How South Carolina Courts Choose an Estate Administrator
Understanding How a South Carolina Court Chooses an Estate Administrator Disclaimer: This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed South Carolina attorney for advice about a specific case. Detailed Answer — What the court looks at when appointing an administrator When someone dies without a valid will or when the named executor is […]
Read article →Using Estate Sale Proceeds for Cleanup and Junk Removal in South Carolina
Can estate sale proceeds be used to pay for removal of junk and personal-property cleanup? Short answer: Yes — in South Carolina, money generated from estate property sales generally becomes estate money and may be used to pay reasonable, necessary estate-administration expenses such as junk removal and personal-property cleanup, but the personal representative must follow […]
Read article →How to Regain Control of a Deceased Parent’s Bank and Credit Card Accounts — South Carolina Guide
What to do if someone else is using a deceased parent’s bank or credit card accounts in South Carolina Short answer: Act quickly: get certified death certificates, contact banks and card issuers, freeze or close accounts, collect documents showing your legal authority (will, trust, or court appointment of a personal representative), open probate or a […]
Read article →How South Carolina Probate Handles Unauthorized Charges to a Parent’s Estate
How South Carolina Probate Handles Unauthorized Charges to a Parent’s Estate — FAQ Short answer: In South Carolina, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must collect estate assets, pay valid debts, and contest or recover unauthorized charges. If someone charges the estate without authority, the personal representative can reject claims, pursue restitution through probate or […]
Read article →South Carolina — How to Secure and Inventory a Decedent's House and Prevent Siblings from Removing Belongings Before You Are Appointed Administrator
How to secure and inventory a decedent's house in South Carolina before you are appointed administrator Short answer: Act quickly but carefully. Secure the house, document everything with dated photos and a written inventory, limit access, notify family in writing to preserve the status quo, consult the probate court and a probate attorney about expedited […]
Read article →How to Become the Administrator of a Parent’s Intestate Estate in South Carolina
Step-by-step guide to being appointed administrator of a parent’s intestate estate in South Carolina Short answer: If your father died without a will (intestate) you can petition the probate court in the county where he lived to be appointed as the administrator (sometimes called personal representative). The court will look first to the statutory order […]
Read article →South Carolina: Order of Succession Among Children When There Is No Will
How do children inherit when a South Carolina resident dies without a will? Detailed Answer — how South Carolina intestacy law treats children If a person dies in South Carolina without a valid will (intestate), South Carolina’s intestacy rules determine who inherits. The rules prioritize close family: spouses and descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.). The key […]
Read article →South Carolina: Getting Court Approval to Sell a House and Pay Off the Mortgage
How to get court approval to sell a house and pay off the mortgage in South Carolina Short answer: The exact steps depend on who holds legal authority over the property (personal representative/executor, administrator, guardian/conservator, or trustee). In most court-supervised situations you must (1) confirm you need court approval, (2) file a petition in the […]
Read article →How to Open an Estate Bank Account in South Carolina Using an IRS EIN
Setting Up an Estate Bank Account in South Carolina Using an IRS EIN Detailed Answer This section explains, step-by-step, how a personal representative or executor typically opens an estate bank account in South Carolina using an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. This is a practical guide based on common probate practice. This […]
Read article →South Carolina: Consequences When a Creditor Files After the 90‑Day Probate Notice Period
Disclaimer: This is general information about South Carolina probate law and is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed South Carolina attorney. Detailed Answer What the statute framework requires Under South Carolina probate law, a personal representative (executor or administrator) must give notice to known and unknown creditors and allow […]
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