How Do I File Probate in Kershaw County, South Carolina?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Probate Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate cases in Kershaw County are filed at the Probate Court. File in person during business hours or by mail.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Kershaw County Self-Filing Assessment.
Kershaw County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
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
Records Access
Estate Index available online (1981-present) for status checks; actual documents not viewable online
Other Requirements
High call volume; callbacks may take up to 48 hours
In-Person Filing
The Probate Court is located at 1121 Broad Street, Room 225, Camden, SC 29020. Phone: 803-425-1503. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
What to Bring
To file at the Probate Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Probate Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Probate Court in Kershaw County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $695). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Kershaw County uses the standard South Carolina probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
South Carolina allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Probate Court in Kershaw County does not require attorney representation. Use the South Carolina self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Kershaw County typically requires in-person or mail filing for probate petitions. Check the court's website for the latest procedures — some counties have added e-filing for specific document types.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
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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