South Carolina Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in South Carolina, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its South Carolina guide.
- Will
- South Carolina will requirements under Probate Code Section 62-2-502: who may make a will, the two-witness signing rule, and self-proving affidavits. Read the guide
- Living trust
- South Carolina living trust and probate comparison for avoiding court administration and settling assets. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- South Carolina power of attorney guide for planning before incapacity and reducing estate friction. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- South Carolina healthcare directive guide for health care powers of attorney, living wills, and records. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what South Carolina requires from an online will before you sign anything.
South Carolina estate planning guides
South Carolina Estate Planning Basics: Documents Every Adult Needs
South Carolina estate planning basics under Probate Code Title 62: the will, power of attorney, and health care directive every adult should have.
South Carolina Will Requirements: How to Make a Valid Will
South Carolina will requirements under Probate Code Section 62-2-502: who may make a will, the two-witness signing rule, and self-proving affidavits.
South Carolina Power of Attorney
South Carolina power of attorney guide for planning before incapacity and reducing estate friction.
South Carolina Healthcare Directive
South Carolina healthcare directive guide for health care powers of attorney, living wills, and records.
South Carolina Guardianship Planning Guide
How to plan guardianship and conservatorship in South Carolina under S.C. Code Title 62, Article 5. Covers minors, adult incapacity, and alternatives.
South Carolina Living Trust vs Probate
South Carolina living trust and probate comparison for avoiding court administration and settling assets.
South Carolina Trust Administration: Successor Trustee Guide
Successor trustee duties after death under the South Carolina Trust Code (Title 62, Chapter 7): the 90-day beneficiary notice, debts, taxes, and distributions.
How Pet Trusts Work in South Carolina
How a South Carolina pet trust works under the South Carolina Trust Code: setting aside money for an animal's care, naming a caregiver, and funding it.
Digital Assets and Estate Planning in South Carolina
How to plan for and access digital assets in South Carolina under RUFADAA: online legacy tools, will and POA language, crypto, and executor access.
Not sure what you need in South Carolina?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
More South Carolina Resources
Explore the rest of the South Carolina estate planning hub.
Start planning