The bill H. 4511 proposes amendments to the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding service on unknown parties and notice to creditors in probate cases. Specifically, it amends Section 15-9-720 to allow for service by publication to be conducted in either the print or online version of a newspaper of general circulation in the appropriate county, rather than being limited to print only. This change aims to streamline the process of notifying unknown parties involved in real property actions, such as partition or mortgage foreclosure actions, by allowing for more accessible publication methods.
Additionally, the bill amends 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 amendment provides flexibility in how notices are disseminated, ensuring that creditors are informed of their rights to present claims against the estate. The bill also includes provisions for assessing a reasonable fee for online publication, which will be used to maintain the centralized online platform. Overall, these changes are designed to modernize the notification process in probate matters and improve accessibility for all parties involved.
Statutes affected: 05/06/2025: 15-9-720, 62-3-801
Latest Version: 15-9-720, 62-3-801