843-936-6680
Securing Your Legacy in South
Carolina
Did you know that one in two U.S. citizens have yet to create a plan for their estate? Just about everyone knows they need to get their affairs in order, but most people procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. It's an uncomfortable subject to think about. After all, nobody wants to ponder their death and what happens to their assets when they pass. However, working with an estate planning lawyer in Daniel Island, SC, protects you, your loved ones, and your assets, both while you're alive and after you have died. There isn't a perfect time to plan your estate, but there is a right time and that time is now.
We understand that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to your estate planning needs. That's why, at Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we make a concerted effort to speak with our clients personally so that we can create an estate plan that is as unique as they are. Our estate plans are comprehensive, cost-effective, and catered to you. That way, your family is provided if you are incapacitated or pass away.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure that every one of our clients leaves our office feeling less stressed and more informed. Peace of mind is valuable currency these days. Why worry about the future of your loved ones when you can use South Carolina law to ensure their stability?
Many of the clients in Daniel Island that walk through our doors have significant questions that require serious answers. They're filled with doubt, stress, and worry. They're worried about their children, their spouse, their relatives, or all the above. They ask questions like:
- How much does estate planning cost?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- How long will this process take?
If these questions sound familiar, know that you are not alone. At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we have worked with hundreds of clients just like you. Sometimes, these clients are unsatisfied with their current estate planning attorney in Daniel Island. Other times, they have been served with confusing papers or documents that leave them feeling overwhelmed. In either case, clients come to our office knowing they need to manage what is often a sudden, foreign situation.
The good news? We sit down with all new clients for an hour at no extra cost. We do so to get a basic sense of their situation and help steer them in the right direction. That way, they can leave our office feeling a little wiser and a lot better about the future.
Service Areas
Our firm specializes in several areas of estate planning and family law, including:
- Estate Planning
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Wills
- Heath Care Power of Attorney
- Living Wills
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Revocable Trusts
- Retirement Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
The Cobb Hammett
Difference
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, estate planning is like second nature to us. Having worked hundreds upon hundreds of cases, we have the knowledge and experience to assist with all the estate planning needs that you or your family have.
As our client, you will always work directly with your attorney. We do not pass cases off to paralegals or junior associates. Because your concerns and questions don't end when our office closes, we encourage our clients to contact us at any time.
Because we limit the number of cases we accept, we have the time and resources to truly dedicate ourselves to each of our clients. Unlike some competitors, we care about the outcome of every case because we know that our clients' future depends on it.
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What is Estate Planning in
Daniel Island, SC?
The word "estate" might make you think of a sprawling mansion in the French countryside. The truth is, you don't have to be rich to have an estate. In fact, most people already have an estate. An estate comprises the assets that a person owns like cars, bank accounts, real estate, businesses, and other possessions. Everyone's estate is different, but we all have one thing in common: none of us can take our estates with us when we die. When that does eventually happen, you will need legal instructions that state who gets what from your estate in plain terms.That, in a nutshell, is estate planning building a framework in advance that names the organizations or people that should receive your assets after you die. Planning your estate now helps make life much easier for your family down the line.
A good estate plan covers more than fiscal assets, however. A comprehensive
estate plan should include the following:
- If you have children who are minors, instructions as to who will be their guardian when you die.
- Long-term care insurance if you suffer from an extended injury or illness.
- Instructions that dictate what happens to you and your financial affairs if you become incapacitated before death.
- Instructions on the transfer of your business after retirement, incapacity, disability, or death.
- Instructions on how to provide for loved ones who might need help managing money or who need protection from creditors.
- Probate and tax avoidance that help minimize court fees, taxes, and legal fees.
- Planning Medicaid payments.
- Instructions that help complete or update beneficiary designations.
- Assist family members who have special needs without disqualifying them from government benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn't just for adults who are approaching retirement age. Estate planning is for everyone. After all, we're all getting older, and none of us know exactly when it will be our time to go.
The Basics of Estate Planning
in Daniel Island, SC
Although estate planning can be complicated, a well-rounded plan makes a huge difference in what is left to your beneficiaries. Before you start planning your estate, it's important to know a few common topics that may arise as you detail your needs.
Working with a Tax Advisor and Estate Planning
Attorney in Daniel Island, SC
Working with a veteran estate planning lawyer is a no-brainer, but you should consider working with a tax advisor too. Your attorney's role is to help guide you through the creation of your estate planning documents. Common documents include your will, health care directives, and power of attorney. Your tax advisor will help guide you through tax issues associated with your estate planning needs.
In this relationship, you make the decisions while your attorney and tax advisor help you understand and think through the options you're considering. As a team, they will help you state your wishes clearly while minimizing mistakes and adjusting your plans as they change. Because significant savings can result from thorough, informed planning, you should seriously consider working with a tax advisor in addition to your estate planning attorney.
Maximizing
Your Estate
If there were one overriding theme of estate planning, it would be maximizing what you plan to leave behind. Thinking through how each of your assets will be distributed is crucial to your estate. Your decisions may change depending on the type of asset, its size, how old you are, and several other factors. With an attorney on your side, you will gain a thorough understanding of what actions you should take to care for your family while minimizing expenses like taxes and court fees.
Inheritance, Estate,
and Gift Taxes
One of the biggest parts of maximizing what you're leaving behind is to minimize taxes. Federal taxes on estates and gifts are incredibly high. Both forms of taxes usually have exemption limits, which means you can give up to a specific amount without being taxed. Your lawyer can achieve that by using the gift tax exemption to move assets while you are still alive. This strategy maximizes how much your beneficiaries will receive.
Inheritance taxes are often based on the value of your estate and paid prior to asset distribution to your beneficiaries.
Choosing the
Executor of Your Will
The executor of your estate plays a key role in your affairs. Their responsibilities include carrying out the terms of your will and seeing the estate settlement process through until the end. Obviously, such a role demands a qualified person. Choosing your executor isn't an easy decision. The person you select should be great at managing money, be savvy financially, and show an ability to be patient. That's because the executor is tasked with:
- Collecting Your Assets
- Paying Outstanding Bills
- Submitting Tax Returns
- Petitioning the Court for Documents
- Distributing Assets to Your Beneficiaries
If the person that you choose as executor is inexperienced with the estate settlement process, it is recommended that they lean on an estate planning attorney in Daniel Island, SC for guidance. It should be noted that you may appoint more than a single executor to your estate. This is common when two individuals have complementary personalities or skill sets.
The Benefits of Estate Planning
in Daniel Island, SC
One of the biggest benefits of planning your estate is the peace of mind it brings to you and your family. With the help of our expert estate planning attorneys, you have the power to protect your assets, privacy, and children's welfare. You can also potentially save money on taxes or even avoid probate. By having your wishes legally documented before death or incapacity, you can minimize any impact on your beneficiaries and take control of your legacy. Without a comprehensive estate plan, you're leaving the future of your loved ones in the hands of the South Carolina court system.
With an estate plan in place, you can plan for incapacity by using a power of attorney or advanced medical directives. Doing so relieves your loved ones of the burden of asking the court for the authority to fulfill your wishes.
At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we are committed to helping you prepare for both the expected and unexpected through years of experience and a fierce dedication to our clients. From establishing trusts to designing business succession plans, we are here to fight for you.
At Cobb Hammett we offer a "Will Package" that includes 4 necessary documents.
If a husband and wife each purchase reciprocating will packages we give a discount. Reciprocating just means the husband names the wife and the wife names the husband. Those four documents are:
- Last will and testament
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Durable power of attorney
- living will
Common Documents Included
in Your Estate Plan
As mentioned above, everyone's estate planning needs will be different. However, most plans include one or more of the following documents:
Will
Your will is an essential piece of documentation and is often considered the cornerstone of a proper estate plan. Generally speaking, your will is a document that dictates the distribution of your assets after your death. Having an iron-clad will is one of the best ways to make sure that your wishes are communicated clearly. As is the case with most estate planning, it is highly recommended that you work with an estate planning attorney in Daniel Island, SC, to create and update your will.
The contents of a will typically include:
- Designation of the executor, who is responsible for adhering to the provisions of your will.
- Designation of beneficiaries the people who will be inheriting your assets
- Instructions that dictate how and when your beneficiaries will receive assets.
- Instructions that assign guardianship for any minor children.
Without a will in place, the State of South Carolina will decide how to distribute assets to your beneficiaries. Allowing the state to distribute your assets is often an unfavorable route to take, since the settlement process may not include what you had in mind for your survivors. Having a will drafted that reflects your wishes will prevent such a situation from happening.
Living Will
Despite its name, a living will does not instruct your survivors on what assets go where. Also called an advanced directive, your living will allows you to state your end-of-life medical wishes if you have become unable to communicate. This important document provides guidance to family members and doctors and solidifies certain issues like whether you should be resuscitated after an accident.
For example, it's common to direct that palliative care (care to decrease pain and suffering) always be administered if needed. Conversely, you may state that certain measures are not allowed, like CPR.
Trusts
Traditionally, a trust is used to minimize estate taxes and maximize other benefits as part of a well-rounded estate plan. This fiduciary agreement lets a trustee hold your assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. There are many ways to arrange a trust to specify when and how your assets are distributed.
With a trust in place, your beneficiaries can avoid going to probate. That means they may be able to gain access to your assets quicker than when they are transferred with a standard will. Assets placed in a trust can pass outside of probate, which will save you and your family time, money, and stress.
There are two distinct trust categories that you should be aware of: revocable and irrevocable.
Revocable Trust:
Also called a living trust, a revocable trust helps assets circumvent probate. With this trust, you can control your assets while you are still alive. These trusts are flexible and may be dissolved at any point in time. This type of trust becomes irrevocable upon your death. Revocable trusts can help you avoid the pitfalls of probate but be aware that they are usually still taxable.
Irrevocable Trust:
This kind of trust transfers assets out of your estate so that they are not taxed and do not have to go through probate. However, once an irrevocable trust has been executed, it may not be altered. That means that once you establish this kind of trust, you lose control of its assets and cannot dissolve the trust. If your primary goal is to avoid taxes on your estate, setting up an irrevocable could be a wise choice.
When drafted with the help of an estate planning lawyer in Daniel Island, SC, your trust can also:
Protect Your Legacy:
When constructed properly, a trust can protect your estate from your heirs' creditors. This can be a huge relief for beneficiaries who might need to brush up on money management skills.
Privacy and Probate:
Probate records are made available for public consumption. With a trust, you may have the choice of having your assets pass outside of probate court so that they remain private. In the process, you may also save money that you would lose to taxes and court fees.
Control Wealth:
Because you can specify the exact terms of a trust, you have more control over who receives your assets and when they receive them. As an example, you can set up a revocable trust so that your assets are attainable while you're alive. When you pass, remaining assets are distributed, even in complex situations involving children from multiple marriages.
The Top Estate Planning Law Firm in the Lowcountry
If you know that you need to provide for your family and loved ones after your death, it's time to develop your estate plan. With Cobb Hammett Law Firm by your side, planning your estate doesn't have to be difficult. However, it does need to be accurate and executed exactly to your wishes something that we have been helping clients achieve for years. Don't leave your legacy up to chance contact our office today and secure your future generations.
CONTACT USLatest News in Daniel Island, SC
Women’s Golf Set to Play at Daniel Island Invitational
NC State University Athleticshttps://gopack.com/news/2025/2/24/womens-golf-womens-golf-set-to-play-at-daniel-island-invitational
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. - The NC State women's golf team will play in its second tournament of the spring, sixth overall, at the Daniel Island Invitational hosted by the College of Charleston. Tournament play will take place from Monday, Feb. 24 to Tuesday, Feb. 25.NC State is one of 14 schools in the field, as well as one of two ACC squads. The field features five top 50 teams and six squads sitting inside the top 100.The tournament at Daniel Island Club is a par 72, 6,026-yard course. The teams will tee off at 8:...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. - The NC State women's golf team will play in its second tournament of the spring, sixth overall, at the Daniel Island Invitational hosted by the College of Charleston. Tournament play will take place from Monday, Feb. 24 to Tuesday, Feb. 25.
NC State is one of 14 schools in the field, as well as one of two ACC squads. The field features five top 50 teams and six squads sitting inside the top 100.
The tournament at Daniel Island Club is a par 72, 6,026-yard course. The teams will tee off at 8:45 a.m. on Monday for a shotgun start, while the final round is set for Sunday at 9 a.m. Teams are set to play two rounds for 36 holes on Monday followed by the final round on Tuesday.
Marie Eline Madsen will play at the No. 1 spot. She leads the team with a 71.13 scoring average with nine rounds at par or better and five rounds in the 60s. She has placed in the top 20 in all five tournament outings, coming off a tie for 16th with a 4-over 220 (76-71-71) at the Collegiate Invitational in Guadalajara, Mexico. She is No. 125 in the WAGR and No. 51 in the Scoreboard Powered by Clippd Rankings.
Lauren Olivares follows at the No. 2 spot, sitting second on the team in scoring average at 72.47. Olivares Leon has seven rounds at par or better, two rounds in the 60s this season and has 10 top 10 finishes in her career. She is coming off her second straight top five finish with a 4-under 212 (70-73-69) at the Collegiate Invitational in her home country of Mexico. She is No. 49 in the WAGR and No. 71 in the Scoreboard Powered by Clipped Rankings.
Vania Simont will follow by playing in her sixth tournament of the season. The junior has a 75.60 scoring average and her score has counted in all 15 rounds played this season. She is coming off a 17-over 233 (77-79-77) to tie for 48th at the Collegiate Invitational.
Jaclyn Kenzel will make her first appearance in the lineup this spring and will play in her third tournament this season. She has a 79.00 scoring average this year. In the season opener at the Cougar Classic, she finished with a 23-over 236 (79-77-80).
Caitlin Whitehead wraps up the lineup, making her fourth tournament appearance this season. She has a 75.67 scoring average this season and finished the fall season with a 7-over 223 (72-73-78) to place in 42nd at the Landfall Tradition.
Lea Ludwig will play as an individual this week. She is logging a 76.89 scoring average this season, while coming off a tie for 46th with a 16-over 232 (73-80-79) at the Collegiate Invitational.
COMPETING TEAMS (SCOREBOARD BY CLIPPD RANKINGS): 1. Campbell (47) 2. Charlotte (92) 3. Charleston Southern (180) 4. College of Charleston (48) 5. Coastal Carolina (114) 6. Eastern Michigan (141) 7. Georgia State (174) 8. Georgetown (137) 9. James Madison (161) 10. NC State (45) 11. Oral Roberts (106) 12. Tennessee (37) 13. Virginia Tech (46) 14. Yale (133)
ROUND 1 SHOTGUN START - 8:45 AM 1A - Lauren Olivares Leon 1B - Marie Eline Madsen 2 - Vania Simont 3 - Jaclyn Kenzel 4B - Caitlin Whitehead 15A - Lea Ludwig
Charleston 4th of July Fireworks, Events & Festivals 2025
Olga Valchyshenhttps://rove.me/to/charleston/4th-of-july-events-and-fireworks
Charleston is one of the most attractive cities for tourists in the U.S. In 2016, it was named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Although Charleston doesn't host any Independence Day parades, the Independence Day weekend is a special time to be in Charleston due to an array of fun events.It's a perfect occasion to try Southern barbecue or go on...
Charleston is one of the most attractive cities for tourists in the U.S. In 2016, it was named the best city in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Although Charleston doesn't host any Independence Day parades, the Independence Day weekend is a special time to be in Charleston due to an array of fun events.
It's a perfect occasion to try Southern barbecue or go on a picnic in one of a dozen city parks. you can't miss one of the spectacular fireworks displays at Patriots Point or Folly Beach. Charleston Harbor offers special 4th of July Dinner Cruises, while North Charleston holds its annual 4th of July festival.
Daniel Island Field of Honor
There's no shortage of islands in Charleston, and Daniel Island is one of the best. Just a 20-minute drive away from the center of Holy City, the neighborhood remembers the importance of commemorating the heroes who fought for American independence. On 9th annual Field of Honor, the Daniel Island Exchange Club will put up 1000 star-spangled flags with the banners dedicated to local heroes. The display will be located at River Landing Drive.
North Charleston 4th of July Festival at Riverfront Park
North Charleston 4th of July Festival at Riverfront Park is the largest annual event in North Charleston. And the best part is: the festival is free for the public! The celebration at Riverfront Park features traditional family-fun activities, a DJ-hosted soundtrack, a wide selection of local food vendors, and one of the best fireworks shows.
Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets, as well as water and snacks, to have picnics right at the venue. Located on the banks of the beautiful Cooper River, Riverfront Park is a perfect spot to see the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks display.
Patriots Point 4th of July Fireworks Blast
Every 4th of July, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, located at the mouth of the Cooper River on Charleston Harbor, hosts a vibrant Independence Day celebration. The museum opens its doors for the normal tour schedule from 9 am to 5 pm. The ticket cost ranges from $16 for children aged 6 to 11 and $27 for adults. Seniors and active and retired military personnel can get their tickets for $19. Children under six and uniformed servicemembers have free admission.
The 4th of July Fireworks Blast features a pyrotechnic show, food trucks, and live music. Attendees can visit the historic World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and watch the fireworks on Yorktown’s flight deck. Guests can bring their lawn chairs for flight deck seating. Tickets are required for this event.
Charleston 4th of July Dinner Cruise
To celebrate Independence Day with a bang, consider booking a seasonal 4th of July cruise, organized by SpiritLine Cruises. The tour will take you through the waters of Charleston Harbor, where you can take in the sights of The Holy Town and enjoy a four-course meal with specialty cocktails. As a cherry on top, you'll have one of the best viewing spots for the Patriots Point fireworks display.
The boarding is normally scheduled at 6:30 pm from Aquarium Wharf, and the cruise itself spans from 7 to 10 pm. The ticket for this function costs $99 per person and $258 for an exclusive private table for two.
Fabulous Fourth in the Creek at Goose Creek
Fabulous Fourth in the Creek is an annual Fourth of July celebration in Goose Creek. It usually takes place from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Goose Creek Municipal Center. The party features fireworks, live music, a variety of food vendors, and free activities for kids. Admission and parking are free of charge.
Folly Beach 4th of July Fireworks
Folly Island is a great summer destination with plenty of sunshine and soft white sand, situated 13 miles from Charleston It's also known for spectacular Independence Day fireworks in the town of Folly Beach. Locals and visitors can enjoy a free Independence Day show after sundown. Known as the biggest seaside pyrotechnic display on the East Coast, it's usually launched from 3rd Block West but can be observed anywhere on Folly Beach.
Women’s Golf Wins for First Time Since 2017; Ties Program 54-Hole Record at Daniel Island Invitational
NC State University Athleticshttps://gopack.com/news/2025/2/25/womens-golf-womens-golf-wins-for-first-time-since-2017-ties-program-54-hole-record-at-daniel-island-invitational
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. - The NC State women's golf team earned its first win in nearly eight years, finishing at 17-under 848 (280-282-285) to lead the field in wire-to-wire fashion at the Daniel Island Invitational in Daniel Island, South Carolina. That 54-hole score matched a program record previously set at the 2023 ICON Invitational.This tournament win is the first for NC State women's golf head coach Darby...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. - The NC State women's golf team earned its first win in nearly eight years, finishing at 17-under 848 (280-282-285) to lead the field in wire-to-wire fashion at the Daniel Island Invitational in Daniel Island, South Carolina. That 54-hole score matched a program record previously set at the 2023 ICON Invitational.
This tournament win is the first for NC State women's golf head coach Darby Sligh, as well as the first for the program since 2017 when the Pack won the Ocean Course Invitational.
NC State led the field after each round and pushed ahead to beat host College of Charleston by three strokes. Marie Eline Madsen led the Pack and finished in second place with an 11-under 205 (67-66-72) and Vania Simont finished with a season-low 6-under 210 (69-70-71).
Madsen was on fire this weekend with an 11-under 205, finishing at par or under in all three rounds. The Denmark native's 205 is the second lowest score in school history and a freshman 54-hole record. Madsen logged a 5-under 67 in the first round and followed that up with a 6-under 66 in the second. In the tournament, she finished with the second most birdies (16) and par 5s average (4.58) and third best par 4s average (3.83) among 75 golfers. She now has seven rounds in the 60s and 12 rounds at par or better this season.
Simont finished with a 6-under 210 (69-70-71) to finish in fifth for her first career top five finish. The Mexico City, Mexico native started out the tournament with a 3-under 69 behind four birdies and 13 pars with one just bogey. Her 2-under 70 in the second round was done behind three birdies, 14 pars and one bogey. The 69 is her fifth career round in the 60s. Simont's par 4s average (3.90) was the sixth best in the tournament field.
Lauren Olivares Leon was solid all week to finish with a 2-under 214 (72-72-70) to log 11th. Her 2-under 70 in the third round jumped her up four spots on the leaderboard, doing so behind four birdies, 12 pars and just two bogeys. She finished tied for second in par 4s (4.58) in the field. Olivares Leon now has 10 rounds at par or under and 48 in her career.
Jaclyn Kenzel had the best performance of her collegiate career, finishing with a 2-over 218 (72-74-72) to log a tie for 15th. The graduate finished with eight birdies, 37 pars, eight bogeys and a double bogey.
Caitlin Whitehead finished in a tie for 52nd with a 15-over (74-80-77) 231. She finished with four birdies, 35 pars, 13 bogeys and two double bogeys. Lea Ludwig played as an individual and wrapped up the tournament with a career-high tie for 36th place. She finished with a 7-over 223 (75-73-75), a career-low 54 hole score.
The Pack had the second best par 3s average (3.12), par 4s average (3.99) and par 5s average (4.87) with the second most birdies (49) in the field.
TEAM LEADERBOARD 1 - No. 45 NC State - 280-282-285=847 (-17) 2 - No. 48 College of Charleston - 279-286-285=844 (-14) 3 - Charlotte - 283-290-292=865 (+1) 4 - No. 37 Tennessee - 285-287-295=867 (+3) 5 - No. 47 Campbell - 294-297-283=874 (+10) 6 - Yale - 285-295-300=878 (+12) 7 - No. 46 Virginia Tech - 300-294-288=882 (+14) T8 - Oral Roberts - 302-293-298=893 (+29) T8 - James Madison - 301-299-293=893 (+29) 10 - Georgetown - 295-296-304=895 (+31) T11 - Charleston Southern - 296-295-305=896 (+32) T11 - Georgia State - 310-294-292=896 (+32) 13 - Coastal Carolina - 306-296-295=897 (+33) 14 - Eastern Michigan - 307-302-292=302 (+38)
PLAYER LEADERBOARD 2 - Marie Eline Madsen - 67-66-72=205 (-11) 5 - Vania Simont - 69-70-71=210 (-6) 11 - Lauren Olivares Leon - 72-72-70=214 (-2) T15 - Jaclyn Kenzel - 72-74-72=218 (+2) T36 - Lea Ludwig* - 75-73-75=223 (+7) T52 - Caitlin Whitehead - 74-80-77=231 (+15)
*- Competed as an individual
UPCOMING The Pack will play at the Briar's Creek Invitational at the Club at Briar's Creek in John's Island, South Carolina from March 10-11.
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