What Happens to Jointly Owned Property During Probate in North Carolina and South Carolina?

When a loved one passes away, one of the most common questions families ask is what happens to property that was owned jointly — whether it’s the family home, a bank account, or land that has been in the family for generations. The answer depends heavily on how the property was titled, and getting it […]

What Is Ancillary Probate and When Is It Required?

Owning property in more than one state can create additional legal considerations during estate administration. One issue that often surprises families is ancillary probate, which is a separate probate proceeding required in a state where the decedent owned property outside of their primary residence. For individuals and families with assets in both North Carolina and […]

How Long Does Probate Take in North Carolina and South Carolina?

One of the most common questions families have after the loss of a loved one is how long the probate process will take. While probate is designed to provide structure and oversight, it is not always a quick process. The timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the type […]

What Happens to a Business When the Owner Passes Away?

For many business owners, their company represents years of effort, investment, and long-term planning. Yet one question is often overlooked: what happens to the business if the owner passes away unexpectedly? Without proper planning, the transition of ownership can become complicated, potentially affecting employees, partners, and family members. Understanding how business succession works under estate […]

How Probate Works in South Carolina vs North Carolina

Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death. While the purpose of probate is generally the same in every state, the procedures, timelines, and requirements can vary depending on where the decedent lived and where property is located. For families in the Charlotte metro area, it is common for probate […]

Understanding the Probate Process in Fort Mill, SC

Fort Mill, SC – Navigating the probate process can be a daunting experience for families already dealing with the loss of a loved one. While probate serves an essential legal function by ensuring that a deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes or state law, the process can be time-consuming and complex. Nosal […]

Estate Planning Pitfalls Fort Mill Families Should Avoid

Fort Mill, SC – Estate planning is a crucial yet frequently overlooked task that can have serious consequences for unprepared families. As Fort Mill experiences continued growth and an influx of new residents, Nosal & Jeter, LLP, a well-established legal firm in the region, highlights costly mistakes commonly made when individuals delay or avoid creating […]

Understanding Probate in North Carolina: Essentials for Surviving Spouses

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex estate laws in North Carolina, such as the Elective Share. Many spouses are surprised to learn that even if they’re left out of a will, state law may still entitle them to a portion of the estate. This legal safeguard is designed to protect surviving spouses’ […]

Omitted Spouse

While the South Carolina elective share provides the surviving spouse the right to claim 1/3 of the deceased’s spouse’s probate estate, an additional statute in the South Carolina Probate Code provides additional protections for a surviving spouse when the deceased spouse executed a Will prior to their marriage but, for whatever reason, did not update […]

How to Write Your Own Will?

As a preface, I strongly advise against writing your own Will because even if valid in your state, probate of a handwritten Will can be extremely burdensome and expensive. The attorney’s fees alone would be significantly more than having an attorney prepare a well drafted self-proving Will for you. Additionally, some states, including South Carolina, […]