UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
INFORMATION ON
REPRESENTING YOURSELF
IN A CIVIL ACTION
(NON-PRISONER)
Revised December 1, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
WARNING TO PRO SE LITIGANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
NOTICE TO PRO SE PARTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO CONSENT TO THE
EXERCISE OF CIVIL JURISDICTION BY A
MAGISTRATE JUDGE AND APPEAL OPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
INFORMATION ON FILING
A CIVIL ACTION ON YOUR OWN BEHALF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Legal Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How to Prepare a “Complaint” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Answering the Rule 26.01 Interrogatories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
How to Prepare the “Summons” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Cost for Filing a Lawsuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How to “File” your Lawsuit – in Five Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
What the Court Does. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What Happens after Service is Effected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filing Other Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
IF YOU LOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURT
Business Hours
The clerk’s office is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except for federal holidays.
Divisions
Court is scheduled and filings are accepted at the following locations:
Columbia
Matthew J. Perry, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
901 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Charleston
U.S. District Court Annex
85 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Post Office Box 835
Charleston, SC 29402
Florence
McMillan Federal Building
401 West Evans Street
Florence, SC 29501
Post Office Box 2317
Florence, SC 29503
Greenville
Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
250 East North Street
Greenville, SC 29601
Court is scheduled at the following locations, but filings are not accepted in these locations as
they are not staffed: ANDERSON, SPARTANBURG.
Court is not held in the following locations and filings are not accepted there: AIKEN,
BEAUFORT, GREENWOOD, ORANGEBURG, ROCK HILL.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION....PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
WARNING TO PRO SE LITIGANTS
All Documents That You File with the Court Will Be Available to the Public on the Internet
Through Pacer (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) and the Court’s Electronic Case
Filing System. CERTAIN PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION SHOULD NOT
BE INCLUDED IN OR SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM ALL DOCUMENTS BEFORE
YOU SUBMIT THE DOCUMENTS TO THE COURT FOR FILING.
Rule 5.2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides for privacy protection of electronic or
paper filings made with the court. Rule 5.2 applies to ALL documents submitted for filing,
including pleadings, exhibits to pleadings, discovery responses, and any other document
submitted by any party or nonparty for filing. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, a party or
nonparty filer should not put certain types of an individual’s personal identifying information in
documents submitted for filing to any United States District Court. If it is necessary to file a
document that already contains personal identifying information, the personal identifying
information should be “blacked out” or redacted prior to submitting the document to the Office
of the Clerk of Court for filing. A person filing any document containing their own personal
identifying information waives the protection of Rule 5.2(a) by filing the information without
redaction and not under seal.
1. Personal information protected by Rule 5.2(a):
a. Social Security and Taxpayer identification numbers. If an individual’s social
security number or a taxpayer identification number must be included in a document,
the filer may include only the last four digits of that number.
b. Names of Minor Children. If the involvement of a minor child must be mentioned,
the filer may include only the initials of that child.
c. Dates of Birth. If an individual’s date of birth must be included in a document, the
filer may include only the year of birth.
d. Financial Account Numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, the filer may
include only the last four digits of these numbers.
2. Protection of other sensitive personal information – such as driver’s license numbers and
alien registration numbers – may be sought under Rule 5.2(d)(Filings Made Under Seal) and
(e) (Protective Orders).
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NOTICE TO PRO SE PARTIES1
YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO HAVE COUNSEL APPOINTED TO REPRESENT YOU
IN A CIVIL ACTION. The United States government does not appropriate funds for attorneys
to represent parties in civil cases.2 Also, the Clerk of Court does not have the authority to
appoint counsel in civil cases, and court staff cannot recommend individual attorneys. Whenever
a civil case is brought by a pro se party, the judges of this court outline proper procedure so that
the pro se party will not be deprived of a fair opportunity to present his or her case.3
The South Carolina Bar has recognized that many people feel that legal services are not readily
available to them or that they need assistance finding legal counsel. To respond to these needs,
the South Carolina Bar established a Lawyer Referral Service.
Callers to this service are referred to lawyers who have indicated that they will handle a
particular type of legal matter. These lawyers have also agreed to an initial consultation with
referred clients for a set fee.
If the lawsuit is important enough for you to invest your time in it, it may be worthwhile for you
to consult a lawyer who is willing to handle your type of case. Additionally, given the fact that
the fee for filing a lawsuit in this court is several hundred dollars, you may save money by
consulting one of these attorneys before proceeding in this court (if time allows).
Nothing above should be read as intending to discourage or prohibit you from bringing a lawsuit
on your own behalf without an attorney. You may even file a lawsuit on your own behalf and, at
any time thereafter, choose to have a lawyer represent you. The Clerk of Court is obligated to
file any lawsuit which is in the proper form and accompanied by the appropriate fee or an in
forma pauperis application,4 regardless of whether the plaintiff is represented by a lawyer.
The South Carolina Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can be contacted at:
950 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
1-800-868-2284
1
“Pro se” literally means, “for one’s own behalf” – in this case, a person who does not
retain a lawyer and appears for him/herself in court. A “party” is someone who is participating
in the lawsuit, usually either the “plaintiff” or the “defendant.” The Glossary at the end of this
manual contains definitions of other commonly used terms.
2
“Civil” cases are those that are not criminal.
3
See Roseboro v. Garrison, 528 F.2d 309, 310 (4th Cir. 1975).
4
See "The Cost for Filing a Lawsuit" in this document.
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NOTICE OF RIGHT TO CONSENT TO THE
EXERCISE OF CIVIL JURISDICTION BY A
MAGISTRATE JUDGE AND APPEAL OPTION5
In the district court, you have the option of having a United States magistrate judge
conduct any or all proceedings in your civil case, including a jury or non-jury trial,
through to the entry of a final judgment.
Upon filing your case in the United States District Court for the District of South
Carolina, it will be initially referred to a magistrate judge. However, your decision to
consent, or not to consent, to the referral of your case to a United States magistrate
judge for all proceedings is entirely voluntary. In addition, only if all parties to the
case consent to such reference to a magistrate judge will the reference occur.
An appeal from a judgment entered by a United States magistrate judge may be taken
directly to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the same manner
as an appeal from any other judgment of a district court.
ROBIN L. BLUME
CLERK
[The form for consenting to the United States magistrate judge conducting all proceedings in the
case is enclosed in the packet entitled, “FORMS FOR FILING CASES PRO SE (Representing
Yourself) Non-Prisoner.” See FORM AO 85.]
5
See Title 28, Chapter 43, Section 636 of the United States Code.
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INFORMATION ON FILING6
A CIVIL ACTION ON YOUR OWN BEHALF
< These instructions are designed to help you understand basic court procedures in civil
actions. COURT STAFF CANNOT GIVE YOU LEGAL ADVICE!
The following information is provided to give you some help with court procedures and
requirements. FORMS FOR FILING CASES PRO SE IN THE UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA) are available from the clerk’s
office and our website (www.scd.uscourts.gov). Each case filed with the court is unique and
must satisfy certain legal standards. You should not rely on this information to identify those
standards. You should be especially mindful that there are certain time limits within which a
lawsuit must be brought, or in which to answer lawsuits brought by others. Failure to observe
those time limits will be harmful and may result in the case being decided against you. You
are encouraged to seek the assistance of an attorney to ensure that your case is properly
prepared and filed.
< These instructions do not cover all circumstances or all types of cases. It is your
responsibility to comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP), the Local Rules
of this District, and any statutes and rules that may apply to your particular case.
Legal Resources
This manual contains references to both the FRCP and the Local Rules. These Rules govern the
way civil actions proceed in the United States District Courts located in South Carolina. The
FRCP are available for viewing (but not for check out) at the library of the University of South
Carolina School of Law (located in Columbia), which is open to the public. The clerk’s office
also has a book of these Rules available for viewing at the Court Services section.
Both the FRCP and the Local Rules are available for viewing on the public access computer
terminal in the Court Services section of the clerk’s office. You may also view the FRCP from
the court’s website: www.scd.uscourts.gov. The Local Rules are also available for viewing at
the court’s website. In addition, there are internet sites devoted to providing legal material on-
line.
6
Filing is discussed in "How to File your Lawsuit" in this document.
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How to Prepare a “Complaint”
The first step in filing a lawsuit is to prepare a “complaint.” The person filing the complaint is
the “plaintiff.” The party whose actions are being complained about is the “defendant.” The
court has a form for filing a complaint, which is located in the “Pro Se Forms” section of our
website. You are not required to use this form, but may find it helpful.
The Clerk of Court will electronically file documents received from pro se parties; therefore, it is
necessary to follow certain format requirements for filing documents. If you prepare your own
complaint, it must be either legibly handwritten or typed in black ink, double-spaced, and on
one side of the paper only. Margins shall be one inch on both sides and at the top and bottom of
the paper. All pages should be 8½ x 11 inch white paper. The first page should begin with the
case “caption.” The caption includes the name of the court, the names of all the parties,7 and a
space for the case number. (Court staff will fill in the case number once a number has been
assigned.)
Sample caption for complaint:
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
David Smith, Civil Action No.
Plaintiff,
v.
James Jones;
Acme Products, Inc.,
Defendants.
The body of the complaint is made up of numbered paragraphs. Explain the facts of your claim,8
the legal basis of your claim, why you believe this court has jurisdiction of your claim (i.e., why
you brought the suit in this particular court), and what relief you want. It is not necessary to
include case names or statute numbers.
7
The use of “et al.” is not acceptable in the caption of the complaint.
8
The “claim,” or “cause of action,” is the set of facts upon which the party relies to ask the
court for “relief.” “Relief,” or “remedy,” is the assistance or benefit that the party seeks from the
court.
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At the end, sign and date the complaint. All documents requiring the signature of the filer
submitted to the court by a pro se litigant must be signed by the pro se party with his/her full
legal name written in his/her own handwriting. Pro se litigants shall not use the “s/typed name”
format used on court-produced documents or by attorneys who submit pleadings to the court
electronically. Underneath your signature, type or print your full name, address, phone number,
and fax number (if you have one). This information must appear on every “pleading,”9
“motion,”10 or other paper you file with the court.
Answering the Rule 26.01 Interrogatories
The Rules of the United States District Court require that parties provide information at the
beginning of a case. These are called “Rule 26.01 Interrogatories.” You must answer these
questions in writing when you file your complaint.
The questions contain a number of legal terms that you may not know. To assist you in
answering these interrogatories, the following general explanations are provided.
Personnel of the United States District Court are strictly prohibited from providing legal
advice to parties in cases pending before the court. Therefore, it is very important that you
read these explanations carefully and answer the questions accurately to the best of your
knowledge.
Questions
(A) State the full name, address, and telephone number of all persons or legal entities who
may have a subrogation interest in each claim and state the basis and extent of said
interest.
Explanation: (See the “Glossary” for a formal definition.) A “subrogation interest” is a
legal term that describes a situation in which someone has paid money to you or on your
behalf for damages caused by another person. For example, if you suffer injury in a car
wreck caused by another person and your insurance company pays your medical bills, then
your insurance company would have a “subrogation interest” equal to its payments made for
your bills if you sue and recover money for those bills from the other driver.
When you answer Question (A), list the name, address, and telephone number of any person
or organization that has made payments on your behalf as described above.
(B) As to each claim, state whether it should be tried jury or non jury and why.
9
“Pleadings” consist of the complaint, an “answer” (to the complaint), a “reply” (to a
counterclaim), an answer to a cross-claim, a third-party (party other than the plaintiff or
defendant) complaint, and a third-party answer. See FRCP Rule 7(a). The pleadings set forth
the parties’ formal allegations of their respective claims and defenses.
10
A “motion” is an application made to the judge, generally to obtain a ruling or an order
directing something to be done.
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Explanation: A legal action consists of claims, defenses, and counter-claims. These are
important concepts for lawyers. In representing yourself, you may not be able to identify
separate claims in your case. Therefore, you need to decide simply whether you want your
case to be tried before a jury or before a judge alone (a non-jury trial).
Your answer to Question (B) will not automatically guarantee the trial of your choice.
There are legal issues that bear on the type of trial, including issues raised by the
defendant(s). To answer the interrogatories, all you need to do is provide one of the two
following responses and briefly state why you want a jury trial or a non-jury trial:
“I want a jury trial” or “I want a non-jury trial”
(C) State the basis for asserting the claim in the division in which it was filed (or the basis
of any challenge to the appropriateness of the division).
Explanation: The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina consists of
divisions. These divisions are identified and explained at the website of the court,
http://www.scd.uscourts.gov/General Information/Divisions. The division to which your
case will be assigned depends upon a number of factors and legal determinations.
In order to answer Question (C), you need to provide to the court the following information:
(1) the County or Counties in which the defendant(s) reside(s) or does or do business;
(2) the County or Counties in which the event(s) happened that led to your claim; and
(3) the County in which you resided when the event(s) happened that led to your claim.
(D) Is this action related in whole or in part to any other matter filed in this District,
whether civil or criminal? If so, provide:
(1) a short caption and the full case number of the related action;
(2) an explanation of how the matters are related; and
(3) a statement of the status of the related action.
Please disclose any cases which may be related regardless of whether they are still pending.
Explanation: Although Question (D) is lengthy, the information required is quite simple. If
your present case involves facts or parties that were involved in another civil or criminal
case in this court, you must provide the information called for by (1), (2) and (3). For (1),
provide the names of the plaintiffs and the defendants as well as the case number for each of
your prior cases. For (2), explain how any prior cases are related to your current case. For
(3), state whether or not the prior action is still pending (open), closed, or on appeal – if you
know. It does not matter if the case is still open or has ended.
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How to Prepare the “Summons”
Along with your complaint, you must submit a “summons” form for each defendant named in the
complaint. There is a summons form included in the pro se forms (FORM AO 440). To obtain
additional forms, you may either copy the form provided or contact the clerk’s office. Fill in the
caption, leaving the case number blank. Where the form states, “YOU ARE HEREBY
SUMMONED and required to serve upon PLAINTIFF'S ATTORNEY (name and address),”
you should write your name and address.11
The number of days a defendant will have to answer the complaint will vary depending on the
type of claim and the defendant.
NOTE: THE TIME FOR FILING AN ANSWER RUNS FROM THE DATE THE
COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS ARE SERVED,12 NOT FROM THE DATE THE
SUMMONS IS ISSUED.
The Cost for Filing a Lawsuit
Effective December 1, 2023, the cost for filing a lawsuit is $350.00, plus a $55.00 administrative
fee, for a total of $405.00 which must be paid when the complaint is filed. If paying by check or
money order, the payee should be the “Clerk, United States District Court.” Credit card
payments will be accepted only at the four division offices listed with addresses on page 1 of this
guide.
If you are unable to pay the filing costs, you may file an “Application to Proceed without
Prepayment of Fees and Affidavit.” This form is also referred to as an “Application to Proceed
In Forma Pauperis”13 or an “IFP Application.” It is included in the Pro Se Forms
(FORM AO 240).
If you file this Application with the complaint, you will not be required to pay the filing costs at
that time. HOWEVER, IF THE COURT DENIES YOUR APPLICATION, YOU WILL BE
REQUIRED TO PAY THE FULL FILING COSTS BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO
PROCEED WITH YOUR LAWSUIT.
When completing the form, it is very important that you truthfully answer all questions relating
to your income, assets, and liabilities. If you fail to provide complete and accurate information,
your request may be denied. If, during the course of the lawsuit, the court discovers the
11
Although this form has two pages, you do not need to fill in the “Return of Service” until
after service has been “effected.”
12
For an explanation of “service,” see the information after the heading “service” inside
this document.
13
“In forma pauperis” means literally, “in the character or manner of a pauper.” It
describes the permission given to a person unable to pay the filing fee to proceed without
prepaying the costs or fees of the court.
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Application was not truthful, or if your financial condition changes, the court may withdraw the
permission to proceed IFP and require payment.
How to “File” your Lawsuit – in Five Steps
(1) COMPLAINT
Provide the court with --
the original signed complaint. All documents requiring plaintiff’s signature shall be signed
with his/her full legal name written in his/her own handwriting. Pro se litigants shall not
use the “s/typed name” format used in the Electronic Case Filing System.
(2) SUMMONS
Provide to the court one summons listing all defendant(s) named in the complaint.
If a defendant is either an agency of the United States or an officer or an employee of the
United States who is being sued for acts or omissions related to his/her employment, you
must submit a summons for the agency and also provide a summons for:
< Attorney General of the United States
Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
< United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina
1441 Main Street
Suite 500
Columbia, SC 29201
(3) CIVIL COVER SHEET (see Pro Se Forms, FORM JS 44).
This is simply an informational form used by the court when opening your case. Fill in as
much information as you know and sign it.
(4) ANSWERS TO RULE 26.01 INTERROGATORIES
(5) PAYMENT OF THE FILING FEE OR THE IFP APPLICATION
PLEASE LET THE CLERK KNOW IF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION EXISTS
WHEN YOU FILE A DOCUMENT.
Documents can be filed in any division in the district that accepts filings. However, to expedite
processing, please file your documents according to the following list:
If your case arises out of an
action that occurred in or near then file your case in
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Aiken (Division 1) Columbia
Charleston (Division 2) Charleston
Columbia (Division 3) Columbia
Florence (Division 4) Florence
Orangeburg (Division 5) Columbia
Greenville (Division 6) Greenville
Spartanburg (Division 7) Greenville
Greenwood (Division 8) Greenville
Beaufort (Division 9) Charleston
Rock Hill (Division 0) Columbia
What the Court Does
If you submit the necessary forms, a case will be “opened.” Opening a case involves assigning a
case number and a magistrate judge, as well as entering basic information on the court’s
computerized docketing system. Once your complaint is assigned a case number, everything you
receive from the court about your case will have the case number on it.
Once a case is opened, it is sent to the assigned magistrate judge for his/her review. Only after
the magistrate judge has reviewed the case, determined that all the required forms have been
submitted, and found the case to have a legal and factual basis will the case be allowed to
proceed and the summons(es) “issued.” A plaintiff will usually hear from the court with regard
to his/her case within a month after its filing.
Although you have the right of access to this court, you do not have the right to proceed on a
“frivolous” claim. THE COURT HAS THE ABILITY, AND THE DUTY, UNDER BOTH
STATUTORY AND CASE LAW, TO DISMISS A CLAIM IT DEEMS TO BE FRIVOLOUS.14
Service
“Service of process” refers to the procedure of notifying a defendant that a lawsuit has been
filed, what it is about, and the time for filing an answer. Service must be accomplished as
14
Under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B), a district court may dismiss a case brought IFP upon a
finding that the action “fails to state a claim on which relief may be granted” or is “frivolous or
malicious.” A finding of frivolity can be made where the complaint “lacks an arguable basis
either in law or in fact.” Denton v. Hernandez, 504 U.S. 25, 31 (1992). Hence, under
§ 1915(e)(2)(B), a claim based on a meritless legal theory may be dismissed on motion of the
court. Neitzke v. Williams, 490 U.S. 319 (1989); Allison v. Kyle, 66 F.3d 71 (5th Cir. 1995).
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specified in FRCP Rule 4 and Local Rule 4.01. A case cannot proceed against a defendant who
has not been served!
Generally, service requires giving each defendant the summons issued by the court, a copy of the
complaint, a copy of Rule 26.01 answers, and copies of any motions filed along with the
complaint. This is called “effecting” service.
If you pay the filing fee, you will be responsible for effecting service. The summons(es) will be
returned to you for service, along with a filed copy of the complaint. You are responsible for
making additional copies of the complaint for service on the defendant(s). The two most
common ways to effect service are (1) certified mail and (2) personal delivery. Certified mail
involves sending the defendant the required documents via certified mail, “restricted delivery –
show to whom, date and address of delivery.”
Personal delivery involves directly giving the defendant the required documents. Service may be
made by anyone who is at least 18 years old and not a party in the case. There are many private
“process servers” who will serve legal papers for a fee. They are listed in the telephone book.
NOTE: If the defendant is a company that does business in this state, service should be
made on the “registered agent” for the company. The registered agent is a person or
company with a South Carolina address who is authorized to accept service on behalf of the
company. You can find out if a company has a registered agent by contacting the office of
the South Carolina Secretary of State and searching on-line for business filings or calling
the Division of Business Filings, 803.734.2489.
Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires certain parties to cooperate in saving
costs of service of the summons and complaint. Thus, these documents can, in some cases, be
served via a “Waiver of Service of Summons.” Service in this manner is accomplished by the
plaintiff providing a defendant with a “Notice of Lawsuit and Request for Waiver,” 2 copies of a
“Waiver of Service of Summons” (for the defendant’s response), and a copy of the complaint
and the Rule 26.01 Answers. The notice and waiver forms can be found in the Pro Se Forms
(FORM AO 398 and FORM AO 399). If you send a defendant these forms, you must also
include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (or other means of “cost-free” return).
NOTE: This method of service cannot be used with a person who is not “competent”15 or
who is an “infant”16 or “any defendant who is serving his or her country abroad in the
military.”
The defendant must return the executed waiver of service of summons form to the plaintiff
within 30 days of the date the notice of lawsuit and request for waiver of service was mailed to
the defendant, or within 60 days if sent to a defendant outside any judicial district of the United
15
A person is “competent” when he/she is of legal age and without mental disability or
incapacity.
16
An “infant” is a person who is a minor.
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States. The defendant’s answer is due 60 days from the date the plaintiff mailed the waiver, or
90 days if sent to a defendant outside any judicial district of the United States. (The deadlines
are calculated from the date of mailing, not from the date of receipt.)
The person who effects service must file with the court a “return of service.” This is a statement
made under oath that service was effected, and explaining when service was made and by what
method.
If you file an IFP Application and the court grants it, the court will arrange for the United States
Marshals Service to effect service for you. You will be sent the proper forms (USM-285), which
you will need to fill out for each defendant. Only one defendant’s name should appear on each
form. You must provide the particular defendant’s complete address on each individual form.
The “TYPE OF PROCESS” is “civil.” You should write your name and address where the form
says, “SEND NOTICE OF SERVICE COPY TO REQUESTER AT NAME AND ADDRESS
BELOW.” Providing sufficient, accurate, and complete information on the Forms
USM-285 is YOUR responsibility!
*IF SERVICE IS NOT EFFECTED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE THE
COMPLAINT IS FILED, THE CASE MAY BE DISMISSED.17
What Happens after Service is Effected
Once a defendant is served, several things may happen. The defendant may file an answer, file a
motion or, perhaps, do nothing. If a defendant files an answer, the judge will issue a scheduling
order. A scheduling order sets deadlines for doing or filing certain things in the case. It may
include deadlines for completing discovery,18 filing motions, and/or filing status reports.
There are a number of different motions which may be filed before an answer is filed. If the
motion is a routine request for an extension of time in which to answer, it will most likely be
granted unless you promptly file an opposition, giving a good reason why it should not be
granted. For other, more involved motions, unless directed otherwise, you will be allowed more
time to file a response.
If a defendant does not file something within the time for filing a response, you may ask the
court to enter a default judgment under FRCP Rule 55.
17
Commencement of a state law claim is determined by Rule 3 of the South Carolina Rules
of Civil Procedure, rather than Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and could impact
the time allowed for service of process within the applicable statute of limitations for the state
law claim.
18
“Discovery” refers to the process of obtaining facts and information about the case from
the other party in order to prepare for trial. See “Discovery” inside this document; FRCP Rules
26-37; Local Rules 26.01-37.02.
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*IF YOU HAVE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS WHILE YOUR CASE IS PENDING, YOU
MUST SO NOTIFY THE COURT AND ALL PARTIES IN WRITING. FAILURE TO
DO SO MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL OF YOUR CASE!
Filing Other Documents
Everything you send to the court (other than your initial documents) should have the case
number on it. You may use a shortened version of the case caption on everything other than the
complaint. The shortened version includes the name of the first plaintiff, the name of the first
defendant, and, of course, the case number.
Original motions or memoranda (other than those that relate to discovery) must be filed with the
court. Do not file any motions or memoranda that are longer than 35 pages unless you receive
special permission from the court; most motions and memoranda should be considerably shorter.
You must sign every pleading, motion and memorandum that you file.
At no time should any communication about or filing in your case be sent directly to a judge. If
you want to ask the court to do something, you must file a motion. All pleadings and motions
should be filed with the Clerk of Court and served in accordance with FRCP 5.
There are certain matters about which you should try to reach an agreement with the opposing
party before asking the court to issue an order. If you want an extension of time in which to file
something or are having a disagreement about discovery, try to speak first with counsel for the
other party before filing a motion.
All documents must be either legibly handwritten or typed in black ink, double-spaced, and on
one side of the paper only. Margins shall be one inch on both sides and at the top and bottom of
the paper. Do not write in the margins. All submissions should be on 8½ x 11 inch paper. It is
acceptable to use “et al.” in all documents except the complaint. The documents should be titled,
e.g., “answer;” “motion.” Any affidavits (sworn statements) should be separate from any other
document and, in addition to the caption, should include the name of the person swearing to the
affidavit.
Pursuant to FRCP 5, any documents filed subsequent to the initial pleading must be served on
parties. Unless otherwise ordered, service of subsequently filed documents on a defendant
represented by an attorney is made on the attorney. Service on attorneys who have made an
appearance in this Court is effected by the Court’s Electronic Case Filing system through a
computer generated notice of electronic filing. However, prior to the defendant’s(s’) attorney
making an appearance in this Court, the plaintiff must serve the defendant(s) with any documents
the plaintiff files subsequent to the initial pleading. When the plaintiff serves the defendant(s)
with subsequently filed documents pursuant to FRCP 5, the plaintiff is required to file a
certificate of service that states who was served, what document was served, how the document
was served and when it was served. The certificate of service appears at the end of the pleading
or motion. You do not need to state in the certificate of service that copies were sent to the Clerk
of Court.
Sample Certificate of Service:
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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
David Smith, C/A No. 0:01-000-12AB
Plaintiff,
v.
James Jones, et al.,
Defendants.
Certificate of Service
I hereby certify that on this 1st day of June, 2002, a copy of the foregoing
Motion was mailed, postage prepaid,
to Defendant James Jones, 100 West Main Street,
Columbia, South Carolina 29201.
[signature]
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Discovery
Discovery is the process of obtaining information and evidence relevant to your case.19 A
scheduling order may contain a deadline for the completion of discovery. There are many
different ways to obtain discovery. The most common are: interrogatories (written questions),
requests for production of documents, and depositions.20 Most discovery requests are directed to
the parties in the case, although under certain circumstances, discovery can be obtained from
non-parties. Conduct of discovery is governed by FRCP Rules 26-37 and Local Rules 26.01-
37.02.
When conducting discovery, be sure to make your requests promptly so that the party responding
has sufficient time before the discovery deadline to answer or object. It is also important to
respond to any discovery requests you receive by the deadline indicated unless the other party
agrees, in writing, that you may have additional time. See Local Rules 29.01 and 37.01.
*A party who does not respond to a discovery request may be subject to sanctions, which
may include dismissal of your action if you are the plaintiff, or a judgment against you if
you are the defendant.
Do not send copies of discovery requests or responses to the court for filing or for information
unless: (1) you are directed by the court to do so or (2) you are filing the discovery document in
support of or in opposition to a motion. See Local Rules 5.01 and 7.04. Send a copy of the
request to the party expected to respond and keep the original. Send the original of any
responses you provide to the party requesting discovery and keep a copy for your records.
Subpoenas21
THE CLERK OF COURT CANNOT GIVE PRO SE PARTIES BLANK SUBPOENAS. If you
want the court to issue subpoenas, you must submit a motion explaining who you want to
subpoena and why. Please file the motion at least two weeks before you will need the
subpoenas. You will need to have the subpoena served in accordance with FRCP Rule 45.
Expenses related to the subpoena, such as witness fees, mileage costs, and copying costs, are to
be paid by the person requesting the subpoena. See FRCP Rule 45.
19
There are some types of cases (social security appeals, for example) in which discovery
does not occur.
20
During a deposition, one party (if represented by a lawyer, through his/her/its lawyer)
asks oral questions of the other party or of his/her/its witness. This testimony is given under oath
and reduced to writing (a “transcript”) in preparation for trial. The deposition is not taken in
open court, but usually in a lawyer’s office. The person who is deposed is called the “deponent.”
21
A subpoena is a command to appear at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a
certain matter. A subpoena duces tecum requires production of books, papers, and other things.
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IF YOU LOSE
BEFORE filing a lawsuit, you should consider the possible consequences of losing. Under
some circumstances, the winning party may ask the court to order you to pay his/her/its
attorneys’ fees. The winning party is also entitled to seek certain costs that it incurs during the
lawsuit, such as witness fees, copying costs, and the costs of deposition transcripts. In some
cases, these costs can easily add up to thousands of dollars. It is common for a winning party to
seek its costs from the losing party.
Appeals
You may appeal a final decision of this court to the United States Court of Appeals for the
Fourth Circuit. See Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 4 for applicable time limits. Effective
December 1, 2023, the filing fee for an appeal is $605.00. If you cannot afford to pay the fee,
you may file a motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis on appeal. To file an appeal, you
must file a notice of appeal with the clerk of this court. You must also submit to this court either
the filing fee or a motion for leave to proceed IFP. A form notice of appeal is available from the
clerk, but a sample is set forth below.
Sample Notice of Appeal:
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA
David Smith, C/A No. 0:01-000-12AB
Plaintiff,
v.
James Jones, et al.,
Defendants.
Notice of Appeal
Notice is hereby given that the plaintiff in the above-captioned case hereby
appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from the
Judgment entered in this action of the 15th day of December, 2002.
[signature]
David Smith
123 Lolly Lane
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 555-6789
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GLOSSARY
Affidavit
A sworn statement.
Answer
The response to the complaint.
Caption
Appears on the top of the first page of any document submitted to the court. On the complaint,
includes the name of the court, the names of all the parties, and a space for the case number.
For documents other than the complaint, a shortened version can be used that includes the name
of the first plaintiff, the name of the first defendant, and the case number.
Civil case
A case that is not criminal.
Cause of action
The set of facts upon which the party relies to ask the court for “relief.” See also claim.
Certificate of service
Statement filed with the court showing when you mailed copies of a document and to whom the
copies were sent. The certificate of service appears at the end of the pleading or motion.
Claim
The set of facts upon which the party relies to ask the court for relief. See also cause of action.
Competent
As to a party, when he/she is of legal age and without mental disability or incapacity.
Defendant
The party whose actions are being complained about in the complaint by the plaintiff.
Deponent
The person who is deposed. See deposition below.
Deposition
Where one party (if represented by a lawyer, through his/her/its lawyer) asks oral questions of
the other party or of his/her/its witness. This testimony is given under oath and reduced to
writing in preparation for trial. The deposition is not taken in open court, but usually in a
lawyer’s office.
Discovery
The process of obtaining facts and information about the case from the other party in order to
prepare for trial.
Effect
As to service, providing the party(ies) to the case with copies of documents.
Entity
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This legal term refers to any thing other than a natural person -- that is, an organization (such as
a company, club, partnership, governmental agency).
Et al.
“and others.”
File
Describes the process necessary to begin the case in the court. Also refers to the process of
submitting a document to the court.
Frivolous
As to a lawsuit, lacking a factual and/or a legal basis.
In forma pauperis
literally, “in the character or manner of a pauper.” Describes the permission given to a person to
proceed without prepaying the costs or fees of the court.
Infant
A person who is a legal minor.
Interrogatories
Written questions directed towards a party, usually as part of discovery.
Mediation
An informal and confidential process in which a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates
settlement discussions between the parties. Any settlement is voluntary, and the parties lose
none of their rights to trial by judge or jury in the absence of voluntary settlement. The mediator
has no authority to make a decision or impose a settlement.
Motion
An application made to the judge, generally to obtain a ruling or an order directing something to
be done.
Party
Someone who is participating in the lawsuit, usually either the plaintiff or the defendant.
Plaintiff
The person filing the complaint.
Pleadings
Documents that consist of the complaint, answer; reply; answer to a cross-claim; third-party
complaint; and third-party answer. See FRCP Rule 7(a). The pleadings set forth the parties’
formal allegations of their respective claims and defenses.
Pro se
“For one’s own behalf;” a person who does not retain a lawyer and appears for him/herself in
court.
Process servers
Individuals who serve legal papers for a fee.
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Registered agent
A person or company with a South Carolina address who is authorized to accept service on
behalf of a company.
Relief
The assistance or benefit that the party seeks from the court. See also remedy.
Remedy
The assistance or benefit that the party seeks from the court. See also relief.
Reply
Response to a counterclaim.
Return of Service
A statement made under oath and filed with the court that service of the complaint was
effected, and explaining when service was made and by what method.
Scheduling order
Document issued by the judge that sets deadlines for doing or filing certain things in the case. It
may include deadlines for completing discovery, filing motions, and/or filing status reports.
Serve
To provide the other party(ies) with a copy of a document that has been filed. Each document
filed with the court must be served on the other party(ies).
Service or Service of Process
As to the complaint, the procedure of notifying a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed, what
it is about, and the time for filing an answer.
Subrogation
The right of one who has paid an obligation that another person or organization should have paid
to be repaid by that person or organization who actually caused the damages.
Summons
Form issued by the court and served by the plaintiff to inform the defendant that a case has
been brought against the defendant.
Subpoena
A command to appear at a certain time and place to give testimony upon a certain matter.
Subpoena duces tecum
Requires production of books, papers, and other things.
Third-party
A party to the case other than the plaintiff or defendant.
Transcript
Where sworn testimony is reduced to writing.
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