Joseph H. Yates, Jr., Probate Attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Probate and Real Estate · 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatJ. Howard Yates Jr.
Charleston, SC
Practicing probate in Charleston since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Joseph H. Yates, Jr.?
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Quick answer
Joseph H. Yates, Jr. is a member based in Charleston, SC. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Joseph has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at J. Howard Yates Jr.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Charleston, SC
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Probate · Real Estate
- Handles Probate and Real Estate matters from Charleston, SC.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Joseph H. Yates, Jr.: Joseph H. Yates, Jr. is a member based in Charleston, SC. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Joseph has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at J. Howard Yates Jr.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Joseph's practice areas in Charleston
Joseph concentrates on probate and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate cases in Charleston, South Carolina
Joseph takes probate matters in Charleston, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Charleston, South Carolina
Joseph takes real estate matters in Charleston, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Joseph H. Yates, Jr., probate attorney serving Charleston
Joseph H. Yates, Jr. is a member based in Charleston, SC. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Joseph has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at J. Howard Yates Jr.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Joseph works from Charleston, South Carolina and takes on probate matters across the region.
Joseph H. Yates, Jr. is a lawyer practicing real property, probate, real estate. Joseph received a B.A. degree from University of South Carolina in 1972, and has been licensed for 41 years. Joseph practices at J. Howard Yates Jr. in Charleston, SC.
How Joseph handles probate matters
Joseph H. Yates, Jr. is a lawyer practicing real property, probate, real estate. Joseph received a B.A. degree from University of South Carolina in 1972, and has been licensed for 41 years. Joseph practices at J. Howard Yates Jr. in Charleston, SC.
Who Joseph represents
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate and real estate matters in Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Joseph studied and practices
Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson
J.D. · 1985
University of South Carolina
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
South Carolina
1985 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson and B.A. in University of South Carolina.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in Mississippi College School of Law, Jackson and B.A. in University of South Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Joseph's legal honors and published work
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Office locations for Joseph H. Yates, Jr. in Charleston, South Carolina
Joseph's primary office is at Charleston, SC, 29402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joseph H. Yates, Jr. — 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing probate attorneys in Charleston.
4.4
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph H. Yates, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph H. Yates, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a probate attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joseph
Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph H. Yates, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple probate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Charleston?
Joseph is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joseph?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new probate clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Probate attorneys serving Charleston, Columbia and Greenville in South Carolina
Joseph handles probate matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated probate attorneys in South Carolina
If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Charleston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





