In Chester County, small claims cases up to $7,500 are heard by the Chester County Magistrate Court. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 2740 Dawson Drive, Chester, SC 29706 · Map
Phone: 803-581-5136
4 magistrate offices in the county (Chester County Magistrate Court, Chester Magistrate District 1, Law Enforcement Center, Richburg Magistrate); civil cases are usually filed with the office for the area where the defendant lives - call to confirm
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File with the magistrate court in the county where the defendant lives. Use a street address, not a P.O. box or route number.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all South Carolina counties.
South Carolina doesn't require a demand before filing, but asking for payment in writing first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Summons and Complaint (Magistrate Court) Get the form.
$80 to file a Summons and Complaint, which includes service by the court; extra defendants may cost more. Starting January 1, 2027, the total rises to about $125 under Act 155 of 2026. Fee waiver: Ask the magistrate's office whether you can file without paying the fee..
The magistrate's office serves the summons and complaint for you; the service fee is part of the filing fee.
The court sets a trial after the defendant answers; timing depends on the county. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full South Carolina filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Chester County are filed with the Chester County Magistrate Court, 2740 Dawson Drive, Chester, SC 29706. Phone: 803-581-5136.
Up to $7,500. Magistrate Court hears civil claims up to $7,500. Businesses have the same limit. A counterclaim over $7,500 moves the case to the Court of Common Pleas.
$80 to file a Summons and Complaint, which includes service by the court; extra defendants may cost more. Starting January 1, 2027, the total rises to about $125 under Act 155 of 2026.