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There is a statutory scheme for settling and distributing an estate. First an executor or administrator must be appointed by the court. Then the estate representative must settle the estate according to the terms of the will and the state laws of intestacy under the supervision of the court. The debts of the estate must be paid before the assets can be distributed. If property is distributed before debts are paid the estate representative can be held personally liable. They should consult with an attorney who can guide them through the probate process.

Small personal items could probably be distributed once the estate representative has been appointed by the court. Cash, investments and real property must wait until the statutory period for creditor claims has passed and any costs of administration, legal fees, funeral costs and taxes have been paid.

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12y ago

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How is the probate estate maintained?

Property in probate is maintained by other assets in the estate or by the heirs if they want to keep the property when there are no other assets that can be used for maintenance.Property in probate is maintained by other assets in the estate or by the heirs if they want to keep the property when there are no other assets that can be used for maintenance.Property in probate is maintained by other assets in the estate or by the heirs if they want to keep the property when there are no other assets that can be used for maintenance.Property in probate is maintained by other assets in the estate or by the heirs if they want to keep the property when there are no other assets that can be used for maintenance.


Do you have to probate an estate?

In short, yes, it is a good thing to probate an estate. It closes everything out and finalizes the debts and assets.


What is the difference between probate assets and non-probate assets?

Probate assets are part of a deceased person's estate that go through the probate process, while non-probate assets pass directly to beneficiaries outside of probate. Probate assets include property solely owned by the deceased, while non-probate assets include assets with designated beneficiaries or joint ownership.


Are royalties probate property?

Yes, they are assets of the estate. As such they are subject to probate and appropriate taxes.


What does a probate lawyer do first when handling an estate?

A probate lawyer typically starts by reviewing the deceased person's will, if there is one, to determine who the beneficiaries are and what assets are involved. They also identify and notify potential heirs, gather documentation of the deceased person's assets and debts, and submit the will for probate if necessary.


Is the surviving spouse liable to pay medical bills for a decedent with no estate or probate assets in South Carolina?

The estate is responsible for the decedant's debts. You should consult a probate attorney and open an estate to settle any debts and distribute assets, even if you don't think there are any assets, you might be surprised.


What is a closed estate?

A closed estate would be one where the probate processs has been completed and the assets have been distributed.


What is a schedule of assets for probate?

It is a listing of all items in the estate. One of the primary duties of the executor is to inventory the estate. They also have to have the estate valued.


What powrs do the executor of estate have after the estate goes into probate?

Once they have the letter of authority, they have full control of the estate. They are responsible to the court for the inventory and dispersion of assets.


Is probate necessary with no large estate?

The laws vary according to the location. Probate allows the settlement of all debts and proper distribution of the assets.


What happens when you die and you have no heirs and you owe money?

Generally, your creditor(s) may petition the probate court to commence a probate proceeding for your estate if you have left any assets. Then, the creditor can file a claim against the estate. If you die with no assets in your name, your creditors are out of luck.


How to open an estate and begin the probate process?

To open an estate and start the probate process, you typically need to file a petition with the probate court, submit the deceased person's will (if there is one), notify heirs and creditors, inventory assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries according to the will or state law.