Probate Senior Court Clerk

County of Oconee•Walhalla, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Probate Senior Court Clerk manages probate estates and assists the public with probating decedents’ assets, as well as with guardian, conservator, and estate issues. The role organizes, receives, and processes court documents and conducts in-office appointments to guide individuals through the probate process. The position works under the direction of the Judge of Probate. The clerk opens and maintains case files, monitors cases, calculates court costs, prepares correspondence and financial documents, manages appointments, processes ancillary estates, and reviews closing documents. The position also provides information to individuals and attorneys in person and by phone, may provide front-desk coverage and perform marriage ceremonies, and assists judges with courtroom duties and case management as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, and six months of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain office and courtroom etiquette.
Proficient office skills.
Computer skills.
Organizational and time-management skills.
Customer-service skills.
Knowledge of policies and procedures for preparing and maintaining probate case files.
Ability to learn the South Carolina Probate Code of Laws and research statutory and case law.
Notary public certification.
South Carolina Judicial Continuing Legal Education.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal work regarding probate and real estate.

Responsibilities

Assist the public and attorneys with guardian, conservator, and estate issues; open case files by preparing documents and entering information into the computer database.
Assist the public with small estate affidavits when opening an estate.
Monitor guardian, conservator, and estate cases and keep them current.
Calculate court costs.
Prepare letters, invoices, receipts, and related documents for guardians, conservators, personal representatives, and attorneys.
Maintain and manage appointment scheduling.
Conduct in-office appointments to assist the public with the probate process.
Review and manage case-file closing documents and enter data into the computer database.
Process ancillary estates.
Communicate in person and by phone with individuals and attorneys about estate, conservator, and guardian issues and questions.
Provide front-desk coverage as needed, including answering phones, receiving the public, issuing marriage licenses, and assisting title searchers.
Perform marriage ceremonies if needed.
Assist judges in the courtroom as needed.
Assist judges with case management.
Manage probate estates and assist the public with probating decedents’ assets.
Perform other related duties as assigned.