What Does Estate Planning Cost in South Carolina?

Major life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child often require updating your estate plan. Some providers require purchasing an entirely new plan, while others offer amendments. Attorney amendments in South Carolina typically cost $1,660 to $3,320 for major changes.

Online services have lower upfront costs ($30-$600) compared to attorneys in South Carolina (around $415/hour for trusts). However, total lifetime cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and how often life events require updates. This calculator compares the full cost across providers.

Many online estate planning services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These subscriptions may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations depending on the provider and tier.

Trusts cost more upfront than wills but can save money long-term by avoiding probate. In South Carolina, an attorney-prepared trust typically costs $4,150 to $6,225, while a will costs $1,122 to $2,244. Wills require probate, which adds about $41,437 in costs for heirs on a $500,000 estate. See a detailed breakdown with the South Carolina trust cost calculator.

Probate on a $500,000 estate in South Carolina costs about $41,437 — roughly 8% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and publication costs.S.C. Code § 62-3-719 (PR compensation, 5% cap, $50 min), § 62-1-111 (attorney fees), § 62-3-1201 (small estate affidavit — $45K personal property, 30-day wait, no real property), § 62-3-1203 (summary administration — $45K), § 62-3-603 (bond not required by default in 4 enumerated cases; § 62-3-605 demand for bond), § 62-3-801(a) (8-month publication notice), § 62-3-803 (creditor claims — earlier of 1 year from death or § 62-3-801(a) period), § 62-3-203 (PR priority order), § 8-21-770(B) (graduated probate court fee schedule: $25 / $45 / $67.50 / $95 tiers, +0.15% over $100K, +0.25% over $600K); 2025 Act No. 26 / H.3472 (small estate + exempt property thresholds raised from $25K to $45K, eff. May 8, 2025). Verified against scstatehouse.gov 2026-07-14.Verified Jul 14, 2026 Estates with a trust can bypass probate entirely, potentially saving heirs thousands of dollars. Estimate probate fees with the South Carolina probate calculator.