General Information: “Pro se” means “for one’s own behalf.”  In the context of a civil lawsuit, it means a person who does not retain a lawyer and appears for him/herself in court.  Parties or litigants who are not represented by a licensed South Carolina attorney are generally referred to as pro se parties or pro se litigants.  Most people who appear in court employ a licensed attorney who is familiar with the rules of procedure that govern the court process.  Individuals have a right to appear in court without representation or appear pro se.  Be aware that as a pro se litigant/party you may only represent yourself.  Under the law, you cannot represent or speak for another person, company, entity or trust.  If you have an interest in a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity, that entity must be represented by a licensed South Carolina attorney regardless of your ownership interest.

Under the South Carolina Rules, if you proceed pro se, you are held to the same standards of compliance and understanding of the rules, procedures, and laws as an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina.  This includes potential sanctions under Rule 37, SCRCP for failure to cooperate in discovery, failure to comply with Court Orders, etc.  Civil Court Rules can be found at:  https://www.sccourts.org/resources/judicial-community/court-rules/civil/

Court personnel, to include the Judge and Judge’s Staff, cannot assist you or provide you with legal assistance or advice.  Court personnel may not communicate with you without all parties being present.  Phone calls, emails, faxes, etc. will not be accepted without all parties being present or copied on the transmissions.  The lone exception to this rule is communication concerning scheduling and other administrative matters that do not deal with the merits or facts of the case. 

It is recommended that you consult with an attorney prior to proceeding pro se.  If you cannot find or afford an attorney there are several organizations that may be able to assist you in the matter.

Legal Resources

South Carolina Legal Services (Website: www.sclegal.org)

They offer legal services at discounted and/or pro-bono (free) rates to those who qualify.  You can apply online or get their number from the website and call them directly.

South Carolina Bar (Website: www.scbar.org)

They offer Legal Help Services for the public such as finding a lawyer, applying for legal help and free legal answers.  Simply go to their website and click on the “For the Public” link to see these services.

Heirs Property Preservation (Website: https://www.heirsproperty.org)

They help families protect and keep their family land, build generational wealth and grow working landscapes.

SC Access to Justice (Website: www.scaccesstojustice.org/get-help)

They explain and answer questions about how the court works, refers you to organizations and online legal information that might be able to help you. They also give general information about where to find court procedures, deadlines, rules and practices as well as provide court schedules and information about how to get a case scheduled. This site provides basic information about your own case file and provides approved/authorized court forms and available instructions. For more information visit the website or scan the QR code below. **THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE***