MIE is not notified when documents are e-filed. Notify MIE when a case has been settled, entered into a payment plan, loss mitigation, or bankruptcy status.
If you need assistance with any of these procedures contact:
Prior to e-filing the Order of Reference contact the MIE office for the correct fees and procedures for Foreclosures, Quiet Title Actions, Mechanics Liens, Partitions, Evictions, and Supplementary Proceedings, etc. (See the fee schedule provided to ensure your fee amount is correct.)
Law firms are to e-file the Order of Reference to the Clerk of Court and send the applicable Master in Equity fee to 2500 Decker Blvd., Columbia, SC 29203, with a copy of the Order of Reference to the attention of Andria Dreher. Also include a cover letter specifying the type of case being referred as this will directly impact scheduling with our office. All fees should be payable to the Richland County Master in Equity. Incorrect submissions will be returned to you for correction and this may delay the scheduling of your case(s).
Status Conferences are for attorneys only.
If you need a hearing scheduled, the case must be referred to the Master in Equity.
Please review the Master-in-Equity Court Questions and Answers(PDF, 255KB) document.
Deloris Ellison at ellison.deloris@richlandcountysc.gov or 803-576-1901 is responsible for scheduling the following matters after the order of reference and Master’s fee is received:
- Supplementary Proceedings
- Actions to Quiet Title
- Mechanics Liens
- Partitions
- Contested Cases
- All Motions
- Evictions for the Plaintiff (Writs of Assistance)
Evictions for the Third-party investors
Contact Andria Dreher instead at 803-576-1918 or dreher.andria@richlandcountysc.gov.
An Order of Reference is e-filed first and the fee of $25.00 received before a hearing date and time for the RTSC is considered. Scheduling of these cases will be at least 60 days from the date of the request.
Wait 5 days after the Order of Reference has been filed to contact Ms. Ellison to request your hearing date. It takes time to receive the Order of Reference in the Master in Equity office and receipt of your fee.
These cases are handled by Fristella Cornelius at cornelius.fristella@richandcountysc.gov or 803-576-1905. After the case has been referred and the MIE fee accepted she will receive a copy of the filed order and will schedule the matter for the designated days provided on the MIE calendar. The uncontested docket will be published online and the applicable law firms will be notified.
LAW FIRM
- E-file the form 4 and order at least 48 hours prior to the hearing or after the scheduled hearing in case of a continuance or reinstatement.
- A $35.00 MIE fee for a supplemental hearing should be received at the hearing.
- The notice of sale should be brought to the hearing, not e-filed.
- The notice of sale may be e-mailed if it is being re-advertised.
*All Notice of Sales for Foreclosure Hearings should be brought to court on the day of the hearing, not e-filed.
Other Documents To Be E-Filed
- Exhibits/Attachments are to be e-filed prior to the hearing
- Records of hearing are to be e-filed after the hearing to ensure accuracy of detail
Do NOT email proposed orders to Judge Lawrence.
At the conclusion of the hearing, she will tell you where to direct the proposed order(s) for her review. It will either be to Deloris Ellison at ellison.deloris@richlandcountysc.gov or Fristella Cornelius at cornelius.fristella@richlandcountysc.gov.
Once reviewed, you will receive an email from staff confirming whether you can e-file the document for the judge’s signature or if changes are needed. Do NOT e-file a proposed order following the hearing unless specifically directed by Judge Lawrence at your hearing.
If the property sells at the Foreclosure Sale or the Deficiency Sale, deed packages should be mailed to the attention of Andria Dreher, 2500 Decker Blvd, Columbia, SC 29206, and should include the following:
- Commission Check 1% of the bid amount
- Deed (if the property sells at the deficiency sale it should have the original day of sale and the deficiency sale date)
- Satisfaction includes three signatures, with one being the notary signature
- Postage paid and self-addressed envelope
- Form 4 and Order of Deficiency (only if it is sold at the deficiency sale)