When a resident of South Carolina dies without a will, their estate goes through probate. The process can be tedious and drawn out, leaving the person’s loved ones waiting for their inheritance. There are ways to avoid the high costs of probate, however. Understanding...
Probate ensures that a decedent's assets are distributed to the right people. This process is generally required in South Carolina, but it isn't in every situation. A retirement account is generally exempt from having to pass through probate if the owner meets certain...
An executor of an estate has many vital responsibilities and must carry them out before a South Carolina judge closes probate proceedings. Essentially, an executor serves as the deceased’s representative during the process. While many understand an executor’s duties...
When a loved one passes away, their estate must go through a legal process known as probate. During probate, the estate is divided up among the beneficiaries listed in the will. If there's no will, the state gets to decide how to divide up the assets. One common way...
Understanding how heirs and beneficiaries are defined is crucial in helping you determine who will be entitled to inherit your assets after you pass away. Even if you are not ready to begin the process of estate planning in South Carolina, understanding the...
If you have assets held within your South Carolina estate, there is a good chance that those assets will be subject to probate. However, there are many factors that you'll need to consider when determining where the probate process will take place. You might need to...
Probate is the term for the legal process of verifying the authenticity of a will. The people who are responsible for opening the estate of a decent and submitting the will for the probate process should follow certain steps. If you're a South Carolina resident, here...
Residents of South Carolina might want to begin their estate planning process as early as possible. It's important to include certain documents to protect yourself as well as your heirs, property and assets. A will A will is one of the most important parts of estate...
Who is a personal representative when it comes to probate? In South Carolina, is this the same as an executor? What are some of their duties during probate proceedings? Read on to find out. Who is a personal representative? A personal representative, usually referred...
As an assigned executor in South Carolina, you're tasked with administering an estate. This process typically consists of paying off debts, collecting annuities and selling property. The time you'll need to spend varies; some possessions need a good year before a...