Estate Administration in Columbia, South Carolina

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in Columbia, SC

Estate administration is the process during which the estate of a person who has recently died is maintained and divided among his or her heirs or beneficiaries. This typically happens according to the instructions in a will, but in case there is no will, there are laws governing that situation, as well.

If the person who died made and executed a valid will in Columbia, South Carolina, the process of estate administration typically follows the procedures and instructions laid out in the will.

Most frequently, a will names a person to serve as executor, whose job it is to ensure that the estate is properly administered.

The executor is typically whoever stands to obtain the most money or property if the will is given effect, since that is the person who likely has the most incentive to do their part in seeing that the probate process plays out to completion.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If a will in Columbia, South Carolina does not name a person to serve as executor, or the decedent dies without having written a will, the court will appoint a person to act as estate administrator.

This is most frequently the person who would inherit most under the will, or under the intestacy scheme of South Carolina. Intestacy is when a person dies without having made a will, or if a will turns out to be invalid. The intestacy laws of each state control how property is distributed in such a situation. In most states, it simply goes to the closest living relative.

If the will doesn't name a person who is to serve as executor, or the person named is no longer alive or cannot be found, anyone with a direct interest in the will can apply to the Columbia, South Carolina court to be the executor.

Whoever ends up as the executor, it is their responsibility to serve as the personal representative of the estate. They will be responsible for taking account of all of the decedent's assets and debts, as well as notifying beneficiaries who may be estranged from the decedent, among other things.

Can a Columbia, South Carolina Estate Administration Attorney Help?

If you find yourself named in a will as executor of an estate, and aren't sure how to meet your responsibilities, or where to begin, it would be a good idea to consult with an efficient Columbia, South Carolina lawyer who can help you navigate this sometimes-difficult process.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina is the state capital, and the largest city in the state. It has a population of about 130,000 people. Columbia has a rich history, and has figured prominently in important historical events dating back to before the Civil War. While being occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, much of Columbia was destroyed in a fire. During Reconstruction, as in many Southern states, numerous African Americans were elected to public office in South Carolina, which was a novelty to most Americans at the time. As a result, Columbia experienced a brief tourism boom, as visitors wanted to observe the state legislature in session. Modernly, Columbia, South Carolina is quite diverse in both demographics, and economy. Columbia is a major center for several industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, and many others.

Columbia, South Carolina is also home to Fort Jackson, the U.S. Army's largest training facility, which has a major economic impact on the area. Each year, the federal government spends over million for salaries, utilities, and other services (with a significant amount going to local contractors). Furthermore, each year, over 100,000 people visit the area to attend basic training graduation, and patronize the local hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Columbia, South Carolina lawyers need to be competent to handle many different types of cases. If you contact a Columbia, South Carolina lawyer with any type of case, chances are they cantake it, or refer it to another local attorney who can.

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