In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Marriage Applications may be filled out and mailed in. Please download the Marriage application along with the instructions found here.

MISSION

Pickens County Probate Court is dedicated to providing personal service to the citizens of Pickens County with compassion and professionalism.  Further, we will continue to prepare and safeguard complete and accurate records so that such records can be properly accessed in the future.

Probate Court includes:

• All matters related to a decedent’s estate
• The protection of minors and incapacitated persons via guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
• Matters related to trusts
• The issuance of marriage licenses and the performance of marriage ceremonies
• Involuntary commitment proceedings
• Wrongful death and survival actions
   

Marriage License Requirements:

• Both parties must appear together to apply for a marriage license
• Both applicants must present identification
• Both applicants must present ORIGINAL Social Security Cards showing his or her name and social security number.  This name must match the applicant’s identification.
• $40.00 CASH or money order (Checks are not accepted)
• Applicants must be at least 16 years old
• If under 18, a certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate must be left with the Probate Court permanently
• If under 18, consent from a parent must be provided (consenting parent must appear at the Probate Court with proper identification to prove his or her relationship to the minor applicant) 

Marriage Ceremonies

Once the marriage license has been issued, the marriage ceremony must be performed in the State of South Carolina.

The Pickens County Probate Judge performs marriage ceremonies by appointment for a $25.00 cash fee.

• You must call for an appointment.

There is a twenty-four (24) hour waiting period in South Carolina from the time you
apply for the marriage license until the time the license can be issued. After the waiting period has expired one of the contracting parties must return to pick up the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Probate?

A:  Probate specifically means to prove the validity of a will.  Probate is also the general term for the administration of a decedent’s estate.

Q: How do I know if I need to go to Probate Court?

A:  If a person dies owning any assets that need to be transferred or administered, you should contact Probate Court.

Q: What if the deceased did not have a Will?

A:  When someone dies without a valid will, state law determines who inherits from the estate and who can be appointed as personal representative of the estate informally.

Q: Is Pickens County the proper county to handle an estate?

A:  If the deceased was a resident of Pickens County, was a non-resident who owned property in Pickens County, or had a right to take legal action in Pickens County, the estate will likely be administered in Pickens County Probate Court.

Q: How does a personal representative get appointed to handle an estate?

A:  If you do not engage the services of an attorney, the Probate Court will provide you initial paperwork to complete, along with an explanation of the documents.  If you have an attorney, he or she will assist you with the appropriate filings.

Q:  Do I need an attorney to probate an estate?

A:  You may engage an attorney to probate an estate informally, or you may choose to proceed with completing the initial documents yourself, followed by a meeting with the judge to complete your appointment process.  For formal probate matters, the services of an attorney are strongly encouraged.  Formal probate involves the filing of a summons and petition, payment of a filing fee, and legal service of process upon all interested parties.  A hearing would ultimately be scheduled for the proper presentation of evidence.

                 Involuntary Commitments
 

Q: What is an involuntary commitment?

A:  If you have direct knowledge of a person who suffers from mental illness or chemical dependence from drugs or alcohol and that person is endangering himself or herself or others and is unwilling to seek help, that person may need to be involuntarily committed for possible treatment.

Q:  What if it is an emergency?

A:  If the need arises for an emergency commitment during normal business hours, please contact the mental health center at 337 W. Main Street in Easley.  Their phone number is (864) 878-6830.  DO NOT CONTACT PROBATE COURT FIRST – YOU MUST GO TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CENTER BEFORE PROBATE COURT IS ABLE TO ASSIST YOU.  If the person in need is screened by the mental health center and needs to be examined but refuses to go voluntarily, you will bring the documents issued by the mental health center to Probate Court to obtain an Order of Detention.  This Order allows law enforcement to pick up the person and transport him or her to the emergency room for examination.  Only a medical doctor can determine whether or not involuntary commitment is necessary.

Q:  What if the emergency occurs in the evening or on the weekend or a holiday?

A:  If the need arises for emergency commitment outside of normal business hours, you should still call the mental health center at (864) 878-6830.  A person will answer their crisis line and advise you of the procedure to assist your situation.  The probate judge will be available if needed 24/7.  If the emergency requires more immediate assistance you may also call your local law enforcement agency.