An Executor is appointed by the decedent in a Will whereas a Personal Representative is a volunteer or is appointed by the court if the decedent died intestate, or without leaving behind a Will. Learn more about South Carolina executor in this presentation.

7. Foundation of an estate plan
Used to make specific or general gifts
Only opportunity to appoint a guardian for
minor children

8. Can be your entire estate plan but usually only
serves as the starting point
Must choose an Executor in your Will

20. Identifying, locating, and securing estate
assets. The Executor must identify, locate and
secure all assets in which the decedent had an
ownership interest at the time of death

21. Opening probate. The Executor must prepare
and file the legal documents necessary to open
the probate of the estate

23. Valuing estate assets. The Executor must
obtain a date of death value for all estate
assets, often through the use of professional
appraisers.
Managing estate assets. The Executor must
manage all estate assets throughout the
probate process.

24. Selling estate assets. When it is necessary to
sell estate assets, to satisfy creditor claims or to
provide for the even distribution of assets, the
Executor must oversee the sale

26. All known and unknown creditors of the estate
must be notified personally or by publishing
notice of the probate
Notifying creditors of the estate

27. The Executor must review claims and approve
or deny the claim. Approved claims are then
paid out of estate assets
Reviewing creditor claims

32. The Executor must prepare, file, and pay (if
due) all state and federal taxes owed by the
estate before probate can conclude
Preparing and paying taxes

33. Finally, the Executor is responsible for
effectuating the transfer of all remaining estate
assets to the intended beneficiaries
Transferring assets to beneficiaries

35. Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm