How long do I have to wait for a court date in a small claims court case?

In South Carolina, the amount of time that it takes to receive a court hearing in a small claims court case can vary. Generally, however, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This amount of time can depend on the county in which the claim is being filed, the backlog of cases, and if the defendant has filed an answer to the claim. The Plaintiff is responsible for filing the claim in the appropriate county, providing the defendant with a copy, and then requesting a hearing. Once the Defendant has been served, the Plaintiff must wait a minimum of 15 days for the Defendant to answer the complaint. If the Defendant does not answer within the allotted time period, the Plaintiff can move forward with a default judgement. Once the Plaintiff has requested a hearing, the court will provide a court date. It is important to note that the court may allow for a certain amount of time for a settlement between the parties prior to holding a court hearing. If a settlement is not reached, the court hearing will be scheduled and the Plaintiff will be notified with the date of the court hearing. It is important to note that while the wait time for a court hearing can vary, it is best to stay ahead of the game and begin the process as early as possible to ensure that the claim is handled in a timely manner.

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