The Greenville County Probate Court handles legal matters related to estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Residents often visit to probate a will, manage estate administration, apply for letters of administration, or address guardianship and mental health matters. It plays a key role in protecting families and ensuring legal processes are followed correctly.
Greenville County Court handles a variety of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. It also issues marriage licenses and provides access to probate case information. Greenville County Court ensures that personal and legal matters are processed fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with South Carolina law, making it a trusted authority for both family and civil responsibilities. Visitors can expect clear procedures and professional support for all filings and court actions, while the court maintains organized systems for jury management, public records access, and scheduling of court dockets, helping residents navigate legal matters with confidence.
What is the Greenville County Probate Court
Greenville County Probate Court handles legal matters related to estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses in Greenville County, South Carolina. It serves as the primary office for probate-related issues, offering residents a central point for filings, hearings, and official records.
The court is located at:
301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601, Suite N‑T100
This office houses multiple divisions, including:
- Estate Administration: Wills, probate filings, and estate management
- Guardianship & Conservatorship: Legal oversight for minors and incapacitated adults
- Marriage Licenses: Applications and issuance of marriage certificates
- Mental Health: Court proceedings involving involuntary commitments or treatment orders
- Court Records: Access to official documents, filings, and case histories
Office Hours & Contact Info:
- Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Phone: (864) 467‑7000
- Email: probate@greenvillecounty.org
Residents can start their process by visiting the office in person or using available online resources for certain forms and filings. For many, the Probate Court is the first stop for resolving estate, guardianship, or marriage-related matters. The court’s team follows filing procedures and ensures legal requirements are met efficiently.
Probate Case Search & Records Access
Greenville County residents can search probate court records online and request official documents by following a simple process. Basic case information is publicly available, but full estate files require a formal request and payment of fees.
How to Search Probate Court Records
The Greenville County Probate Court provides an online search system for residents and legal professionals. Users can search by:
- Decedent or party name
- Case number
- Party type (executor, guardian, or conservator)
Steps for a proper search:
- Visit the Greenville County Probate Court Online Case Search: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Probate/CaseSearch
- Enter the correct spelling of names or the case number.
- Review the basic case information provided, including filing dates, case type, and involved parties.
- Note down the exact case number to use when requesting official documents.
The online search helps verify cases, track ongoing proceedings, and confirm which records are available.
Where and How to View Records
After confirming the case details online, users have several options to obtain full documents:
- Records Division at the Probate Court: Submit a request in person, via email, or by fax.
- Court’s official website: Some documents may be downloadable directly from the portal.
- Mail requests: Submit a copy-request form by mail to receive documents.
Fees for Records
- Per-page copies: Typically $0.25–$0.50 per page
- Certified copies: Usually $1–$2 per document
- Downloading digital records: Some files may be available online for free or a small fee
- Mailing/shipping costs: Additional if requesting mailed copies
Practical Tips
- Prepare the case number and correct spelling of names to avoid delays.
- Older records may not be digitized and require in-person visits.
- Sensitive information may be redacted in some documents.
- Standard processing time for staff requests is about 3 business days.
Table: Probate Record Request Options & Costs
| Method | How to Request | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | https://www.greenvillecounty.org/Probate/CaseSearch | $0–$2 per document | Some recent filings available digitally |
| Records Division | Email, fax, in person | $0.25–$0.50 per page | Certified copies $1–$2 each |
| Some recent filings are available digitally | $0.25–$0.50 per page + postage | Include exact case info for faster processing |
Services Offered by the Probate Court
The Greenville County Probate Court handles a variety of legal matters that go beyond estate and will administration. It serves as the main hub for issues, including marriage licenses, guardianships, mental health commitments, and public record access.
Estate & Wills / Probate
The Court manages the administration of estates and the legal distribution of property after death. This includes verifying wills, appointing executors, and resolving inheritance disputes. Individuals in Greenville County, SC, can file probate cases, track ongoing proceedings, and ensure estate matters are settled according to state law.
Marriage Licenses
Greenville County Probate Court issues official marriage licenses to residents and non-residents meeting South Carolina requirements. The process involves completing an application, presenting valid identification, and paying the applicable fee. The Court also provides guidance on waiting periods and any legal conditions for marriage.
Guardianships & Conservatorships / Protective Proceedings
The Court oversees guardianships and conservatorships for minors or incapacitated adults. This ensures that those unable to manage their own affairs have a legally appointed guardian or conservator. It also monitors financial and personal decisions to protect the interests of vulnerable individuals.
Mental Health / Involuntary Commitment Division
When necessary, the Court handles involuntary mental health commitments. This division evaluates petitions from family members, medical professionals, or law enforcement regarding individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Cases follow strict legal procedures to safeguard rights while providing appropriate care.
Records & Research / Probate Case Search
The Probate Court maintains extensive records of estates, guardianships, and other cases. Residents of Greenville County can request public access to probate case files, obtain copies of documents, or explore historical records. This service supports transparency and allows authorized parties to reference legal documents efficiently.
Mediation and Miscellaneous Duties
Some cases may require mediation or other judicial interventions to resolve disputes outside formal hearings. The Court may also handle adoptions, name changes, and other specialized duties as required under South Carolina law.
Wills & Estates — How Probate Works in Greenville County
Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after their death. In Greenville County, South Carolina, probate ensures that a decedent’s assets are properly distributed and debts are paid.
What is Probate & When is It Needed
In South Carolina, probate is the court-supervised process that validates a will and manages the decedent’s estate. Probate may be formal or informal:
- Formal Probate occurs when there are disputes, irregularities in the will, or complex estates. A court hearing is required, and a judge supervises the process.
- Informal Probate applies when the will is straightforward and uncontested. It usually moves faster and requires minimal court intervention.
A will is admitted to probate when the court confirms its authenticity. If there is no will, South Carolina law follows intestate succession, which means the estate is distributed to heirs according to statute. Generally, the surviving spouse, children, and other relatives inherit based on a predefined hierarchy. In Greenville County, this ensures fair distribution when the decedent did not leave specific instructions.
Who Manages the Estate
The estate is managed by a Personal Representative (PR), formerly called an executor or administrator. The PR is appointed by the probate court to oversee the estate’s administration and ensure legal obligations are met.
Key duties of a Personal Representative in Greenville County include:
- Collecting assets of the decedent, including bank accounts, real estate, and personal property.
- Securing and protecting the estate, such as maintaining property and safeguarding valuables.
- Inventorying assets and providing the court with an estate inventory report.
- Notifying creditors and paying claims, including debts, taxes, and funeral expenses.
- Distributing inheritance to beneficiaries as outlined in the will or by law if no will exists.
- Keeping beneficiaries informed of estate progress and filing necessary court reports.
The PR carries legal responsibility for acting in the estate’s best interest, and failing to do so can lead to personal liability.
How to Start Probate Documents, Filing, Fees
Probate in Greenville County begins with filing a petition at the Greenville County Probate Court. Required documents include:
- Death Certificate of the decedent.
- Original will (if one exists).
- Filing fee, which varies depending on estate type and value.
Typical fees include:
| Probate Type | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Filing & indexing will | $125–$150 |
| Legal notice in newspaper | $50–$100 depending on publication |
| Estate reopening (if needed) | $50–$100 |
Steps for probate:
- Informal Probate: Quick process for straightforward estates, often handled without an attorney.
- Formal Probate: Court-supervised process, recommended when disputes, complex assets, or out-of-state heirs are involved.
Hiring an attorney is optional for informal probate, but it can help prevent mistakes and delays. Formal probate typically requires legal representation.
Estate Administration
Once probate starts, the Personal Representative manages estate administration, which includes:
- Preparing an estate inventory listing all assets and property.
- Notifying creditors to allow claims against the estate.
- Paying debts and taxes from estate funds.
- Distributing assets to heirs according to the will or intestate succession laws.
- Final accounting for the court (if required), summarizing all actions and distributions.
Some estates require more detailed accounting or court approval for distributions, depending on the estate’s complexity and value.
Marriage Licenses in Greenville County — Step
In Greenville County, the topic of Marriage & Divorce is tied closely to the records maintained by the Probate Court. Marriage records document the issuance of licenses, while divorce records come from the Family Court after a case is finalized. These records help residents verify marital history, update personal documents, and review case details when needed.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license in Greenville County, both parties must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16–17 may apply with parental or guardian consent and additional documentation.
- Legal capacity: Neither applicant can be currently married to someone else.
- Identification: Valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID, is required.
- Social Security number: Must provide a Social Security number, or an acceptable alternative if not eligible.
- Divorce or annulment: If previously married, a finalized divorce decree or annulment papers must be presented.
These requirements ensure that the marriage license is legally valid in South Carolina and will be accepted by officiants and state authorities.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Applicants can complete the application process either in person at the Probate Court or online, depending on court availability. Steps include:
- Submit required identification for both parties.
- Provide Social Security numbers or acceptable alternatives.
- Pay the license fee, which varies for residents and non-residents (see fee table below).
- Wait 24 hours after application submission before the license is officially issued.
Online applications can save time, but applicants must pick up the license in person unless the court allows mail delivery.
Marriage License Fees in Greenville County
Greenville County Probate Court charges different fees for residents and non-residents. Current fees include:
| Applicant Type | License Fee |
|---|---|
| Greenville County Resident | $60 |
| Non-Resident | $80 |
| Certified Copy of Marriage License | $5–$10 per copy |
Payments are accepted via cash, credit/debit card, or check, depending on court policy. These fees ensure that the license is legally recorded with the county and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Other Probate Court Services: Mental Health & Mediation
The Greenville County Probate Court handles more than just wills, estates, and marriage licenses. It also oversees mental health commitments, provides mediation services, and carries out other specialized duties that support the community. These services are less common than traditional probate matters but are an important part of the court’s responsibilities.
Mental Health / Involuntary Commitments
The Probate Court’s Mental Health Division manages cases where individuals may require court-ordered treatment due to mental illness or potential danger to themselves or others. This division functions within the Probate Court but focuses specifically on involuntary commitments, ensuring cases needing urgent attention receive careful judicial review. Judges may order psychiatric evaluations to determine the appropriate level of care, and temporary or longer-term commitments may be issued depending on the situation. Family members or caregivers can petition the court if they believe someone requires intervention, making the process both protective and structured. These proceedings balance individual rights with community safety, reflecting the court’s broader role beyond estate management.
Mediation Services
In some cases, Greenville County Probate Court offers mediation services to help parties resolve disputes without full court hearings. Mediation typically involves a neutral facilitator who encourages open communication and assists participants in reaching mutually agreeable solutions. This approach is often used in estate or guardianship disputes, such as disagreements over asset distribution, will interpretation, or care responsibilities for minors or incapacitated adults. Mediation is voluntary, and while it does not replace formal court rulings, it can save time, reduce legal expenses, and help preserve relationships between disputing parties.
Miscellaneous Duties
Beyond mental health and mediation services, the Probate Court performs a variety of specialized duties that affect Greenville County residents. These include issuing certain licenses or certifications, overseeing oaths and fiduciary appointments, and maintaining records related to mental health, guardianship, and estates. Though these responsibilities occur less frequently than routine probate filings, they demonstrate the court’s comprehensive role in ensuring legal processes and community protections are upheld.
Greenville County Probate Court Fees & Service Costs
Quick answer: The fees at Greenville County Probate Court depend on what you’re filing or requesting — estate filings are based on estate value, while things like marriage licenses, will indexing, or certified copies have fixed fees. Other costs (copies, corrections, reopening closed estates) vary too, so the total depends on the request type.
Probate & Estate‑Related Fees
Here’s a breakdown of common estate and probate costs at Greenville County Probate Court:
| Service / Action | Typical Fee / Cost |
|---|---|
| Estate filing (probate), value $0–$4,999.99 | $25.00 |
| Estate filing, value $5,000–$19,999.99 | $45.00 |
| Estate filing, value $20,000–$59,999.99 | $67.50 |
| Estate filing, value $60,000–$99,999.99 | $95.00 |
| Estate filing, value $100,000–$599,999.99 | $845.00 plus 0.25% of the amount over $600,000 |
| Estate filing, value $600,000+ | $845.00 plus 0.25% of the amount over $600,000 |
| Filing & indexing a will, plus required news ad (when no property to probate) | $20.00 |
| $95.00 + 0.15% of the amount over $100,000 | $150.00 |
| Reopening a closed estate | $22.50 |
| Appointment of special/successor/temporary fiduciary | $22.50 |
Other smaller fees may apply for filing a demand for notice, special certificates, or additional requests.
Copies, Copies Certification & Document Requests
- Certified copy (per document): $5.00
- Ordinary copies: $0.50 per page
- Exemplified (authenticated) copy: $20.00 (plus copy/page charges if applicable)
These fees apply to wills, estate records, marriage license copies, and other public records.
Marriage License / License‑Related Fees & Costs
Fees vary by residency status:
- If at least one applicant lives in Greenville County: $45.00
- If both live in South Carolina but not in Greenville County: $75.00
- If neither lives in South Carolina: $95.00
Additional related fees:
- License correction or re‑issuance: $6.75
- Certified copy of a marriage license: $5.00
- Keepsake folder (optional): $2.00
Greenville County Probate Court – Location & Contact Information
The Greenville County Probate Court is located at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601, Suite N‑T100. Visitors can reach specific divisions such as Marriage License, Estates, Guardianship, or Records by using the listed phone numbers or emails for faster service.
The court serves as the primary office for probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Office hours generally run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with some divisions offering slightly different schedules:
- Marriage License Division: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Estates Division: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Guardianship/Conservatorship Division: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Records Division: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact Information:
| Division | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Court Line | (864) 467-7100 | probatecourt@greenvillecounty.org |
| Marriage License | (864) 467-7220 | marriagelicense@greenvillecounty.org |
| Records Division | (864) 467-7000 | records@greenvillecounty.org |
| Guardianship / Conservatorship | (864) 467-7280 | guardianship@greenvillecounty.org |
(FAQs) About Probate Court
This section answers common questions about Greenville County Probate Court services, including estate administration, guardianships, marriage licenses, and probate records. Each answer provides clear guidance while incorporating relevant keywords for SEO.
What is the Greenville County Probate Court responsible for?
The Greenville County Probate Court handles estate administration, guardianship filings, and marriage licenses. It oversees legal matters related to wills, estates, and personal guardianship to ensure the proper management and distribution of property. The court also guides the filing of probate cases, manages estate records, and supervises the duties of personal representatives. Its role ensures fairness and legal compliance in all probate matters.
Do I need to probate a will if the estate is small?
Small estates may not always require full probate, depending on their total value. In South Carolina, heirs of estates below a certain limit may use a simplified affidavit process to transfer property without opening a full probate case. However, formally probating a will can provide legal protection, clarify ownership, and prevent disputes among heirs, even for smaller estates.
How do I search for a probate case or estate record?
Probate case searches and estate records can be accessed through Greenville County’s Probate Court office or the official court records system. Users can search using the deceased’s name, case number, or estate information. Records typically include wills, estate inventories, and filed documents. Some documents may require a formal request or a small fee to obtain copies.
What documents do I need to file for probate or start estate administration?
Filing for probate or estate administration requires several key documents, including a certified death certificate and the original will if available. Additional forms may include lists of heirs, asset inventories, and affidavits regarding debts or property. These documents are submitted by the personal representative to begin official estate administration, allowing the court to oversee the process and ensure proper distribution of assets.
How do I apply for a marriage license in Greenville, SC?
To apply for a marriage license in Greenville, SC, both parties must appear in person at the Probate Court and present valid identification. Applicants must provide a government-issued ID, proof of age, and any necessary divorce decrees if previously married. Fees are required at the time of application, and the license is typically valid for a limited period, after which the marriage ceremony must be performed.