Structured Settlement Laws in South Carolina

Charleston County Circuit Court

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Charleston County Circuit Court.

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🏛️ Court
Charleston County Circuit Court
100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
⏱️ Processing Time
25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $150.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
411,406 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Charleston County Circuit Court
Address: 100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-5000
Clerk: Julie J. Armstrong
Jurisdiction: Charleston County
Established: Established 1769

Venue Overview

Charleston County Circuit Court serves the historic city of Charleston and is South Carolina's most iconic coastal county court, processing structured settlement transfers from communities with strong maritime, tourism, and military economies. With over 411,000 residents, Charleston County handles thousands of civil cases annually, including financial transactions requiring court approval under South Carolina Code of Laws Title 15, Chapter 50. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division managing structured settlement petitions in downtown Charleston. The Circuit Court judges in Charleston County are experienced in handling financial matters common in maritime and tourism communities. The county's major port facilities, tourism industry, and military installations mean the court sees cases involving maritime workers, tourism employees, and military personnel. The court maintains strict compliance with South Carolina's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of maritime and tourism families. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with maritime and tourism professionals, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving maritime settlements, tourism claims, and employment-related financial matters. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of maritime and tourism employment. The court requires publication in the Post and Courier and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in maritime and tourism compensation. The court serves Charleston and surrounding communities including North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Isle of Palms, each with distinct economic characteristics. The area's port facilities, tourism infrastructure, and military presence influence the types of structured settlement cases handled by the court. Charleston County Circuit Court judges understand the complexities of maritime employment, tourism careers, military service, and hospitality industry positions. The court processes structured settlement transfers with consideration for maritime schedules, tourism seasons, military deployments, and family financial security. The court maintains specialized knowledge of various compensation arrangements common in maritime and tourism communities, including maritime benefits, tourism salaries, military pensions, and hospitality compensation. The judges recognize the importance of preserving financial security for maritime and tourism workers while allowing appropriate access to settlement funds for legitimate needs. The court serves a population with strong maritime and tourism sectors, requiring judges with expertise in maritime law, tourism regulations, and hospitality finance. The Charleston County Circuit Court processes structured settlement cases with particular attention to the financial implications for maritime and tourism professionals. The Civil Division handles structured settlement transfers with a focus on protecting maritime and tourism families while facilitating reasonable access to funds for essential needs. The court maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in maritime and tourism compensation.

Major Cities Served: Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Isle of Palms

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed electronically with Charleston County Clerk of Courts
2.Clerk reviews for completeness and assigns to Civil Division judge
3.Notice sent to all parties via certified mail and publication
4.30-day response period for interested parties (annuity companies)
5.Financial discovery and document exchange period (2-3 weeks)
6.Mandatory settlement conference for transfers over $25,000
7.Final hearing with testimony from payee and independent advisor
8.Court issues detailed written findings of fact and conclusions of law
9.30-day appeal period from entry of final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing mandatory through Charleston County e-filing system
  • Original petition must be filed with clerk in Charleston
  • Mandatory court approval for all structured settlement transfers
  • Court requires detailed analysis of discount rate and present value
  • Publication notice required in Post and Courier if personal service fails
  • Emergency hearings available for urgent maritime situations
  • Court-appointed financial expert review for transfers over $50,000

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • All petitions must comply with South Carolina Code §15-50-10 et seq.
  • Comprehensive financial disclosure affidavit required from payee
  • Independent professional financial advisor report mandatory
  • Court must find transfer is in payee's best interest with written findings
  • All interested parties must receive notice via certified mail
  • Detailed explanation of transfer benefits and alternatives required
  • Court considers payee's dependents and financial needs
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$150.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. J. C. Nicholson, Jr.
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Charleston County
Presiding judge for complex civil matters including maritime settlements
Over 15 years judicial experience, specializes in maritime financial transactions
Hon. Stephanie P. McDonald
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Cases
Handles structured settlement transfers and complex financial disputes
Former civil litigator with extensive maritime case background
Hon. Bentley Price
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - General Jurisdiction
Experienced in contract disputes and financial transfers
Background in commercial law and maritime services

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - South Carolina Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

South Carolina specific information. The information provided here is specific to South Carolina state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Charleston County Circuit Court, South Carolina

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Charleston County Circuit Court, South Carolina requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader South Carolina structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Charleston County Circuit Court, South Carolina, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Charleston County Circuit Court court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in South Carolina.

The Charleston County Circuit Court court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in Charleston County Circuit Court court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both South Carolina state laws and Charleston County Circuit Court local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in Charleston County Circuit Court or another jurisdiction in South Carolina, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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