Responsibilities

Mission Statement: The mission of the Charleston County Probate Court, provided the sensitive nature of the matters we handle, is to deliver essential services that protect and uphold the best interest of the individuals whose lives we impact. We strive to serve the citizens of our community with compassion, integrity, dedication, professionalism, and efficiency.

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Functions

The Probate Court assists the citizens of Charleston County in probating estates, resolving disputes in estates and trusts, handling involuntary commitments for alcohol/drug abuse and/or mental illness, obtaining marriage licenses, appointing and supervising guardians and conservators, and approving minor and wrongful death settlements. Probate Court includes the Estate, Commitment and Marriage Divisions. The Probate Judge is elected countywide and serves a four-year term.

The Probate Court has jurisdiction over Marriage Licenses, Estates of Deceased Persons, Guardianships and Conservatorships of Incapacitated Persons, Settlements for Minors and Wrongful Deaths, and Involuntary Commitments of Mentally Ill and/or Chemically Dependent Persons.

To address community issues, Judge Condon has implemented a Mental Health Court, an Adult and Juvenile Drug Court Program, and a Veterans Treatment Program. Judge Condon has partnered with the Charleston School of Law to assist seniors in our community.

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Probate Court Judges

• Judge Irvin G. Condon, Probate Judge
• Judge Lenna S. Kirchner, Associate Probate Judge
• Judge Peter A. Kouten, Associate Probate Judge
• Judge David Michel, Associate Probate Judge
• Judge Sydney M. Fowler, Associate Probate Judge