CAMDEN, S.C. — Debbie Branham, the Probate Judge for Kershaw County, delivered a crucial message Friday Morning in a free workshop to the public.
"Everybody needs a will and a power of attorney. If you don't get anything else, just you know have that basic estate plan and get the advice of an attorney," she says.
Planning for the financial aftermath of a loss of a loved one is a topic often avoided in conversation. But Friday's workshop, which drew over a dozen participants, aimed to provide a preview and overview of informal probate proceedings.
“The idea behind the workshop is to give the folks a preview/overview of the whole process of an informal probate proceeding," she adds.
Judge Branham delineated the three-step process integral to probate proceedings:
"It's a three-step process: apply and open the estate, get appointed, marshal the assets of the estate. The second part of the administration is administrating the estate, marshaling in assets, protecting the assets, paying the estates expenses, and the third step is closing the estate which includes an accounting proposal for distribution."
Judge Branham underscored the significance of engaging a probate attorney to navigate the complexities of the process. "When things get complicated the probate court is not allowed to give legal advice so if there comes where things need to be litigated or whatever you need to get an attorney," she says. "Iff there are things a clerk can not answer, you need the advice of an attorney."