SCRCP 6

(a) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules, by order of

court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, event, or default after which the designated

period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to be

included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or a State or Federal holiday, in which event the period runs

until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor such holiday. When the period of

time prescribed or allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and holidays shall

be excluded in the computation. A half holiday shall be considered as other days and not as a holiday.

Note:

This Rule 6(a) replaces and considerably clarifies Code § 15-1-20; particularly as to

computing time when there are consecutive holidays.

(b) Enlargement. When by these rules or by notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is

required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the time may be extended by written

agreement of counsel for an additional period not exceeding the original time provided in these rules,

or the court for cause shown may at any time in its discretion (1) with or without written motion or

notice order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the period as

originally prescribed or extended or (2) upon motion made after the expiration of the specified period,

for good cause shown, permit the act to be done. The time for taking any action under rules 50(b),

52(b), 59, and 60(b) may not be extended except to the extent and under the conditions stated in

them. The time for filing notice of intent to appeal is jurisdictional and may not be extended by

consent or order.

Note:

This Rule 6(b) is the same as the Federal Rule, which is in turn a more concise

statement of Code §§ 15-13-90 and 15-27-120 and Circuit Rule 62, except that the

Rule continues the present State practice of allowing one limited extension of time by

agreement of counsel.

Note to 1986 Amendment:

This amendment authorizes the court to permit an act to be done after the expiration

of time upon a showing of good cause. This is the standard applied by courts in

practice and is found in Rule 55(c) for relief from entry of default. The change

distinguishes the test under Rule 6(b) which is applicable when filings are untimely,

from that used when a party has obtained a judgment. Post-judgment relief under

Rule 60(b) remains governed by the stricter standard of excusable neglect which has a

precise meaning under state precedents. See also Rule 55(c).

(c) Unaffected by Expiration of Term. The period of time provided for the doing of any act or the

taking of any proceeding is not affected or limited by the continued existence or expiration of a term

of court. The continued existence or expiration of a term of court in no way affects the power of a

court to do any act or take any proceeding in any civil action which has been pending before it.

Note:

This Rule 6(c) was deleted from the Federal Rule in 1966, but was retained here as a

much-needed clarification of State practice. The confusion as to the powers of the

court with the modern advent of many "special terms" is eliminated. Time limits on

such matters are now stated in the applicable rule; i.e., Rule 59 as to time for motions

for new trial.

(d) For Motions--Affidavits. A written motion other than one which may be heard ex parte, and

notice of the hearing thereof, shall be served not later than ten days before the time specified for the

hearing, unless a different period is fixed by these rules or by an order of the court. Such an order may

for cause shown be made on ex parte application. When a motion is to be supported by affidavit, the

affidavit shall be served with the motion; and, except as otherwise provided in Rule 59(c), additional or

opposing affidavits may be served not later than two days before the hearing, unless the court permits

them to be served at some other time. The moving party may serve reply affidavits at any time before

the hearing commences. In all cases where a motion shall be granted on payment of costs or on the

performance of any condition, or where an order shall require such payment or performance, the party

whose duty it shall be to comply therewith shall have 20 days for that purpose, unless otherwise

directed in the order.

Note:

This Rule 6(d) is the same as the Federal Rule, except that the Rule has enlarged notice

time from 5 to 10 days. The last sentence is added to preserve Circuit Rule 62.

(e) Additional Time After Service by Mail or Upon Statutory Agent. Whenever a party has the right

or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of

a notice or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served upon him by mail or upon a person

designated by statute to accept service, five days shall be added to the prescribed period.

Note:

This Rule 6(e) is the same as the Federal Rule except that the additional time to take

an act after service is by mail is increased from 3 to 5 days. This replaces the very

unclear meaning of Code § 15-9-950.