Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in South Carolina

Family of dead Ex prevent x-wife/part owner from access to house/property not se

My Mother's X died leaving their jointly owned home to ''HIS'' family in a will. They never settled the property issues during the divorce for several reasons. She was told by a magistrate clerk that she had the right to change the locks on the house as the only current legal owner. Her attempt to do so was stopped by his family accompanied by one of their friends who is a police officer, despite her showing documents proving her part ownership. They have no legal documents except the will which has not gone through probate. After the funeral 6/22/02, we were told by several witnesses that his family has been moving contents from the house in moving trucks for the past week. What can be done? My Mother's rights, I feel have been illegially denied to her. Is there a way for his family to be held accountable for the items they removed illegially?


Asked on 6/27/02, 3:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bernard Greenberg KOKISH & GOLDMANIS, P.C.

Re: Family of dead Ex prevent x-wife/part owner from access to house/property no

Your mother should hire counsel immediately in order to protect her rights in this property. Should she fail to do so, she runs the risk that a later court order would be ineffective to cause return of property that is already gone or sold.

She should engage the services of an attorney experienced with estates and property rights in her county.

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Answered on 6/27/02, 4:14 pm


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