Structured Settlement Laws in South Carolina

Richland County Circuit Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Richland County Circuit Court
1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
⏱️ Processing Time
25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $150.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
416,147 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Richland County Circuit Court
Address: 1701 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 576-1900
Clerk: Jeanette W. McBride
Jurisdiction: Richland County
Established: Established 1785

Venue Overview

Richland County Circuit Court serves Columbia and is South Carolina's capital county court, processing structured settlement transfers from communities with strong government, education, and military economies. With over 416,000 residents, Richland 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 Columbia. The Circuit Court judges in Richland County are experienced in handling financial matters common in government and education communities. The county's status as South Carolina's capital with state government offices, major universities, and military installations mean the court sees cases involving government employees, educators, and military personnel. The court maintains strict compliance with South Carolina's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of government and academic families. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with government and education professionals, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving government settlements, education claims, and employment-related financial matters. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of government and education employment. The court requires publication in the State and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in government and education compensation. The court serves Columbia and surrounding communities including Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, and Irmo, each with distinct economic characteristics. The area's state government presence, educational institutions, and military bases influence the types of structured settlement cases handled by the court. Richland County Circuit Court judges understand the complexities of government employment, education careers, military service, and professional services positions. The court processes structured settlement transfers with consideration for government regulations, academic tenure, military deployments, and family financial security. The court maintains specialized knowledge of various compensation arrangements common in government and education communities, including government benefits, academic salaries, military pensions, and professional services compensation. The judges recognize the importance of preserving financial security for government and education workers while allowing appropriate access to settlement funds for legitimate needs. The court serves a population with strong government and education sectors, requiring judges with expertise in administrative law, education regulations, and government finance. The Richland County Circuit Court processes structured settlement cases with particular attention to the financial implications for government and education professionals. The Civil Division handles structured settlement transfers with a focus on protecting government and education families while facilitating reasonable access to funds for essential needs. The court maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in government and education compensation.

Major Cities Served: Columbia, Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, Irmo

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing through Richland County Clerk system
2.Assignment to Civil Division judge within 24 hours
3.Certified mail notice to all interested parties
4.25-day response period for annuity companies and issuers
5.Financial discovery and document exchange period (2-3 weeks)
6.Pre-hearing conference for complex cases
7.Final hearing with payee testimony and advisor present
8.Written order issued within 5-7 days of hearing
9.30-day appeal period from final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing required through Richland County e-filing system
  • Cases assigned to judges with government and education experience
  • Mandatory disclosure of all government and employment benefits
  • Court verification of all financial calculations and tax implications
  • Publication in State required if personal service fails
  • Expedited hearings available for urgent situations
  • Financial expert review mandatory for transfers over $40,000

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • Compliance with South Carolina Code §15-50-10 et seq. required
  • Independent financial advisor certification mandatory
  • Detailed financial disclosure including government and education benefits
  • Court must make specific findings regarding payee's best interest
  • All annuity issuers and interested parties must receive notice
  • Explanation of transfer alternatives required
  • Court considers employment status and career trajectory
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$150.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. L. Casey Manning
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Richland County
Presides over complex civil cases including government financial matters
Extensive experience in administrative law and government contracts
Hon. DeAndrea G. Benjamin
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Transactions
Specializes in structured settlement and government benefit cases
Background in administrative law and financial 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 Richland County Circuit Court, South Carolina

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Richland 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 Richland County Circuit Court, South Carolina, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland 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 Richland County Circuit Court or another jurisdiction in South Carolina, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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