Probate in South Carolina, handled for you
South Carolina follows the Uniform Probate Code, offering both informal and formal probate. The most common path is informal probate — streamlined, with minimal court involvement for uncontested estates. South Carolina also offers a small-estate procedure for estates under $25,000. Kindred handles the administration for one flat fee.
South Carolina lets you handle an uncontested probate without a lawyer. South Carolina's informal probate process is designed to be accessible — a personal representative can be appointed without an attorney for an uncontested estate. Kindred handles the administrative work; if a formal or contested proceeding arises, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing.
The four things families ask first
Hourly / flat fee
Read moreA typical South Carolina probate runs about 8 to 13 months.
Read more$25,000
Read moreProbate Court, in the county where the person lived
What it could cost in South Carolina
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Frequently asked
Do I need a lawyer for probate in South Carolina?
No — South Carolina's informal probate under the Uniform Probate Code is designed to be handled by the personal representative without an attorney. Kindred handles the administrative work for a flat fee. If a formal or contested proceeding arises, we flag it so you can bring in an attorney of your choosing. Kindred is not a law firm.
How much does probate cost in South Carolina?
No statutory percentage fee — attorneys typically bill $200-$350/hour or a flat fee. Filing fees run about $100-$200. Estates under $25,000 can use a simplified small-estate procedure. These are illustrative figures; actual costs vary by estate.
How long does probate take in South Carolina?
Typically 8 to 13 months. Creditors have 8 months from publication of notice to file claims. An inventory is due within 90 days of appointment. Informal probate avoids hearings for uncontested estates, so the timeline is mostly administrative work.
What is South Carolina's small estate limit?
Estates of $25,000 or less in personal property can be collected through a simplified small-estate procedure — no full probate required. A 30-day waiting period applies after death. Real property generally still requires probate. We can tell you whether your estate qualifies.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
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