Legal Costs in Charleston, SC (2026)
Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Charleston — all sourced from official South Carolina state records.
Charleston is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the South Carolina state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $110 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $7,500 in the Magistrate Court. Divorce filing fees in South Carolina start at $150. All figures on this page are verified from official South Carolina government sources and updated for 2026.
Form an LLC in Charleston, SC
To form an LLC with a Charleston address, you file with the South Carolina Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $110. Standard processing takes 3 business days.
0| State filing fee | $110 |
| Annual report fee | None |
| Standard processing | 3 business days |
| Expedited processing | 1 |
| Publication cost | Not required |
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Small Claims Court in Charleston
Small claims cases in Charleston are heard at the Magistrate Court in Charleston County. The maximum you can sue for is $7,500. Filing fees range from $80–$140 depending on the claim amount.
| Court name | Magistrate Court |
| Filing location | Charleston County |
| Maximum claim limit | $7,500 |
| Filing fee | $80–$140 |
| Written contract SOL | 3 years |
| Oral contract SOL | 3 years |
Where to File in Charleston
Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.
Sue Someone in Charleston? Prepare Your Documents First
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Filing for Divorce in Charleston
Divorce petitions in Charleston are filed at the Charleston County courthouse. The Charleston County court divorce filing fee is $150. Sheriff service costs $40.
We have verified divorce filing fees specifically for Charleston County. See full Charleston County divorce fee details →
| Filing location | Charleston County Courthouse |
| Filing fee | $150 (Charleston County) |
| Sheriff service fee | $40 |
| Children surcharge | $25 |
| Parenting class | Not required |
| Certified copy fee | $10 |
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Find a Notary in Charleston, SC
South Carolina caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act. Common places to find a notary in Charleston: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.
| Acknowledgment fee cap | $5 |
| Jurat fee cap | $5 |
| RON (remote online) | Not available |
| State fee law | Yes — fee cap enforced |
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