How Much Does Probate Cost in Kershaw County, South Carolina?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Kershaw County can expect.
What probate costs in Kershaw County, South Carolina comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Probate Court at 1121 Broad Street, Room 225, Camden.
Local procedures at this court: Estate Intake Packet available for download or pickup at the office; Three-step probate process: (1) Apply and open estate, get appointed; (2) Administer estate, marshal and protect assets, pay expenses; (3) Close estate with accounting and distribution proposal; Estate Index available online (1981-present) for status checks; actual documents not viewable online. 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 27, 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 27, 2026 to 4%S.C. Code § 62-1-111 (reasonable attorney's fees in formal proceedings); § 62-3-720 (litigation expense reimbursement)Verified May 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate in South Carolina typically runs 9 monthsS.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensationVerified May 27, 2026 to 18 monthsS.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensationVerified May 27, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 8 monthsS.C. Code § 62-3-803Verified May 27, 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw 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 Kershaw County probate.
Kershaw County Payment Requirements
This county has specific payment deadlines and requirements. Missing these can delay your filing.
Payment & Fees
Court and office fees published online
Probate Court
Kershaw County
1121 Broad Street, Room 225
Camden, SC 29020
Phone:
803-425-1503Fax:
803-425-1526
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.
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