Losing a loved one is never easy. In the midst of grief, families are often faced with the added burden of managing the deceased’s affairs—legal, financial, and otherwise. At the Law Office of Dundee W. Carter, LLC, we help South Carolina families handle the probate process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process for settling a person’s estate after they pass away. This includes paying any outstanding debts, managing taxes, and distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries. If the individual left a valid will, the court confirms its validity and appoints the named executor. If there’s no will, the court appoints an administrator, and South Carolina’s intestacy laws determine who receives the assets.
While some assets—such as jointly owned property, trust assets, and accounts with named beneficiaries—may pass outside of probate, many estates still require court involvement.
Common Steps in the South Carolina Probate Process:
- Filing the will and death certificate with the local probate court
- Appointing a personal representative (executor or administrator)
- Identifying and valuing estate assets
- Notifying creditors and paying valid debts
- Filing and paying applicable taxes
- Distributing remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries
- Submitting a final accounting and closing the estate
Even straightforward cases can take eight months or longer, due to required time for creditor claims and court review. Estates with disputes, missing documents, or property complications may take much longer.
Small Estate Options
If the estate is valued under $25,000 and contains no real estate, South Carolina offers a simplified probate procedure. This can reduce paperwork and shorten timelines—but it still requires careful documentation. We’ll help you determine if the estate qualifies and ensure all filings are handled correctly.
What If There’s No Will?
When someone dies without a will (also called dying intestate), the court appoints a personal representative, typically a close relative, to manage the estate. Assets are then distributed according to state law, which may not reflect the wishes of the deceased. We guide families through this process and help protect your rights every step of the way.
Why You Need an Experienced Probate Attorney
Probate involves more than just paperwork. It often includes dealing with:
- Banks and investment firms
- Government and tax authorities
- Family conflicts or contested wills
- Real estate and business valuations
Even a small oversight can lead to costly delays or personal liability for the executor. At the Law Office of Dundee W. Carter, we help personal representatives fulfill their legal duties and support families during one of life’s most difficult times. To learn more about how we can assist you, visit our Probate & Estate Administration Practice Area for detailed information
Local Experience You Can Trust
Based in Murrells Inlet, we proudly serve families throughout Horry and Georgetown Counties. Through Mobile Legal Services, we offer virtual, phone, and in-home consultations—making quality legal support more accessible than ever.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, or if you’ve been named a personal representative and feel overwhelmed, we’re here to guide you.
Contact the Law Office of Dundee W. Carter, LLC today to schedule a consultation and take the next step with confidence.
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