South Carolina’s Bankruptcy Resources
South Carolina bankruptcy cases are administered through the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina, which serves debtors throughout the state. Although South Carolina bankruptcy filings are governed by the federal Bankruptcy Code, exemptions are based on state limits.
This statewide resource page provides an overview of South Carolina’s bankruptcy system, including the bankruptcy court, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 trustees, exemption laws, Means Test requirements, and other information that can help debtors understand and navigate the bankruptcy process.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
South Carolina’s Bankruptcy Court Structure
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina administers South Carolina’s bankruptcy system. Although the federal Bankruptcy Code governs bankruptcy cases, the district sets local rules, filing procedures, trustee administration, and court requirements.
The District of South Carolina is divided into three divisions, with courthouses located throughout the state. A debtor’s county of residence generally determines the division in which the case is filed and the Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 trustee assigned to administer the case.
Before filing motions, scheduling hearings, or seeking other relief, parties should review the applicable local rules and the assigned judge’s procedures.
Charleston Division
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina
J. Waties Waring Judicial Center
83 Meeting Street, Suite 225
Charleston, SC 29401
Columbia Division
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina
Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Courthouse
151 Meeting Street, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
Greenville Division
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina
300 East Washington Street, Room 239
Greenville, SC 29601
Below are filing statistics showing the number of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases filed in South Carolina during the period from 2023 through 2025.
| Year | Chapter 7 Filings | Chapter 13 Filings | Total Filings |
| 2025 | 1,813 | 3,368 | 5,181 |
| 2024 | 1,486 | 3,127 | 4,613 |
| 2023 | 1,266 | 2,749 | 4,015 |
South Carolina Bankruptcy Trustees
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 trustees in South Carolina are appointed through the United States Trustee Program to administer bankruptcy cases filed in the District of South Carolina. Their responsibilities include reviewing bankruptcy petitions and financial records, conducting Section 341 Meetings of Creditors, liquidating non-exempt assets, and overseeing Chapter 13 repayment plans and distributions to creditors.
Because South Carolina is divided into multiple bankruptcy divisions, trustee assignments generally depend on the debtor’s county of residence and the division in which the case is filed. Contact information for South Carolina bankruptcy trustees, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees and Chapter 13 standing trustees, is available through this resource.
South Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions
South Carolina has opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemption system. As a result, debtors filing bankruptcy in South Carolina generally must use the exemptions provided under state law rather than the federal bankruptcy exemptions contained in 11 U.S.C. §522(d).
South Carolina’s exemption statutes protect many types of property commonly owned by bankruptcy filers, including equity in a residence, motor vehicles, household goods, retirement accounts, wages, and other qualifying assets. The amount of protection available depends on the type of property claimed and the applicable statutory exemption limits.
Because exemption laws determine what property a debtor may keep during bankruptcy, selecting and applying the appropriate exemptions is a critical part of both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. In addition, bankruptcy exemptions are subject to federal residency and domicile requirements, making the timing of a bankruptcy filing an important consideration for individuals who have recently moved to or from South Carolina.
For a complete breakdown of South Carolina’s bankruptcy exemptions, statutory citations, exemption limits, and practical examples, visit the South Carolina Bankruptcy Exemptions Guide.
South Carolina Means Test
The Means Test helps determine whether a debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or must instead proceed under Chapter 13. The analysis begins with South Carolina’s median income figures, which are updated periodically by the U.S. Trustee Program and vary based on household size.
Debtors whose income falls below the applicable median income threshold may qualify for Chapter 7 without completing the full Means Test calculation, while those above the threshold generally must complete the additional analysis required by Form 122A-2.
However, passing the Means Test does not automatically mean that filing Chapter 7 is the best option. A debtor’s available exemptions, nonexempt assets, and overall financial circumstances should also be considered.
The Means Test also plays an important role in Chapter 13 cases. It helps determine the applicable commitment period for a repayment plan and may affect the amount of projected disposable income that must be devoted to unsecured creditors through the plan.
For current South Carolina median income figures, Means Test calculations, and qualification requirements, visit the South Carolina Means Test resource page.
Conclusion
Filing for bankruptcy in South Carolina requires an understanding of both the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 processes, as well as the role bankruptcy trustees play in administering cases. Because South Carolina is an opt-out state, debtors generally must rely on South Carolina’s exemption laws to protect their property, making exemption planning an important part of any bankruptcy strategy.
Individuals considering bankruptcy should also compare their household income to South Carolina’s current Means Test figures to evaluate Chapter 7 eligibility and determine how the Means Test may affect Chapter 13 repayment obligations. In addition, debtors should consider exemption rights, nonexempt assets, and other financial circumstances before deciding which chapter of bankruptcy best meets their goals.
Use this statewide resource page as your central reference for bankruptcy court information, trustee directories, exemption laws, Means Test guidance, and other resources related to bankruptcy cases filed in South Carolina.
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish at an international university.
Educational Resources
- For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
- For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
- Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.
Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources
Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:
- A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
- Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
- State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
- 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
Bankruptcy References
- 11 U.S. Code §522 – Exemptions.
You must be logged in to post a comment.