Probate Senior Court Clerk

Description

Deadline for applications-   November 12, 2026 @ 9:00 am

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The purpose of this position is to manage probate estates and assist the public with properly probating decedent's assets. This position assists the public with guardian/conservator/estate issues. This role involves organizing, receiving, and processing court documents from the public, as well as conducting in-office appointments to guide individuals through the probate process. Works under the direction of the Judge of Probate. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job.

· Assists the public and attorneys with guardian/conservator/estate issues; opens new case files by preparing necessary documents and entering all information into the computer database.

· Assists the public with small estate affidavits when opening an estate.

· Monitors guardian/conservator/estate cases and keeps them current.

· Calculates court costs.

· Constructs letters, invoices, receipts, etc. to guardians/conservators/personal representatives and attorneys.

· Maintains and manages the scheduling of appointments.

· Conducts in-office appointments to assist the public with the probate process.

· Reviews and manages closing documents of case files and enters all data into the computer database.

· Processes ancillary estates.

· Speaks in person and via phone with individuals and attorneys about estate/conservator/guardian issues and questions.

· Fills in as necessary at the front desk (answers phone, receives public, issues marriage licenses, assists title searchers, etc.).

· Performs marriage ceremonies if needed.

· Assists judge(s) in the courtroom as needed.

· Assists judge(s) in case management.

· Manages probate estates and assists the public with probating decedent's assets.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain office etiquette.

Ability to maintain courtroom etiquette.

Proficient office skills.

Computer skills.

Organizational/time management skills.

Customer service skills.

Knowledge of policies and procedures in preparing and maintaining probate case files.

Learn knowledge of the SC Probate Code of Laws. Effectively have the ability to research statuary and case law. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent, and six (6) months of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Paralegal work regarding probate and real estate preferred but not required. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS: 

Required:  Notary public certification; South Carolina Judicial Continuing Legal Education.

Preferred: Paralegal work regarding probate and real estate preferred but not required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Work is performed in a relatively safe and secure indoor office environment; may encounter noise or dust.