SC H4965

Requires probate judges in counties with populations exceeding 50,000 to be at least 25 years old at election, increased from the standard minimum age of 21 years

Mandates that probate judges in counties over 50,000 population must either be a licensed attorney in good standing in South Carolina or hire a staff attorney within a reasonable time of election

Maintains existing baseline requirements for all probate judges: U.S. and state citizenship, qualified elector status in the county, and either a four-year bachelor's degree or four years of experience in a South Carolina probate judge's office

Grandfathers in all probate judges currently serving, exempting them from the new educational/attorney and age requirements

Takes effect upon Governor's approval