# Rule 7, SCRMC: Rule 7. ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM; TIME FOR FILING

> South Carolina · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R7

## Section

- **Citation:** Rule 7, SCRMC
- **Heading:** Rule 7. ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM; TIME FOR FILING
- **Jurisdiction:** South Carolina
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** South Carolina Court Rules / South Carolina Rules of Magistrates Court / Rule 7, SCRMC

## Text

RULE 7
ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM; TIME FOR FILING
(a)
The defendant may reply to the plaintiff's complaint by filing a written statement in a form approved by the magistrate or by personally appearing and making an oral statement. This reply shall be called an "answer." If the defendant personally appears within the specified time period and makes an oral answer, it shall be reduced to writing. The court or court personnel shall assist the defendant in reducing the answer to writing if the court determines assistance is required. The defendant's answer may deny in total or in part any or all of the material allegations made in the plaintiff's complaint, and/or allege any new matter constituting a defense. The court shall deliver a copy of the answer to the plaintiff in a manner provided for in Rule 8.
(b)
A defendant shall file an answer and any appropriate counterclaims with the court within thirty (30) days from the first day after the date of service. When service is by some other means, as provided for in Rule 6, the defendant shall file the answer and any appropriate counterclaims with the court within the time period designated by the statute, rule, or order, and the time period shall be stated in the summons.

## Nearby sections

- [Rule 1, SCRMC Rule 1. DEFINITIONS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R1.md)
- [Rule 2, SCRMC Rule 2. APPLICATION OF STATUTORY LAW AND CIRCUIT COURT PRACTICE IN ABSENCE OF RULE](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R2.md)
- [Rule 3, SCRMC Rule 3. COMPUTATION OF TIME PERIODS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R3.md)
- [Rule 4, SCRMC Rule 4. FILING CIVIL ACTION; ACTION AGAINST CORPORATION; LONG ARM STATUTE](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R4.md)
- [Rule 5, SCRMC Rule 5. COMPLAINT](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R5.md)
- [Rule 6, SCRMC Rule 6. SUMMONS; SERVICE](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R6.md)
- [Rule 7, SCRMC Rule 7. ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM; TIME FOR FILING](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R7.md)
- [Rule 8, SCRMC Rule 8. DELIVERY AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R8.md)
- [Rule 9, SCRMC Rule 9. COUNTERCLAIM](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R9.md)
- [Rule 10, SCRMC Rule 10. TRIAL DATE; NOTICE; FAILURE TO ANSWER](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R10.md)
- [Rule 11, SCRMC Rule 11. DEFAULT JUDGMENT; DISMISSAL OF ACTION; DAMAGES](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R11.md)
- [Rule 12, SCRMC Rule 12. RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT OR ORDER](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R12.md)
- [Rule 13, SCRMC Rule 13. CONDUCT OF TRIAL; JURY TRIALS; WITNESSES; SUBPOENAS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R13.md)
- [Rule 14, SCRMC Rule 14. AMENDMENT OF COMPLAINTS, ANSWERS, AND COUNTERCLAIMS; CONTINUANCES](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_SC_SCRMC_R7. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.