Locate and Identify Assets Across Counties and States in South Carolina

When you suspect assets are spread across different counties or states, knowing how to uncover them helps you protect your rights. This guide explains how to locate real property, personal property, financial accounts, and other assets under South Carolina law.

Detailed Answer

Asset location involves public records, investigative tools, and legal procedures. Below are key methods to identify assets held in multiple jurisdictions.

1. Search Real Property Records

South Carolina law requires county registers of deeds to maintain land records. Use the following steps:

• Access the county register of deeds website or office. SC Code Ann. § 30-5-20 (link) mandates record keeping of deeds and mortgages.
• Search by name, parcel ID, or address to find deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats.
• Check multiple counties if the person moved or invested across the state.

2. Review UCC and Business Filings

The South Carolina Secretary of State maintains UCC financing statements and business entity records. To search:

• Visit the SC Secretary of State Business & UCC search portal (businessfilings.sc.gov).
• Search financing statements to identify assets used as collateral.
• Obtain business incorporation documents to find roles and ownership interests.

3. Examine Personal Property and Tax Records

County tax assessors list taxable personal property such as vehicles and boats. You can:

• Search the county assessor’s website for vehicle registrations and tax liens.
• Check state tax liens under S.C. Code Ann. § 12-33-100 (link).

4. Use Discovery Tools in Litigation

If you are in active litigation (e.g., divorce or debt collection), South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure allow discovery:

• Serve interrogatories and requests for production under Rules 33 and 34 to require the opposing party to identify assets.
• Use subpoenas under Rule 45 to obtain bank, broker, and third-party records.

5. Leverage Third-Party and Online Resources

Investigators and online databases aggregate asset information:

• Hire a licensed private investigator for lien and asset searches.
• Use online tools like LexisNexis or state business registries for cross-jurisdictional searches.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.

Helpful Hints

• Start with the last known address of the subject to narrow county searches.
• Combine public record searches with interviews of friends or colleagues.
• Keep a detailed log of search terms, dates, and findings.
• Be aware of privacy and data protection laws when obtaining personal information.
• Consider federal reporting requirements for foreign assets under 31 U.S.C. § 5314.