Per SC Code 1976 § 30-5-30, on all written instruments (except for mortgage satisfactions), there must be two witnesses including either a probate verification (SC Code 1976 § 30-5-30(A)) or an acknowledgment statement (SC Code 1976 § 30-5-30(B)).
With a probate verification, the notary does not need to see the grantor sign the document, but the witnesses need to verify to the notary that they witnessed the grantor sign the document.
With an acknowledgment statement, the notary needs to see the grantor sign the document, and the notary may also serve as one of the witnesses.
Previously, South Carolina security instruments in Docutech’s document library were only formatted for probate verifications. Now, clients may choose whether to utilize a probate verification or an acknowledgment statement.
Consequently, a new field has been created for “South Carolina Recording Method” (Fl 189006) with options for either “Probate” (witness verifications will print) or “Acknowledgment” (witness verifications will not print). Also, “Witness 1 Full Name” (Fl 15416) and “Witness 2 Full Name” (Fl 15417) will now print beneath the witness signature lines at all times.
The following documents have been updated accordingly:
Cx507 SC Mortgage Second
Cx1384 HELOC Mortgage – SC
Cx25319 3041 SC Mortgage 2021
Cx26158 FHA SC Mortgage 2021
These changes are available for testing on Stage & Stage 2 servers and will take effect on November 19, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Client Support at 1.800.497.3584.
COM-5351
DR-161891
UPDATE:
The print default will remain as the Probate method if a selection has not been made under “South Carolina Recording Method” (Fl 189006).