Family Court
Contact
Location:
1701 Main Street
1st Floor West Wing
Columbia, SC 29201
Mailing Address:
Richland County Family Court
PO Box 192
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: (803) 576-3320
Fax: (803) 576-3347
Automated Payment Inquiry: (803) 576-3333
Online Services
Payment Inquiry
Family Court Payments
Family Court Calendar
Family Court Directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I make my child support payments?
A: Child support payments may be made at the Richland County Family Court Office, located in the Richland County Judicial Center at 1701 Main Street, 1st Floor, West Wing.
The cashier's office is open daily from 8:45 until 5:00. The window closes for the day at 1:00 pm on Wednesdays only. All payments must be made by cash, money order or cashier's check. You can also mail your payments to Richland County Family Court, P. O. Box 192, Columbia, SC 29202. Please do not send cash through the mail.
We do NOT accept personal checks. Money orders or cashier's checks should be made payable to Richland County Family Court; include the case or docket number, the payor's name and the recipient's name.
Q: Can Family Court offer any legal assistance?
A: Family Court does not offer legal advice. We suggest you contact an attorney. We may be able to offer you limited assistance with some situations, such as, visitation issues or the enforcement of a child support order.
Q: How can I check to see if my child support payment has been made?
A: Recipients can call the Richland County Family Court Voice Response System (or Automated System) at (803) 576-3333 at any time.
Recipients must have their 10-digit case/docket number and know the last four numbers of their social security number. Updated information is available after 7:00 PM each night.
Q: Is there a filing fee for certain actions?
A: There is a $150 filing fee to start any case in Family Court.
Q: Does Family Court have the forms I need to file a case for divorce, separate maintenance, child custody or adoptions?
A: No. Family Court does not have generic forms to give you for these actions. You must seek legal counsel or you may go to the USC Law Library to look up what documents are required to file these type actions.
Q: I need assistance with starting a child support claim for my child. Does it matter if I was not married to the child's father?
A: Yes, it does matter. If you were not married to the child's father and you would like to get child support started, you need to contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) at (803) 898-9282. They are located at 3150 Harden Street in Columbia, SC.
Q: What action can I take if I am being physically harmed or abused and/or threatened in my home?
A: If you feel the need for protection in domestic matters you can come to the Family Court Office and request to file Domestic Abuse paperwork. A Judge may issue a restraining order on the offending party.
We also recommend that you see a representative from Sister Care for assistance. They have an office located in the Family Court building.
Q: Is there an easier way for the non-custodial parent to make child support payments on a regular basis?
A: Yes, automatic payroll deductions from your paycheck or wage garnishment are available for easier child support payments.