How Much Does Probate Cost in Greenville County, South Carolina?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Greenville County can expect.
Probate in Greenville County, South Carolina runs through the Probate Court at 301 University Ridge, Greenville County Square, Suite N-T100, Greenville. The total cost depends on the estate's size, whether the will is contested, and how much professional help the executor uses.
Probate matters are handled through Estate Division, Marriage License Division, Involuntary Commitment Division, and Protective Proceedings (Conservatorship/Guardianship). Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court: Estate pamphlets and forms downloadable from county website; Online public case search at probateinquiry.greenvillecounty.org; Attorney case management portal available (one registration per attorney, must match bar info). These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
South Carolina charges Flat lower tiers, then 0.15% over $100K to $600K and 0.25% over $600KS.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-770(B)Verified May 5, 2026 to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in South Carolina are negotiated, typically 2%S.C. Code § 62-1-111 (reasonable attorney's fees in formal proceedings); § 62-3-720 (litigation expense reimbursement)Verified May 5, 2026 to 4%S.C. Code § 62-1-111 (reasonable attorney's fees in formal proceedings); § 62-3-720 (litigation expense reimbursement)Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is also statutory in South Carolina, typically 5%S.C. Code § 62-3-719 (up to 5% of personal property + real property sale proceeds; min $50; court may authorize above 5% for extraordinary services)Verified May 5, 2026 to 5%S.C. Code § 62-3-719 (up to 5% of personal property + real property sale proceeds; min $50; court may authorize above 5% for extraordinary services)Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
South Carolina requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%S.C. Code § 62-3-603Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate in South Carolina typically runs 9 monthsS.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensationVerified May 5, 2026 to 18 monthsS.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensationVerified May 5, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 8 monthsS.C. Code § 62-3-803Verified May 5, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
Legal Sources
- S.C. Code § 62-1-111 (reasonable attorney's fees in formal proceedings); § 62-3-720 (litigation expense reimbursement)
- S.C. Code § 62-3-603
- S.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensation
- S.C. Code § 62-3-719 (up to 5% of personal property + real property sale proceeds; min $50; court may authorize above 5% for extraordinary services)
- S.C. Code § 62-3-803
- S.C. Code Ann. § 8-21-770(B)
Data sourced from South Carolina statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Greenville County, that means filing fees (about $695 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs about $695 in Greenville County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
South Carolina uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
South Carolina caps executor compensation by statute — the same schedule used for attorney fees in many states. Executors can waive this fee, which often makes sense for family members who are also beneficiaries.
Yes. South Carolina estates under $45,000 can use a Small Estate Affidavit and avoid most probate costs. Check the South Carolina self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Greenville County probate.
Probate Court
Greenville County
301 University Ridge, Greenville County Square, Suite N-T100
Greenville, SC 29601-3683
Phone:
864-467-7170Fax:
864-467-7198
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more