Probate Court

For general questions or to make an appointment, please call the number above or send an email to evelyn.rodas@yorkcountygov.com.

The court handles various matters including the administration of decedents' estates, the issuance of marriage licenses, the appointment of guardians and conservators, and involuntary commitments. It is located in the old Belk Building diagonally across the street from the York County Courthouse in downtown York, and is headed by an elected probate judge who serves a four-year term.
More detailed descriptions of the functions of the probate court are listed below:

Marriage Licenses:
Application for marriage licenses may be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The license may be used for ceremonies performed in South Carolina and the fee is $50.00. Please see the FAQs for more information, including instructions for obtaining a certified copy of a license already filed. 

Estates:
The court handles the administration of the estates of York County residents. This includes routine proceedings as well as the contest and construction of wills, the determination of heirs, and the sale in aid of assets of a decedent's real estate. Please contact our office during business hours for additional information or to schedule an appointment to meet with one of the estate clerks to begin the probate process.

Guardianships and Conservatorships, Settlement Approval, Trusts:
The court handles the appointment of guardians and conservators for incapacitated adults. It also handles the appointment of conservators for minors, the approval of minor settlements and wrongful death settlements, and trust matters. Please contact our office during business hours for additional information.

Involuntary commitments:
The court handles involuntary commitments for persons alleged to be chemically dependent or mentally ill. Please contact our office during business hours for additional information.

Probate Judge
Carolyn W. Rogers
 1 East Liberty Street
PO Box 219
York, SC  29745
 Phone: (803)-684-8513
 Fax: (803)-684-8536
 8am-5pm M-F

FAQs

I need to be appointed as conservator and guardian for a loved one. What is my first step?
Please contact our office for all conservator / guardian questions (803) 684-8513. We will be happy to assist you.
What is required to apply for a marriage license?
All applicants must apply in person and a $50.00 fee is required at the time of application (cash or check). For ages 19 and older: Driver's license or state issued ID card or passport, and a social security card or resident alien ID card. For age 18: Certified birth certificate, driver's license or state issued ID or passport, and social security card or resident alien ID card. For ages 16 and 17: Certified birth certificate, driver's license or state issued ID or passport, and social security card or resident alien ID card and custodial parent's consent. *  Note:  All applicants must show a social security card or military ID which includes the social security number.
What is the waiting period for a marriage license?
There is a 24 hour waiting period before the license can be issued.
After the 24 hour waiting period has expired, do both the bride and groom need to be present to pick up the marriage license?
If the bride and groom were present at the time of application, only one will be required to pick up the marriage license.
Can the license be mailed after the 24 hour waiting period?
If the bride and groom were both present at the time of application and completed the mailing request form, the license can be mailed for a fee of $1.
Can I view marriage license or estate records for York County online?
Estate records are not yet available on-line but may be viewed by the public in our office Monday through Friday from 8:00AM - 5:00PM. Copies are $0.25 for each page. Marriage licenses are available on-line at www.southcarolinaprobate.net.
Can someone else pick up my marriage license for me?
Yes - at the time of application, the bride and groom must be present and complete a form to designate a person to pick up the marriage license.
Will the marriage license expire?
No, it will not expire but is valid for marriage only in South Carolina.
How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage license?
You may come by our office Monday through Friday from 8:00AM - 4:30PM. The cost is $5.00 per copy. If you wish to send a request by mail, please send the groom's and bride's names, date of marriage, $5.00 fee (check or money order) and a self addressed stamped envelope. You may also use the link on the left side of this page to send an on-line request. PLEASE NOTE: due to our courier's schedule, requests for priority or express mail delivery must be made by 11 a.m. for same day pickup from the probate court.
I had a death in my family, do I need to probate the estate and will I need an appointment?
Please contact our office for all estate questions at (803) 684-8513. We will have to ask you a few questions before advising whether you will need to open an estate, but in most situations the probate process will be needed and will be of benefit to your family.  Making an appointment is strongly recommended but is not required.  If you are able to make an appointment a few days in advance, you may have less waiting time when you arrive at the office.