Magistrate courts to hear requests for restraining order regardless of marital status

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault officials are applauding a SC Court of Appeals decision.

The decision gives state magistrate courts jurisdiction to hear requests for a restraining order regardless of the marital status between the parties.

Previously the statute fell under Family Court which does not have the power to enact a restraining order.

The ruling was the result of a 2023 case involving a woman seeking a restraining order against her estranged husband because she feared for her child’s safety.