Can an executor make decisions without court approval?

In South Carolina, an executor can make certain decisions without court approval, as long as those decisions are within the scope of the executor’s duties, as outlined in the will or state law. Generally, the executor does not need to obtain court approval to manage any assets of the estate, like investments, real estate, or collections. The executor can also determine how to pay debts and distribute assets. However, this does not allow the executor to do whatever they wish. If there is a dispute between beneficiaries, the executor will need court approval to resolve it. In addition, if the executor believes that making a particular distribution or paying a particular debt would be a breach of fiduciary duty, they cannot do it without court approval. Furthermore, if certain assets have been designated for a certain person, the executor cannot change it without court approval. In summary, an executor in South Carolina can act within the scope of their duties without court approval. However, when there is a dispute or the executor is unclear on what action to take, they will need to get court approval before taking any action.

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