The bill H. 4511 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding service by publication for unknown parties in real property actions and notice to creditors in probate cases. Specifically, it amends Section 15-9-720 to allow service by publication to be conducted in either the print or online version of a newspaper of general circulation in the relevant county, rather than being limited to print only. Additionally, it modifies Section 62-3-801 to permit personal representatives to publish notices to creditors online on a centralized website for the South Carolina Probate Court, as well as in a newspaper of general circulation. This change aims to streamline the notification process for creditors and enhance accessibility.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for assessing a reasonable one-time fee for online publication, which can be paid from the decedent's estate, and mandates that all fees collected be used for the maintenance of the centralized online platform. The online platform will be organized by county and searchable by the names of the decedent or personal representative, providing creditors with clear instructions on how to file claims. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
05/06/2025: 15-9-720, 62-3-801
Latest Version: 15-9-720, 62-3-801