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Terms Used In South Carolina Code 62-3-409

  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Intestate: Dying without leaving a will.
  • Probate: Proving a will
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Testator: A male person who leaves a will at death.
  • Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.
Upon proof of service of the summons and petition, and after any hearing and notice that may be necessary, if the court finds that the testator is dead, venue is proper, and that the proceeding was commenced within the limitation prescribed by § 62-3-108, it shall determine the decedent‘s domicile at death, his heirs (regardless of whether the decedent died intestate and determined as if the decedent died intestate), and his state of testacy. Any will found to be valid and unrevoked must be formally probated. Termination of any previous informal appointment of a personal representative, which may be appropriate in view of the relief requested and findings, is governed by § 62-3-612. The petition must be dismissed or appropriate amendment allowed if the court is not satisfied that the alleged decedent is dead. A will from a place which does not provide for probate of a will after death may be proved for probate in this State by a duly authenticated certificate of its legal custodian that the copy introduced is a true copy and that the will is not ineligible for probate under the law of the other place.