Overview

The Master-in-Equity facilitates relatively quick and inexpensive means of litigation resolution for non-jury matters. The Master hears most foreclosure cases and a substantial number of civil, non-jury matters as well. This is the only South Carolina court in which no action may be initiated; each case heard by a Master is assigned by the S.C. Circuit Court, using the procedural device known as an Order of Reference.

The Governor, with approval of the S.C. General Assembly, appoints Masters-in-Equity to six-year terms. As a division of the state's Circuit Courts, the Master-in Equity's Office is state mandated, but County funded.

Responsibilities

• Offer the public a quick and inexpensive way of having their day in court
• Hear cases for mortgage foreclosures, land partitions, judicial sales, actions to collect a judgment and complex cases as assigned by the Circuit Court