Documents To Bring With You When Opening An Estate
***YOU MUST BE IN THE OFFICE BY 3:30 P.M. TO OPEN A NEW ESTATE***
If The Decedent Had A Will:
- Original Will.
- Original Death Certificate.
- Filing Fee: $25.00 (CASH OR CHECK ONLY).
- Valid Photo I.D.
If The Decedent Had No Will:
- Original Death Certificate.
- Filing Fee: $25.00 (CASH OR CHECK ONLY).
- If there is more than one heir and unless you have priority (surviving spouse) you will need to have Renunciations/Bond Waivers signed by the other heirs allowing you to be the Personal Representative (Form #302ES). If this cannot be achieved, you may file for Formal Appointment.*** Any Formal Petition filed with the Court must be accompanied by a Summons (Form #SCCA401PC), Petition (Form #300ES) and $150.00 filing fee (CASH OR CHECK ONLY). Once service has been accomplished, a Proof of Delivery (Form #120PC) must be filed with the Court.
- You will need to furnish the Probate Court with a Fiduciary Bond in the amount of one-and-a-half times the total value of the personal property in the decedent’s name only. If all the heirs sign a bond waiver, the bond may be waived. If not, the fiduciary bond would be required.
- Death Certificate for deceased person with higher or equal priority to serve as Personal Representative. (If Applicable)
- Valid Photo I.D.
Small Estate Affidavit:
(For estates under $25,000 and NO real estate in decedent’s name)
- You are required to wait at least 30 days from the date of death to come to Probate Court.
- Original Will (If Applicable).
- Original Death Certificate.
- Valid Photo I.D.
- Paid in FULL funeral bill that shows a ZERO balance and WHO paid the bill.
- Filing Fee: This fee can range from $17.50-$72.50 depending on the value of the estate (CASH OR CHECK ONLY).
- Copy of the vehicle title (or registration), mobile home title, boat and/or motor titles (If Applicable). You will also need to bring a current value for the assets.
- Copy of bank statements that include the balance and the account number or copy of insurance policy information complete with the policy numbers (If Applicable).
Will Filed For Record Only:
If the decedent did not have any assets in his/her name at the time of his/her death but did have a Last Will and Testament (Will), you must turn in the Original Will to Probate Court to be filed. You must also bring an Original Death Certificate and a $20.00 Filing Fee (CASH OR CHECK ONLY).
Please call the Berkeley County Probate Court at: (843) 719-4519 for any additional questions prior to coming to the office to avoid being turned away due to the lack of having all required documentation. Thank you.
Contact Us:
Case Numbers Ending In . . . | Contact Information |
2, 8 | Connie Ott (843) 719-4512 |
0, 3, 6 | Kimberly Alteri (843) 719-4563 |
1, 5, 9 | Kimberly Westmoreland (843) 719-4513 |
4, 7 | Cindy Schafer (843) 719-4253 |