Small claims court in Lexington County, South Carolina
In Lexington County, small claims cases up to $7,500 are heard by more than one court: 8 magistrate offices in the county (Batesburg-Leesville Magistrate Court, D U I Court, Fraudulent Check Court, Irmo Magistrate Court, Lexington Magistrate Court, Mediation Court, Oak Grove Magistrate Court, Swansea Magistrate Court). You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Lexington County Magistrate Court, with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Lexington County
One of several courts in Lexington County: 8 magistrate offices in the county (Batesburg-Leesville Magistrate Court, D U I Court, Fraudulent Check Court, Irmo Magistrate Court, Lexington Magistrate Court, Mediation Court, Oak Grove Magistrate Court, Swansea Magistrate Court). Find the right one: Official court directory.
Lexington County Magistrate Court
Address: 139 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072 · Map
Phone: 803-785-2676
8 magistrate offices in the county (Batesburg-Leesville Magistrate Court, D U I Court, Fraudulent Check Court, Irmo Magistrate Court, Lexington Magistrate Court, Mediation Court, Oak Grove Magistrate Court, Swansea Magistrate Court); 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.
Is this the right county?
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.
How to file in Lexington County
Ask for payment in writing
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.
Fill in the claim (SCCA 701)
Summons and Complaint (Magistrate Court) Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$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..
Have the papers served
The magistrate's office serves the summons and complaint for you; the service fee is part of the filing fee.
Go to the hearing
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 guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Lexington County?
Lexington County has more than one small claims court (8 magistrate offices in the county (Batesburg-Leesville Magistrate Court, D U I Court, Fraudulent Check Court, Irmo Magistrate Court, Lexington Magistrate Court, Mediation Court, Oak Grove Magistrate Court, Swansea Magistrate Court)). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Lexington County Magistrate Court, 139 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072. Phone: 803-785-2676. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.sccourts.org/courts/courthouse-search/
How much can I sue for in Lexington County small claims court?
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.
How much does it cost to file in Lexington County?
$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..