Master-in-Equity

South Carolina Law establishes the Master-in-Equity Court in each County. The Equity Court is considered a division of the Circuit Court and is the only South Carolina court in which no action may be initiated.

Each case heard by the Master-in-Equity Judge is assigned by the Circuit Court using a procedural device known as an Order of Reference. Once a case is referred to this court, the Master-in-Equity shall exercise all power and authority which a circuit judge sitting without a jury would have in a similar matter.

What We Do

The Master-in-Equity Court provides a relatively quick and inexpensive means of litigation resolution for civil, non-jury matters.

This includes actions for:

• Foreclosure of liens upon property
• Supplemental Procedures by judgment creditors
• Deed preparation
• Actions to quiet title
• Partition of property
• Writs of assistance
• Any other matter referred by the Circuit Court

The Richland County Master-in-Equity is a revenue-generating office. The Master-in-Equity collects fees for actions handled by the Court and receives a commission on the sale of land. Funds collected by the Master are deposited into an interest bearing account and are turned over to the General Fund of Richland County.

Judge Stephanie N. Lawrence

Judge Stephanie N. Lawrence earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2006. She has practiced in various areas of civil litigation, served as an administrative hearing officer, and as General Counsel for a statewide association before her appointment as Master-In-Equity for Richland County in March 2025.