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South Carolina Probate Court Guide

Find the county Probate Court for South Carolina estate filings, Probate Judge contacts, local packet questions, and county page details.

Search for Your County

South Carolina probate court filings usually start with the county Probate Court tied to the decedent, the estate property, or the filing question. The South Carolina Judicial Branch says each county has a Probate Judge, and Probate Court jurisdiction includes estates of deceased persons, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and related matters. Use this directory before you ask about the original will, appointment, forms, creditor notice, small-estate affidavits, summary administration, fees, or local office rules.

Need statewide forms and rules? See the South Carolina probate resource map.

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Counties Covered
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What You’ll FindThe address, phone, website, and hours fields on each county page (where available)

Court Address

Physical location of the probate court

Phone Numbers

Contact the clerk's office directly

Website Links

Official court websites and e-filing

Office Hours

When the court is open for filing

Browse All South Carolina Counties

File in the county where the person lived. Find that county below.

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Need Help With Your South Carolina Probate?

Start with the state probate guide and county court directory before choosing a filing path.

Read the South Carolina Probate GuideView Probate Forms
Tips for Contacting the CourtWhat to have ready and what to ask before you call or visit

Before You Call

  • •Have the decedent's full name, date of death, and last South Carolina address ready
  • •Know whether there is an original will, codicil, trust, or no-will estate
  • •List any South Carolina county where the decedent lived or owned real estate
  • •Write down whether you are asking about 300ES, 420ES, letters, inventory, creditor notice, or closing forms

What to Ask

  • •Which county Probate Court should handle this estate?
  • •Does the court require an appointment, mailed packet, in-person filing, or local coversheet?
  • •Which South Carolina Judicial Branch forms and county instructions should I use?
  • •What are the current filing fee, certified-copy fee, and payment options?
  • •How should I present the original will and certified death certificate?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the probate filing office for my county in South Carolina?
Start with the county where the decedent lived or where the probate case will be filed. This directory helps you identify the local County Probate Court, clerk, register, or county office that handles estate matters.
What should I ask the South Carolina probate filing office before filing?
Ask which county Probate Court should handle the estate, which South Carolina Judicial Branch forms and county instructions apply, whether the court requires an appointment or local coversheet, how to present the original will and certified death certificate, and what fees are due.
Can county probate procedures differ within South Carolina?
Yes. Even where statewide law is similar, counties can vary on local forms, clerk instructions, scheduling, e-filing, and document handling. Always verify local procedure before you submit a case.
What do I need before I call the probate filing office?
Have the decedent’s name, county of residence, date of death, and a rough sense of whether there is a will, real estate, or a small-estate option available. That makes clerk guidance much more useful.

Information current as of June 4, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in South Carolina can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.

A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.

See how to avoid probate in South Carolina

More South Carolina Resources

Explore the rest of the South Carolina probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate1 page
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference5 pages