Greenville County Small Claims Court: Filing Guide, Fees, and Locations

Where Greenville County Small Claims Are Filed

Greenville County is the most populous county in South Carolina, and its magistrate court system handles a high volume of civil cases. Small claims go through the civil division of the Greenville County Magistrate Court — South Carolina has no separate small claims court.

Greenville County has 21 magistrates serving in seven courts throughout the county. Use the county's Magistrate Court Information lookup with the defendant's street address or the address where most of the cause of action occurred; it identifies the appropriate court and lists its address and phone number.

Because Greenville is the state's largest metro area and a major business hub, many small claims here involve contractor disputes, commercial lease disagreements, and unpaid invoices between businesses and individuals. The process is the same regardless of the dispute type.

Filing Requirements

The jurisdictional cap is $7,500 under S.C. Code § 22-3-10. To file:

• Form SCCA/701 (Civil Complaint) — fill in both parties' names and addresses, describe the dispute, and state your claimed damages
• Magistrate Civil Summons — comes with the complaint and gives the defendant 30 days to respond
• Copies — original plus one complete set per defendant, plus your personal copy
• $80 filing fee — cash, money order, cashier's check, or credit card

When suing a business, you need the entity's exact registered name and its registered agent's physical street address from the South Carolina Secretary of State portal. A trade name on a sign isn't enough — sue "ABC Home Repairs, LLC" not "ABC Repairs."

Self-represented filers must file in person or by certified mail. SC's eFlex e-filing system is limited to licensed attorneys.

Serving the Defendant

You cannot serve the papers yourself. Three methods:

1. Greenville County Sheriff — The clerk sends your paperwork to the sheriff's department. Delivering to the sheriff tolls the statute of limitations for 120 days under S.C. Code § 15-3-20(B).
2. Certified mail — USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, Restricted Delivery. Service is complete when the defendant signs the return receipt. If the mail comes back "Unclaimed," it doesn't count — you'll need personal service.
3. Private process server — Any uninvolved person age 18 or older.

For businesses, service must reach a registered agent, officer, or managing agent — not a front desk employee.

The defendant has 30 calendar days from service to file a written answer. Missing the deadline opens the door to a default judgment.

Common Greenville County Claims

Greenville's booming construction and rental markets drive many of the small claims filed here:

• Contractor deposits — Homeowners chasing a contractor who took money and didn't finish the work. Claims typically run $1,500–$7,500.
• Security deposits — Tenants may sue landlords who fail to return the deposit or provide an itemized accounting within 30 days after the later of tenancy termination, delivery of possession, or demand; the tenant must provide a written forwarding address (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410(A)). Under § 27-40-410(B), recovery is an amount equal to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
• Unpaid invoices — Freelancers and small businesses suing for completed work that was never paid.
• Auto repair disputes — Vehicle owners suing repair shops for botched work or unauthorized charges.

The statute of limitations for contracts and property damage is 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). For assault or battery, it's 2 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-550).

The Hearing

After the pleadings are in, the court sets a hearing:

• Present your case directly to the magistrate judge with supporting evidence
• Witnesses must appear in person — written statements from absent witnesses are generally inadmissible
• Bring organized copies of all supporting documents: contracts, receipts, photos, repair estimates, text messages
• Either party can request a jury trial by filing a written request at least 5 business days before the hearing date

The magistrate usually decides at the hearing. If you win and the defendant doesn't pay, collection options include bank account levies and property liens. Wage garnishment isn't available for most consumer civil debts in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 15-39-410).

Appeals go to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days (Form SCCA/720, $150 fee).

For the full step-by-step process, the South Carolina Small Claims Filing Guide covers demand letters, forms, service, evidence preparation, and judgment collection with deadline trackers built for the SC magistrate system.

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