolina allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
South Carolina sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current South Carolina minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in South Carolina sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in South Carolina.