Questions to determine what type, if any, estate administration is needed:

1. Was the decedent permanently living in County of Lexington at the time of death?  If not, please contact the Probate Court of the appropriate County or State.

2. Did the decedent die within the last ten (10) years? 
3. Did the decedent own personal property valued more than $25,000 or any real estate? 

A.  If you answered YES to all of these questions, please follow the link to access FORM 300ES PETITION/APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT (Download Form Here).  Should you encounter a problem you may contact our office at (803) 785-8324 for a package of forms required for Full Estate Administration. This package will include most of the forms you will need throughout the entire process; however, the first step is to complete FORM 300ES PETITION/APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT to the best of your ability. Be sure to sign and notarize where indicated and return with the following:

• A copy of the death certificate.
• The original Will, if there was one.
• Two checks – one made payable to the County of Lexington (for the initial minimum filing fee of $25.00) and one made payable to the newspaper of your choice as set out below: 
              * Twin City News - $30.00 
              * The Chronicle -    $30.00 

You may mail or drop the paperwork off at: Lexington County Probate Court, 205 E. Main Street, Suite 134, Lexington, SC 29072.

B.  If you answered YES to 1 and 2 but the decedent did not own any real property and the value of the personal property is less than $25,000, please follow the link to FORM 420ES AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY (Download Form Here). Should you encounter a problem you may contact our office at (803) 785-8324 to request that we mail this form to you.  After receiving and completing the Affidavit, be sure to sign and notarize where indicated and return with the following:

• A copy of the death certificate.
• One check made payable to the County of Lexington as follows:    

         * $12.50 if the total value is below $100.00

         * $25.00 if the total value is $100.00 - $4999.99

         * $45.00 if the total value is $5000.00 - $19,999.99
         * $67.50 if the total value is $20,000.00 - $25,000.00

NOTE: There is a mandatory 30-day waiting period from date of death to file a FORM 420ES (AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY).

If the decedent had a Will, FORM 300ES should be completed and submitted along with an additional $25.00 filing fee.

Upon completion of the FORM 420ES AFFIDAVIT FOR COLLECTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY it is recommended that you call our office at 803-785-8324 to schedule an appointment with an estate clerk to process the paperwork. If you are unable to come for an appointment you may mail the paperwork to: Lexington County Probate Court, 205 E. Main Street, Suite 134, Lexington, SC 29072.

Please note you must file original documents. Faxed documents cannot be accepted.

For Estate filing questions - call 803-785-8324 or you may email an estate specialist.  Please see the list below to email the correct person.  Estates with a last name beginning with the letter:

A - C  cbedenbaugh@lex-co.com

D - F  jchen@lex-co.com

G - K  across@lex-co.com

L - R  lswilliams@lex-co.com

S - Z   jdunham@lex-co.com