South Carolina Probate Form 480ES

Safe Deposit Affidavit

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: November 5, 2026

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About Safe Deposit Affidavit

This form is an affidavit requesting court authorization for an affiant to open a deceased person's safe deposit box and take possession of a will, cemetery plot deeds, insurance policies, or other estate documents.

When you'd use it: The form is for use when a decedent's safe deposit box may contain an original will or estate-related documents and access is requested through the probate court.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Safe Deposit Affidavit is published as a PDF by the South Carolina courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Safe Deposit Affidavit (PDF) →

Source: sccourts.org

Link last checked: November 5, 2026

How to file Safe Deposit Affidavit in South Carolina

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Safe Deposit Affidavit (480ES) when the form is for use when a decedent's safe deposit box may contain an original will or estate-related documents and access is requested through the probate court. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — South Carolina probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Safe Deposit Affidavit carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Safe Deposit Affidavit to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the South Carolina county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Safe Deposit Affidavit? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in South Carolina

See the full South Carolina probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the South Carolina probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Safe Deposit Affidavit (480ES)?
This form is an affidavit requesting court authorization for an affiant to open a deceased person's safe deposit box and take possession of a will, cemetery plot deeds, insurance policies, or other estate documents. You'd typically use it when the form is for use when a decedent's safe deposit box may contain an original will or estate-related documents and access is requested through the probate court.
Where do I file Safe Deposit Affidavit in South Carolina?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the South Carolina county where the deceased person lived. Our South Carolina probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Safe Deposit Affidavit?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Safe Deposit Affidavit available online?
Most South Carolina probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other South Carolina Probate Forms

Notice of ____ (blank notice form)110ESDemand for Notice in an Estate111ES DDemand for Hearing (Estates)113ESProof of Delivery 120PC120PC

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.