Florence Probate Court Records and Estate Filings
Florence is the county seat of Florence County and the commercial hub of the Pee Dee region in South Carolina. Residents of the city file probate court matters at Florence County Probate Court. The court handles estate administration, marriage licenses, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitments. You can search Florence probate records through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or in person at the Florence County courthouse.
Florence Quick Facts
Florence County Probate Court
Florence residents file all probate matters at Florence County Probate Court. Florence County is the most populous county in the Pee Dee region. The probate court handles a wide range of legal matters including estate administration, will probate, marriage licenses, guardianships for incapacitated adults, conservatorships, and involuntary mental health commitments.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides oversight and standardized procedures for Florence County Probate Court. All probate courts in South Carolina follow Title 62 of the SC Code of Laws, which governs estates, trusts, guardianships, and related matters. The probate judge in Florence County is elected to a four-year term.
The Florence County courthouse serves as the central location for all probate filings. Staff at the Clerk of Court office can help you locate case records, file new petitions, and obtain copies of court documents. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit.
Searching Florence Probate Records
Florence County probate records are accessible online and in person. The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org lets you search for case information by name or case number at no cost. You can view party names, filing dates, and case status. For actual documents or certified copies, contact the Clerk of Court or visit the courthouse in Florence.
To search Florence probate records you will need the full name of one party in the case or the case number. The year the case was filed also helps narrow results in the public index. For older historical records, the South Carolina State Library maintains collections that may include Florence County probate documents from prior generations.
The following types of records can be searched at Florence County Probate Court:
- Estate files and will probate records
- Guardianship and conservatorship cases
- Marriage license applications and records
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
- Wrongful death and minor settlement cases
Estate Administration in Florence
The SC Judicial Branch provides all estate forms required to open and administer an estate in Florence County.
Florence County Probate Court processes both testate (with a will) and intestate (without a will) estates. When a person dies with a valid will, the personal representative files the will and a petition for probate. The court admits the will and issues letters testamentary. If there is no will, the court appoints an administrator under the intestate laws of South Carolina.
South Carolina law requires that any person who has possession of a will bring it to the probate court within 30 days of death. All estate records filed at Florence County Probate Court become part of the public record once the case is opened. This includes the will, inventory of assets, accountings, and the final order of distribution.
Note: South Carolina probate law is found in Title 62 of the SC Code of Laws, which governs all aspects of estate administration across all 46 counties including Florence County.
Marriage Licenses in Florence County
Florence County Probate Court issues all marriage licenses for residents of the county. Both parties must appear together to apply. Each applicant must present a Social Security card and a legal photo ID. The fee is $46, and South Carolina law requires a 24-hour waiting period from the time of application before the license is issued.
Marriage license records from Florence County date back many years and are part of the permanent court record. Researchers and genealogists can request copies of historical marriage license records from the Clerk of Court in Florence. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Guardianship and Conservatorship in Florence
Florence County Probate Court handles guardianship and conservatorship proceedings for adults who cannot manage their own affairs. A guardian makes personal and health decisions for an incapacitated adult. A conservator manages financial affairs. These cases are filed in the probate court of the county where the incapacitated person lives.
The process begins with a petition filed at Florence County Probate Court. The court appoints a guardian ad litem to represent the alleged incapacitated person. After a medical evaluation and a hearing, the judge determines whether guardianship or conservatorship is appropriate. Once appointed, the guardian or conservator must file annual reports with the court in Florence.
Note: If a minor in Florence County receives more than $10,000 from any source, a conservator must be appointed by the probate court to manage those funds until the minor turns 18.
Historical Probate Records for Florence
The South Carolina State Library maintains historical probate records and related research resources that may include Florence County estate documents from earlier periods.
For genealogists researching Florence County families, the State Library's collections can be a valuable supplement to records held at the probate court. The Florence County area was formed from parts of Marion County in 1888. Researchers tracing records before that date may need to look at Marion County probate records as well. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History also holds historical court records from across the state.
Florence County Probate Court Records
Florence is the county seat of Florence County. All probate matters for Florence residents are handled by Florence County Probate Court. For the full list of court resources, estate filing guides, record types, and more details about Florence County probate procedures, visit the county page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file probate matters at the probate court for their county. Select a city below for local probate court information.