Practice
Probate and estate administration
When a parent dies, someone has to settle the estate. If that is you, we can carry most of it.
An executor opens the estate with the probate court, finds and lists what the person owned, gives notice to creditors, pays the bills and taxes, and finally distributes what is left. It takes most estates the better part of a year.
We file with the probate court in Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester County, prepare the inventory and the accounts, and answer the creditors' letters. You'll have one running list of what is done and what is next, and you can call to ask about it whenever you like.
What we handle for an executor
Opening the estate and qualifying the executor
Notice to creditors
The inventory and appraisals
Selling or transferring the house
Final accounts and closing the estate
Settling a trust when there is no probate
Questions about probate
Do I have to live nearby to be the executor?
No. Many of our executors live out of state. We handle the court appearances and send what needs signing by mail or for electronic signature.
Is the executor personally responsible for the debts?
Not usually. Debts are paid from the estate, in the order the law sets. Paying them in the wrong order is where executors get into trouble, so ask before you pay any.
There's no will. What happens?
The estate still goes through probate, and state law decides who inherits. A close family member applies to be the personal representative, and we can help them do it.
If you've just been named executor
Call us before you pay any bills or sell anything. A short first meeting will set out the next three steps.