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Estate Planning Attorney inGreenville, SC

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 Greenville, 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 Greenville, SC 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 Greenville, SC. 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.

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.

 Estate Planning Attorney Greenville, SC The-Cobb-Dill-Hammett-Difference
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What Our Clients Say

What is Estate Planning in
Greenville, 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.

 Estate Planning Lawyer Greenville, SC
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 Greenville, 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.

1.

Working with a Tax Advisor and Estate Planning
Attorney in Greenville, 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.

 Law Firm
 Greenville, SC
2.

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.

Estate Planning Law Greenville, SC
3.

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.

 Estate Planning Attorney Greenville, SC

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 Greenville, 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 Greenville, 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:

1.

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 Greenville, 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.

 Estate Planning Lawyer Greenville, SC
2.

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.

 Law Firm
 Greenville, SC
3.

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.

Estate Planning Law Greenville, SC

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 Greenville, 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 US

Latest News in Greenville, SC

Rain, thunderstorms forecast this week in the Upstate SC: Is flooding a concern?

Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected on Monday, May 12, through Wednesday, May 14, as a slow-moving storm system travels across the Southeast.The system may bring excessive rainfall and flooding to the Upstate."At this time, streams and creeks have not risen to a concerned level, but with continued rain during the remainder of today ― and especially if that heavy rain in the Columbia areas moves up into our area ― then that would increase the concern for some flooding," said Doug Outlaw with the ...

Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected on Monday, May 12, through Wednesday, May 14, as a slow-moving storm system travels across the Southeast.

The system may bring excessive rainfall and flooding to the Upstate.

"At this time, streams and creeks have not risen to a concerned level, but with continued rain during the remainder of today ― and especially if that heavy rain in the Columbia areas moves up into our area ― then that would increase the concern for some flooding," said Doug Outlaw with the National Weather Service at GSP. "Most of the flooding is going to be in North Carolina from the Cashiers and Cullowhee area to southeast Asheville, toward the Virginia border to the Blue Ridge Parkway."

Here's how much rain is forecast this week.

How much rain is forecast for the Upstate this week?

According to Outlaw, the chance of rain for the Upstate on Monday, May 12, is 90%, with combined rainfall totals of about 1.4 inches between May 12-13.

How long will the rain last this week?

This week will be very rainy in the Upstate, continuing into Tuesday evening, May 13, and drying up for a brief period on Tuesday night, said Outlaw.

"Then it's going to fire up again on Wednesday," he said. "Most of it's going to be in the mountains. It's going to be a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon. Asheville has got a 90% for that time period Wednesday afternoon."

Thursday's weather conditions will be dry, with a small chance of showers and thunderstorms returning Friday afternoon at 30-40%. A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms will be widespread across the Upstate on Saturday.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]

SC legislature passes bill to rein in Greater Greenville Sanitation District boundaries

South Carolina lawmakers passed a bill that will end territorial sanitation disputes for four years.The Greater Greenville County Sanitation District is expected to continue services for the next four years, but only within its boundaries. A challenge to where the sanitation district operated was the impetus for the legislation.House Bill 4003 keeps the sanitation district from contracting its services outside of a set area. Lawmakers in the Senate and House unanimously ratified the legislation on May 8.Th...

South Carolina lawmakers passed a bill that will end territorial sanitation disputes for four years.

The Greater Greenville County Sanitation District is expected to continue services for the next four years, but only within its boundaries. A challenge to where the sanitation district operated was the impetus for the legislation.

House Bill 4003 keeps the sanitation district from contracting its services outside of a set area. Lawmakers in the Senate and House unanimously ratified the legislation on May 8.

The bill awaits Gov. Henry McMaster's signature to become law. Once signed, it’ll go into effect on June 30. Service will continue to areas outside the sanitation district.

The resolution comes after a controversial companion bill proposed to dissolve the district and end all services. The move caused customers and Greenville County Council members to speak out against the proposal, H.B. 4002, which was tossed.

Greenville County Council Chairman Ben Blount said it’s a breath of fresh air to have the issue resolved.

“This is ironic to have a moment in history where they're trying to take something away that citizens actually want to keep,” Blount said. “I think it was an overall win for the county, and it showed that citizens made their voices heard, and that's what they wanted, and that's what we fought for”.

Greenville area Rep. Bruce Bannister (R-District 24) and Rep. Mike Burns (R-District 17) spearheaded H.B. 4003 and were two of the sponsors. The other sponsors included Rep. Mark Willis (R-District 16), Rep. David Vaughn (R-District 27), and Rep. B.J. Cox (R-District 21), all of whom represent various Greenville areas.

Burns and Bannister said the sanitation service overstepped its boundaries and compromised private sanitation businesses.

"I think it was an eye opener for everybody concerned, for the sanitation department, for the county council, and for the General Assembly that organizations can go awry and do things that most people think they shouldn't be doing,” Burns said.

A millage rate remains, but the sanitation district will no longer be able to have contracts with entities outside of its set boundary. The sanitation district will still be able to annex an area and add it to its boundaries.

“Their goal was very clear. They wanted to take over the entire county. I think the county council has realized they have to have some rein in and control over this,” Burns said.

If an area wants to be annexed, 66% of the area's landowners must sign a petition in writing that requests sanitation district services.

Lawmakers tossed H.B. 4002 on March 27 after they said it was no longer necessary and was a last resort to bring everyone to the table.

“Sometimes you have to put something out there to bring somebody to the table,” Burns said.

“We had to do it to bring them back to the table, and it worked. Nobody wanted to do it, but it had to be done,” Burns said.

Blount said he disagreed with the compromise methods.

“I believe their measure was way too severe, and I don't think they considered the citizens when they decided if that was just a negotiating tool,” Blount said.

The state of South Carolina created the Sanitation District as a special service district in 1968 to collect waste in certain areas of Greenville County. The district serves around 60,000 residents.

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2 SC cities make Yelp's 2025 top 10 for barbecue: See why, full list

Foodies who plan on traveling cross country this summer will want to visit these Top 10 barbecue cities.In celebration of National Barbecue Day on May 16, Yelp has released its roundup of the best cities for "smoked meats and mouthwatering barbecue sauces across the country.""From Austin's legendary brisket to Kansas City's saucy burnt ends, this year's top barbecue cities ― ranked ...

Foodies who plan on traveling cross country this summer will want to visit these Top 10 barbecue cities.

In celebration of National Barbecue Day on May 16, Yelp has released its roundup of the best cities for "smoked meats and mouthwatering barbecue sauces across the country."

"From Austin's legendary brisket to Kansas City's saucy burnt ends, this year's top barbecue cities ― ranked using Yelp data ― offer something for every BBQ enthusiast," said the food reviewer.

And the best part of the list is that two South Carolina cities were named among the top 10.

Here's where they are.

No. 5: Charleston

Visitors craving a taste of traditional Lowcountry styles will find themselves replete with the Holy City's barbecue scene. To create its unique take on Southern smoked meats, Charleston cooks meat directly over hardwood coals, using a vinegary sauce for an extra flare of flavor.

"With a mix of historic BBQ joints like Poogan’s Smokehouse and modern, pitmaster-driven spots like Palmira Barbecue, Charleston blends time-honored smoking techniques with innovative flavors that Yelp users love," said Yelp, which also recommends dining experiences at Rodney Scott's BBQ for "the art of pit-cooked whole hog" and Lewis Barbecue for Texas-style brisket.

No. 6: Greenville

When it comes to traditional barbecue and western S.C. styles, Greenville shines, said Yelp. At Henry's Smokehouse, guests can expect classic Carolina barbecue and a variety of sauces catering to different palates, while Bobby's BBQ serves up Texas-style brisket to locals. Mike and Jeff's is another local barbecue joint that offers a mix of regional sauces, best enjoyed atop a plate of hickory-smoked meats. And if you're still hungry for more, barbecue restaurants in the area offer delicious sides to choose from, like homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread ― all cooked in a special way that makes you feel right at home.

Yelp's Top 10 BBQ Cities for 2025

∎ No. 1: Austin, Texas

∎ No. 2: San Antonio, Texas

∎ No. 3: Kansas City, Missouri

∎ No. 4: Memphis, Tennessee

∎ No. 5: Charleston

∎ No. 6: Greenville

∎ No. 7: Honolulu, Hawaii

∎ No. 8: Tulsa, Oklahoma

∎ No. 9: Durham, North Carolina

∎ No. 10: Nashville, Tennessee

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected].

SC House passes 'Hands-Free Driving Act'; what fines could Upstate drivers face?

The South Carolina House has passed a bill to reduce distracted driving, and now it's headed to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk to sign.The House approved the SC Hands Free Driving Act on Thursday. The Senate approved the act on Wednesday.What is the SC Hands Free Driving Act?On Wednesday, the bill ― titled the "SC Hands-Free Driving Act" ― gained the approval of the S...

The South Carolina House has passed a bill to reduce distracted driving, and now it's headed to Gov. Henry McMaster's desk to sign.

The House approved the SC Hands Free Driving Act on Thursday. The Senate approved the act on Wednesday.

What is the SC Hands Free Driving Act?

On Wednesday, the bill ― titled the "SC Hands-Free Driving Act" ― gained the approval of the Senate. It was forwarded to the SC House of Representatives with amendments. It will now be sent to the governor's desk for signature.

"I've (worked) several distracted driving collisions where somebody was distracted on a cellphone and ended up causing a fatality, typically, a total stranger that was affected in this," Master Trooper Michael Ridgeway with the South Carolina Highway Patrol told WYFF4. "It takes your eyes off the road. It distracts you manually. So it takes your hands off the road, sometimes both hands, and in some cases it distracts you mentally."

Another reason the bill has regained momentum is the $50 million loss in federal funding that will occur if S.C. does not enact a ban on handheld cellphone use while driving. Per News19, "the federal government is requiring the state to update its statute to qualify for the transportation safety funding."

Here's what you need to know about fines for violating the new law and what hands-free technology will still be permitted.

What are the bill's fines for using a cellphone while driving?

The first offense for using a cellphone while driving would cost $100 under the bill. Every violation after that would cost $200.

"You could actually be on a cellphone and still be within the parameters of the law. But this, this will get it to where ― 'Hey, you cannot be on your cellphone, have your cellphone in your hand at all.' and that's really what we need," Ridgeway said.

What forms of cell phone use would still be permitted under the bill?

Under the new law, hands-free technology that is voice-activated, such as Bluetooth, would still be legal.

"You can answer the phone, do anything you want on that, as long as you just don't pick it up and look at it," said Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken told WLTX. "That’s dangerous...They are six times more dangerous than a drunk driver. It's got to stop."

Phones cannot be in the driver's hand or on the lap while operating a vehicle.

How many states have hands-free driving laws in place?

There are currently 29 states with hands-free laws, including Georgia, which adopted the law in 2018.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]

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