S.C. R. Magis. Ct. 7

(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.