Securing Your Legacy in South
Carolina

Let's Talk!

Platform Lifts-phone-nuber 843-936-6680

Request Consultation

Estate Planning Attorney inHollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, SC The-Cobb-Dill-Hammett-Difference
rm-widget-icon.png

What Our Clients Say

What is Estate Planning in
Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, 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 Hollywood, SC

LLHS Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Baptist Hill

Lowcountry LeadershipNaviGators10-10Tuesday, Oct 6, 202612:00am EDTBaptist HillBobcats0-8LLHS Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Baptist HillGame InfoThe Lowcountry Leadership varsity volleyball team has an away conference match @ Baptist Hill (Hollywood, SC) on Tuesday, October 6.MatchupRosterGame DetailsTeam ComparisonLowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)60KillsBaptist Hill (Hollywood)-Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)3Total BlocksBaptist Hill (H...

Lowcountry LeadershipNaviGators10-10

Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026

12:00am EDT

Baptist HillBobcats0-8

LLHS Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Baptist Hill

Game Info

The Lowcountry Leadership varsity volleyball team has an away conference match @ Baptist Hill (Hollywood, SC) on Tuesday, October 6.

MatchupRoster

Game Details

Team Comparison

Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)60

Kills

Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-

Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)3

Total Blocks

Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-

Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)43

Serving Aces

Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-

Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)65

Digs

Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-

Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)52

Assists

Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-

Lowcountry Leadership (Hollywood)49

Receptions

Baptist Hill (Hollywood)-

Key Players

Avg. Per Game

Bella Abernathy

#3OH

Kills

100--

Not Enough Data

Maddie Priester

#5MH

Total Blocks

17--

Not Enough Data

Alex Jackson

#2S

Serving Aces

57--

Not Enough Data

Peyton Mashburn

#1DS/L

Digs

107--

Not Enough Data

Alex Jackson

#2S

Assists

140--

Not Enough Data

Peyton Mashburn

#1DS/L

Receptions

140--

Not Enough Data

Scoring Averages

WinsS1S2S3S4
Lowcountry Leadership1.520.520.421.5--
Baptist Hill0.411.98.911.712.5

Rankings

South Carolina

#201

#334

South Carolina Division A

#18

#67

Charleston

--

#55

Season Recap

Overall Record

10-10

0-8

Region

9-0

0-8

Non-Region

0-2

0-0

Head to Head

1-0

0-1

Home

4-0

0-4

Away

6-3

0-4

Neutral

0-7

0-0

Common Opponent

8-0

0-7

Playoff

0-0

0-0

In-State

10-10

0-8

Out-of-State

0-0

0-0

Win %

.500

.000

Region %

1.000

.000

SW

30

3

SL

23

24

Common Opponents

Cross

2-0

0-1

Burke

2-0

0-0

Palmetto Scholars Academy

1-0

0-2

Charleston Math & Science

1-0

0-1

St. John's

1-0

0-2

Military Magnet Academy

1-0

0-1

Head-to-Head

3

0

10/06/2026

--

--

About UsMobile AppsSubscribePrivacy PolicyTerms of useCalifornia NoticeSupport

PlayOn Family of Brands:

© 2026 MaxPreps, Inc.

MaxPreps is a registered trademark of MaxPreps, Inc.

Town of Hollywood addresses opposition to bond tied to legal settlement

HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – The Town of Hollywood is responding to concerns about a proposed bond connected to a legal settlement after more than 800 residents signed a petition opposing the measure.Town leaders held a special meeting Monday evening to address the petition and provide an update on the town’s obligations under a settlement agreement stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Pederson family.According to the town, the dispute dates back to a 2010 agreement in which the Pederson family donated nine acres of lan...

HOLLYWOOD, S.C. (WCBD) – The Town of Hollywood is responding to concerns about a proposed bond connected to a legal settlement after more than 800 residents signed a petition opposing the measure.

Town leaders held a special meeting Monday evening to address the petition and provide an update on the town’s obligations under a settlement agreement stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Pederson family.

According to the town, the dispute dates back to a 2010 agreement in which the Pederson family donated nine acres of land for the construction of the current town hall and library. In exchange, the town agreed to allocate 375 sewer taps for future development on the remainder of the family’s property.

The issue remained unresolved for years until a new mayor was elected in 2019, and the Pederson family was unable to come to an agreement with the town on their taps.

After town officials determined they could not secure enough sewer taps to meet the terms of the agreement, the matter ended up in court. The Pederson family sued the town in 2018.

After Mayor Chardale Murray was elected in 2023, the town reviewed the matter and determined it was not able to get enough sewer taps to satisfy the agreement.

Earlier this year, Town Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement that requires the town to purchase 167 acres of Pederson family property for $2.9 million.

To fund the purchase, the town sought financing through a $3 million loan. Town officials said South Carolina law requires a general obligation bond as security for debt of that size.

In a statement, the town said the bond serves as a guarantee to the lending institution and would only affect taxpayers if Hollywood was unable to make its debt payments and defaulted on the loan.

“The town reiterates securing the bond does not automatically increase property taxes,” officials said.

Town leaders also pushed back on what they described as misinformation circulating in the community regarding the financial impact of the bond.

According to the statement, some residents were told property taxes would increase by $200 if the bond were approved. Town officials called that claim “misleading” and “false.” The town also said some signatures on the petition did not meet residency requirements and that several residents have since withdrawn their objections.

The settlement timeline has since become more complicated. The town said the deadline to complete the agreement has passed, and the case was scheduled to return to trial after exceeding a 60-day extension granted in April 2026.

Officials said a continuance has been requested and that the town has been advised an amended complaint could increase Hollywood’s potential liability and possibly void the settlement agreement altogether.

The Town of Hollywood said it will continue updating residents as the legal matter moves forward.

Hollywood Feed Grows Retail Footprint in South Carolina with Columbia Location

Hollywood Feed recently announced the opening date for its newest location in South Carolina. The healthy and holistic pet food and supply retailer will open its new freestanding location on August 1 at 4345 Fort Jackson Boulevard in Columbia, South Carolina.The new, 5,500-square-foot location will feature two self-wash dog stations in addition to ample retail space for shoppers and their pets to explore.The retailer already has a large presence in South Carolina with stores in Aiken, Charleston, Indian Land, Lexington, Mount P...

Hollywood Feed recently announced the opening date for its newest location in South Carolina. The healthy and holistic pet food and supply retailer will open its new freestanding location on August 1 at 4345 Fort Jackson Boulevard in Columbia, South Carolina.

The new, 5,500-square-foot location will feature two self-wash dog stations in addition to ample retail space for shoppers and their pets to explore.

The retailer already has a large presence in South Carolina with stores in Aiken, Charleston, Indian Land, Lexington, Mount Pleasant, Simpsonville and Summerville.

As with its existing stores, the new location in Columbia, SC will feature free Curbside Pickup as well as Same Day Delivery, free for orders over $59.

With more than 175 locations across 19 states, Hollywood Feed provides an assortment of American-made pet foods, regionally sourced treats, and other pet products that all meet Hollywood Feed’s high standards for use and consumption by its customers’ beloved pets.

“As Hollywood Feed continues to grow, we’re intentional about expanding into communities that value exceptional service and the well-being of their pets,” says Shawn McGhee, Hollywood Feed president. “Columbia is a vibrant, growing market, and we’re excited to bring our unique approach to pet care, our premium products, and our highly trained team members together to serve the Columbia for many years to come.”

Hollywood Feed has more than 1,400 Feed Team members in its ‘pack’ of employees and is both a retailer and an employer of choice. In fact, Hollywood Feed has regularly been featured by Top Workplaces and Best Places to Work; and has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers (ranking No. 1 in the pet care category); and to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service.

In addition to natural and holistic pet food and treat offerings, Hollywood Feed proudly features its own line of Georgia Smoked, Hollywood Feed Select Treats and Mississippi Made items including pet beds, collars, leashes and more. Hollywood Feed locations are open 7 days a week all year, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Hollywood Feed serves pets, their owners, caretakers and communities in more than 175 stores across 19 states. Consistently ranking atop consumer choice awards in the markets it serves, Hollywood Feed has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers (ranking #1 in the pet care category), Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service, Pet Business’ list of Top 25 Retailers in North America, USA Today’s list of 10 Best Pet Stores and Pet Age’s Retailer Excellence Awards, in addition to being named Best Pet Store by The Memphis Flyer, Best of Dallas, Best of North Atlanta, and Best of Asheville, to name a few.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Estate Planning Attorney Hollywood, SC
Service Areas