Probate Attorney in Charleston

Guiding Your Family Through a Difficult Time

When a loved one passes away, handling their affairs can feel overwhelming. You may be grieving, trying to support family members, and at the same time, facing unfamiliar legal steps with the estate. If you have questions about probate or estate administration in South Carolina, we are here to help you find a clear path forward.

At Seibert Law Firm, our attorneys work with families who need steady guidance through the probate court process. We help personal representatives and heirs understand their options, their responsibilities, and the decisions that lie ahead. Our goal is to relieve some of the stress that often comes with settling an estate so you can focus on your family.

Our firm is led by attorneys Kevin M. Seibert, Esq., and Rebecca A. Seibert, Esq., members of the South Carolina and Georgia Bar Associations. We bring a client-centered approach to every estate matter and take time to listen before we recommend any course of action.

Contact our trusted probate lawyer in Charleston at (843) 428-6360 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Why Families Turn to Our Firm

Families come to us during some of the most challenging seasons of their lives. They are often unsure where to start or worried that one wrong step could create conflict or delay. We understand those concerns, and we structure our representation around giving you focused attention and a tailored plan for your situation.

As a probate lawyer Charleston families trust, we begin by learning about your loved one, their assets, and any existing estate plan. We then outline a practical strategy that takes into account the size of the estate, the people involved, and any potential points of disagreement. Our attorneys explain each stage in plain language so you know what to expect instead of feeling left in the dark.

Our firm is based in Charleston, and our attorneys are admitted in both South Carolina and Georgia. This can be especially helpful for families with property or relatives in more than one state. We also handle estate planning and civil litigation, so we are prepared when a probate matter overlaps with will updates, beneficiary questions, or related disputes.

Cost is a real concern for many families, particularly after funeral expenses and other immediate obligations. We work to keep our services accessible through competitive pricing and multiple financing options. Our office accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards, and we are transparent about how fees are handled in estate matters. When you meet with us, we discuss the likely cost structure up front so you can make informed decisions.

Understanding Probate in South Carolina

It can be hard to decide what to do next if you are not sure what probate actually involves. In South Carolina, probate is the legal process that helps transfer a person’s assets after death, handle their debts, and confirm who should receive what. Some smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures, but many still pass through the probate court.

If there is a valid will, the court generally follows the instructions in that document, as long as they comply with South Carolina law. They will usually name a personal representative, sometimes called an executor, to oversee the estate. When there is no will, state law sets out who has priority to serve and how property is distributed among surviving relatives.

The personal representative has important duties. These can include identifying and safeguarding estate assets, notifying heirs and known creditors, and working through the process of paying valid claims before distributing what remains. Because these tasks are carried out under court supervision, mistakes can cause delay or, in some situations, lead to personal liability.

Many estates in this area are handled through the Charleston County Probate Court. That court has specific filing requirements, forms, and expectations about timing. As a probate attorney Charleston residents rely on, we are familiar with the local court and work with clients to stay on track from the initial filing through closing the estate.

Your First Steps After a Loved One’s Death

In the days and weeks after a loss, legal issues may not be your priority. That is understandable. Once immediate arrangements are made, it can be helpful to take a few organized steps so the estate moves in the right direction. Having a basic checklist often makes the process feel less intimidating.

Locating important documents is usually a good starting point. That might include any will or trust, life insurance policies, bank statements, real estate deeds, vehicle titles, and recent tax returns. If you think you have been named as a personal representative, it is usually wise to wait before transferring assets or paying debts until you have more clarity about the estate and any court requirements.

Although every situation is different, many families find it useful to contact a lawyer before filing anything with the probate court. A brief conversation can help you understand whether a formal estate must be opened, who may need to serve as personal representative, and what deadlines may apply. This is especially important when there are multiple heirs, property in more than one county, or any sign of disagreement.

Some helpful early steps you can take include:

• Gather any wills, codicils, or estate planning documents you can locate.
• Making a simple list of known assets, such as bank accounts, homes, vehicles, and retirement accounts.
• Collecting recent bills, loan statements, and other information about debts or obligations.
• Writing down the names and contact information of close relatives and anyone named in the will.
• Scheduling a consultation with our firm to review what you have found and discuss next steps.

We know that even these steps can feel heavy when you are grieving. Our attorneys are prepared to walk through them with you at a pace that respects both the court’s expectations and your family’s needs.

How Our Attorneys Guide Estate Administration

Once an estate is opened, the personal representative begins a process that can last several months or longer, depending on the estate’s complexity. An experienced estate administration attorney can help you navigate each phase, from the first petition to the final accounting. We focus on giving you structure and support so the estate does not feel like an endless list of tasks.

Typically, estate administration includes opening the estate with the Charleston County Probate Court, identifying and valuing assets, addressing creditor claims, and eventually distributing remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. Our role is to help you understand your responsibilities at each stage and to work with you on the decisions that arise, such as how to handle certain debts or what to do when an asset is difficult to divide.

Family relationships are often a central part of any estate matter. Questions about fairness, old disagreements, or unexpected terms in a will can create tension. As an estate administration lawyer Charleston families turn to, we are mindful of both the legal and emotional sides of these issues. Our firm also handles civil litigation, so when disputes do arise, we have the background to advise you about your options and to work to protect your rights.

Communication is a key part of how we work. We strive to return calls and messages promptly, explain documents before you sign them, and keep you updated about what is happening with the estate. Because our practice also includes estate planning, we can help surviving family members consider whether their own plans should be updated in light of what they have learned through the probate process.

Every estate is different. Some involve a single home and a few accounts. Others include businesses, multiple properties, or out-of-state assets. As an estate administration attorney Charleston residents rely on, we adjust our approach to match the size and complexity of the estate while keeping our focus on clear guidance and thoughtful planning.