Master-in-Equity Court: Also known as “Equity Court,” is established by state law and is a division of the State Circuit Court.

Master-in-Equity Judge: The Master-in-Equity (“MIE”), as judge of the Equity Court, is entitled to all the benefits and subject to all the requirements of the South Carolina Bar and the rules of the Supreme Court in the same respect as Circuit Court and Family Court judges. The MIE has the power to decide civil cases without a jury. MIEs typically handle cases involving real property, such as foreclosures, contracts, partition actions, quiet title actions and easements. However, MIEs may hear any non-jury matter referred to the Master by an order of reference signed by a Circuit Court Judge or the Clerk of Court in accordance with Rule 53(b), SCRCP and S.C. Code §14-11-10, et. seq.

Once the matter is referred to the Master-in-Equity, the MIE has all the power and authority of a Circuit Court Judge sitting without a jury would have in a similar matter. Any appeal from an order or judgment issued by an MIE shall be directly to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals as provided in the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.

Location: The Master-in Equity’s Office is located in the Beaufort County Courthouse, 102 Ribaut Road, Room 212. View Map. Hearings before the Master are conducted on the Second Floor of the Beaufort County Courthouse. If Parties have questions concerning the location of a particular hearing, please contact the Master’s Office at (843) 255-5710.

Judge James J. Wegmann
Master-In-Equity
P.O. Drawer 1228
Beaufort, SC 29901-1228
(843) 255-5710 – Phone
(843) 255-9505 - Fax 

Heather McLeod
Office Manager and Judge's Assistant
P.O. Drawer 1228
Beaufort, SC 29901-1228
(843) 255-5710 – Phone
(843) 255-9505 - Fax
hmcleod@bcgov.net

Jacqueline Grey
Foreclosure Legal Assistant
P.O. Drawer 1228
Beaufort, SC 29901-1228
(843) 255-5713 - Phone
(843) 255-9505 - Fax
jgrey@bcgov.net

Monique Carr
Administrative Assistant
P.O. Drawer 1228
Beaufort, SC 29901-1228
(843) 255-5710 – Phone
(843) 255- 9505 - Fax
monique.carr@bcgov.net 

Court Reporter Information: The Beaufort County Master-in-Equity Office does not have a Court Reporter.  The Plaintiff is responsible for providing a Court Reporter for all trials/hearings in which live testimony is anticipated.  For motions practice, the moving party is responsible for providing a Court Reporter for all motion hearings in which live testimony is anticipated. 

Disclaimer: The Information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be legal advice, a representation/warranty or to be relied upon concerning any aspect of the procedures and duties of Equity Court. The Court and its Staff are not permitted to provide legal advice nor answer legal questions. Parties should always seek guidance of an attorney concerning their rights, duties or obligations in any matter before the Court. Any questions should be directed to a licensed attorney of your choosing.