How Much Does a Living Trust Cost in South Carolina?

Assets properly transferred to a revocable living trust avoid probate in South Carolina. This means beneficiaries receive their inheritance without court involvement, public records, or the delays of the probate process. Probate on a $500,000 estate in South Carolina costs about $41,437 in court and professional fees.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 See estimated fees with the South Carolina probate calculator.

Online trust services cost $30-$600 upfront compared to $4,150-$6,225 for an attorney in South Carolina. However, total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and life event updates over time. This calculator projects the full cost across providers.

Only assets not transferred into the trust go through probate. Common oversights include bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate that were never retitled to the trust. A pour-over will catches these assets and directs them into the trust through probate, but proper funding avoids that step entirely.

Many online trust services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations. Attorney amendments in South Carolina cost $415 to $830 for simple changes and $1,660 to $3,320 for major updates like divorce or remarriage.

The decision depends on estate size, asset types, family situation, and South Carolina probate costs. Trusts provide probate avoidance, privacy, and faster asset transfer but cost more upfront than a will. The South Carolina trust needs assessment compares the two approaches.