Camden, South Carolina — Debbie Branham Kershaw County Probate Judgedelivered an important message Friday morning during a free workshop for the public.
“Everyone needs a will and power of attorney. If nothing else is available, do some basic estate planning and seek advice from a lawyer,” she says.
Planning for the financial impact of losing a loved one is a topic that is often avoided in conversations. But Friday’s workshop, which drew more than a dozen participants, was aimed at providing a preview and overview of the informal probate process.
“The idea behind the workshop is to give people a preview/overview of the entire process of informal probate proceedings,” she added.
Judge Branham explained the three-step process essential to the probate process:
“It is a three-step process: you apply and open the estate, you are appointed, and you organize the assets of the estate.The second part of administration is managing the estate, organizing the assets, protecting the assets, and managing the estate. Payment of costs.The third step is to close the estate, including the accounting proposal for distribution.”
Judge Branham emphasized the importance of hiring a probate attorney to navigate the complex process. “Probate courts are not allowed to give legal advice if things get complicated, so do whatever you need to litigate or hire a lawyer,” she says. say. “If you have a question that the clerk cannot answer, you should seek the advice of a lawyer.”
