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Clerk proposes administrative closing of 105 long-delinquent estates; commission approves process
Summary
The probate office told the commission it will begin a legally prescribed process to administratively close 105 estates delinquent more than 10 years, publishing notice and mailing last-known-address letters and allowing a reopening process; commissioners approved moving forward with the closures and set a deadline of March 5, 2026 for final action.
The Berkeley County probate office presented a proposal to administratively close 105 estates that have been delinquent for more than 10 years, citing a backlog that creates confusion for fiduciary offices and title searches.
Probate staff said the closing procedure—allowed under state law—would include a class 1 legal advertisement and letters sent to last-known addresses of personal representatives, giving interested parties the opportunity to show cause to keep an estate open. Staff described the action as closing the public record where no probate filings or continuances have occurred in the last decade; if necessary, parties can petition the office later to reopen an estate.
The commission discussed notification and the reopening process and then moved, seconded and approved proceeding with administrative closings; the office said a final administrative-closing action will be completed no later than March 5, 2026.
