Probate Court
Elected Officials » Probate Court
Probate Court
The Honorable Martha Newton
Probate Judge
The Honorable Martha Newton
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8002
Anderson, SC 29622
In the event of a death, bring both the will and death certificate of the person who has passed away to the Probate Court within thirty days of death. If NO will exists, the closest relative should come in person with the death certificate to open the estate. Must file original documents, copied/faxed documents cannot be accepted.
If an adult is "incapacitated" as a result of mental and/or physical impairment, and unable to make decisions for their health and welfare a Guardian may be appointed to make such decisions for them. If they are unable to make financial decisions or manage their financial affairs, a Conservator may be appointed to handle their finances. The appropriate Petitions are available through Forms & Documents section of SC Judicial website or in our office. After receiving the necessary medical reports and visitors report, a Guardian Ad Litem will be appointed to represent the alleged incapacitated person and a hearing will be held to determine if an applicant should be appointed.
If a minor receives more than $10,000.00, a Conservator must be appointed to manage their funds until they attain age 18 years. The appropriate Petitions to begin such proceedings are usually prepared by an attorney.
Both parties must be 18 years or older and appear together to apply for a marriage license. All applicants must present a Social Security Card and a legal document showing his/her proper name. Name on Social Security information must match identification. The cost of a marriage license is $46 (CASH ONLY). There is a 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 the contracting parties must return to pick up the license.
There are additional requirements if one of the parties is under age 18 and at least 16 years old: certified copy of the Birth Certificate, that must be left with the Probate Court permanently; and parent's consent, parent must appear in Probate Court with proper identification to link him/her with the minor.
If you have personal knowledge of a person who suffers from mental illness or chemical dependence (alcohol or drug addiction) who is endangering himself or others and is unwilling to get help, the person may need involuntary commitment at a facility for treatment.
If the need arises for an EMERGENCY COMMITMENT please contact the Mental Health Center in Anderson located at 200 McGee Rd. Anderson, SC 29625 with phone #864-260-2220.
DO NOT COME TO THE PROBATE COURT FIRST, go to Mental Health Center first before coming to Probate Court.
The Probate Court can only assist after the Mental Health Center has done an initial screening.
If the person is willing to be examined, a Detention Order is not needed. If the person refuses to be examined, then you may bring the necessary documents issued to you from the Mental Health Center to the Probate Court to seek an Order of Detention. This Order allows the law enforcement officers to pick up the person and transport him/her to a doctor or emergency room to be examined.
Only a medical doctor can determine whether or not commitment is necessary.
If you have an emergency situation that occurs outside normal working hours, you need to call The Mental Health Center at 260-2220. A person will answer the Crisis Line and advise you of the procedures in order to get help for the person in need of assistance. They will call the Probate Judge when needed.
| South Carolina Code of Laws - Mental Health | http://www.scstatehouse.gov | |
| South Carolina Department of Mental Health | www.state.sc.us/dmh/ | |
| Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Center | www.aopmentalhealth.org | |
| Patrick B Harris Psychiatric Hospital | www.patrickbharris.com | |
| National Alliance of the Mentally Ill | www.namiaop.org |
Q: What is Probate?
A: The root of the word Probate is "to prove". Probate means to examine proof of whether the decedent left a valid Will. Informal Probate admits the will as valid without a hearing. Formal Probate requires a hearing to confirm the validity of the will.
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 administered, you will need to contact Probate Court.
Q: What if the deceased did not have a Will?
A: When someone dies without a will, his or her estate is called "intestate". In this case, the law determines who inherits and who can be appointed the personal representative informally.
Q: How do I know if Anderson County is the correct Probate Court for me to call?
A: If the deceased was a permanent resident of Anderson County, was a non-resident holding property in Anderson County, or had a right to take legal action in the county, the estate must be processed through Anderson County Probate Court.
Q: Do I need an attorney to probate?
A: You may use the assistance of an attorney to probate informally or you may complete the paperwork yourself and meet with the Judge acting as your own attorney. For formal probate or appointment, the services of an attorney are required. This involves the filing of a Summons/Petition/Filing Fee and service of the pleadings on the interested parties. A hearing will then be set for presentation of testimony.
Q: How does a personal representative get appointed?
A: If you are acting as your own attorney, obtain initial paperwork from the Probate Court along with an explanation. The fee to start Probate is $50.00. If you have employed the services of an attorney, he or she will take care of this for you.
This page was last modified in May 2020.
Kathy Schofield
Program Director
Kathy Schofield was born and raised in Tucker, GA and has lived in Anderson SC for 9 years. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation; Community Leisure Services at Georgia Southern University. She holds Masters of Recreation Management from Clemson University. She has volunteered with Special Olympics for the past 8 years. In her free time, she enjoys working on her small farm with 2 dogs, 3 cats, 6 goats, 4 chickens and a vegetable garden. She loves her job and says that the spontaneity of the participants keeps her day to day very exciting.
Julia Ranucci
Assistant Program Coordinator
Julia Ranucci was born in Atlanta Georgia, and currently resides in Greenville South Carolina. She attended a 2 year ministry leadership college, and began working for Anderson County in 2018. She was employed at the Developmental Center for Exceptional Children for two years and has served in the special needs ministries at her local church for five years. She took on a year-long volunteer staff position as the special needs student ministry director. Her favorite thing about working with adults with special needs is the joy they consistently exude in every season and circumstance. Outside of her career, she enjoys playing piano, writing, and spending time with friends and family. She is the founder and business owner of Crowned, a local clothing brand that offers clothing to organizations in the community upon consumer purchases.
Darby Hinson
Activities Coordinator
Hey everyone! My name is Darby Hinson. I was born and raised in Savannah, GA, but came to this part of the world for college to attend my dream school, Clemson University. I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors in Recreational Therapy and shortly after became certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). During my time at Clemson, I was very involved with intramural sports, Young Life, and all things Clemson athletics. My favorite things include Clemson football, my Labrador Levi, and hiking the Foothills with my husband, Mark.
Ms. Kelly Jo Barnwell
Program Coordinator
101 South Fant Street, Suite A
Anderson, SC 29624
Ph: (864) 231-2237
Email: kbarnwell@andersoncountysc.org
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8002
Anderson, S.C. 29622
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. There is no substitute for regularly gathering with friends for conversation, companionship, and fun. Staying involved is key to maintaining good mental health. Let us suggest a group for you today!
Addresses:
***Contact Kelly Jo Barnwell at kbarnwell@andersoncountysc.org or (864) 231-2237 for more information
Rainbow Gang
If you wish to volunteer with The Rainbow Gang day program, please contact Ms. Kathy Schofield, RBG coordinator at: (864)260-4142 or lkschofield@andersoncoutysc.org
Area 14-Special Olympics
Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics. We would not exist without you! Whether you want to volunteer for a single day’s event, several hours a week, or year-round, we have a place for you.
Email: Area14@so-sc.org
Kathy Schofield
Program Director
Email: lkschofield@andersoncountysc.org
Molly White
Assistant Program Coordinator
Email: mmwhite@andersoncountysc.org
Special Olympics Area 14
Email: Area14@so-sc.org
Address:
101 South Fant Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Phone: (864) 260-4142
Rainbow Gang
Area 14-Special Olympics
