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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant 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:
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 Mount Pleasant. 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:
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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 Mount Pleasant, 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.
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.
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:
As mentioned above, everyone's estate planning needs will be different. However, most plans include one or more of the following documents:
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 Mount Pleasant, SC, to create and update your will.
The contents of a will typically include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Mount Pleasant, SC, your trust can also:
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.
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.
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.
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 USMount Pleasant now has a new place to dink — and drink.Pickleball Kingdom will open March 31 in Belle Hall Shopping Center, with nine full courts and a half court with a simulation game, a mezzanine, a pro shop and a small bar that will sell beer and wine. The chain is leasing the 24,000-square-foot former Tuesday Morning space at 680 Long Point Road.The Arizona-based franchise has 350 U.S. locations. Clubs offer individual, two-person and family memberships with unlimite...
Mount Pleasant now has a new place to dink — and drink.
Pickleball Kingdom will open March 31 in Belle Hall Shopping Center, with nine full courts and a half court with a simulation game, a mezzanine, a pro shop and a small bar that will sell beer and wine. The chain is leasing the 24,000-square-foot former Tuesday Morning space at 680 Long Point Road.
The Arizona-based franchise has 350 U.S. locations. Clubs offer individual, two-person and family memberships with unlimited play as well as clinics, coaching, youth programming, socials, tournaments and leagues. Single memberships start at $109 per month.
“We have close to 200 members already committed,” said general manager Dan Watters, who pivoted to a career running the pickleball club after working at Daniel Island-based technology firm Blackbaud Inc.
Watters said the bar area with TVs will serve as an ideal post-game hangout.
Pickleball Kingdom's hours are from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily except Sunday, when it's open 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
The franchise is eyeing additional Lowcountry locations, with “TBD” addresses online for Charleston, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Members have access at all Pickleball Kingdom courts.
The franchise joins other newcomer to Belle Hall retail center. Aiden Lane, a boutique offering women's apparel and accessories, is now open at 644 Long Point Road.
Wild for Reese
Draper James, the lifestyle brand founded by actress Reese Witherspoon, will kick off its 10-city "The Decade Tour" with a popup brand experience at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms.
The event runs from March 27-29. The brand announced curated pop-up experiences will be held at hotels in Southern cities to mark its 10th anniversary. Additional stops include New Orleans, Nashville and Rosemary Beach, Fla., where guests can preview the latest collections, sample Witherspoon’s signature sweet tea and take in immersive brand experiences.
Draper James opened a brick-and-mortar location at 489 King St. in downtown Charleston in February. At a previous pop-up, the company's apparel sold out in a single day.
Put 'em up
New York-based Bout Boxing has leased space at Central Island Square on Daniel Island, singing a lease with Continental Realty Corp. for a 2,047-square-foot endcap space.
The studio at 50 Central Island St. is expected to open this spring.
Following the launch of two locations in the New York City area, brother and sister Alek Kucich and Nell Kucich teamed up with Marc Nuccitelli for the Lowcountry venture. According to a statement, the owners frequently travel to Charleston for vacation and saw a niche for a boutique boxing and fitness studio.
“Our routines and programs can train you to be a professional boxer, or you can visit us to get in amazing shape or just blow off some steam,” Nuccitelli said.
Family recipes
A new Mexican restaurant is open near the Park West development in Mount Peasant with a menu inspired by the owner’s mother's original recipes from Oaxaca. Mezcal, at 405 Faison Road, features soups, appetizers and dips, homemade guacamole, rice plates, fajitas, burritos, tacos, entrees, cocktails and lunch specials.
Now brewing
National drive-thru coffee stand 7 Brew has opened its first Lowcountry location at 602 Bacons Bridge Road in Summerville.
The café is open daily from 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m. In addition to coffee, 7 Brew offers smoothies, chillers, teas and an flavored energy drink that can be infused with over 20,000 combinations.
The Fayetteville, Ark.-based franchise has seven other South Carolina locations in Greenville, Columbia and Pawley’s Island.
McD's eyes Nexton
McDonald's has put in an order for a Summerville location.
The burger giant has submitted an application to build a restaurant at 1268 Nexton Parkway. The proposed site is in front of the Harris Teeter-anchored Marketplace shopping center and across from the Publix-anchored One Nexton.
The company filed a public notice with state environmental regulators showing a 3,827-square-foot fast-food restaurant on 1.65 acres with a side-by-side drive-thru configuration.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom, the world's largest indoor pickleball entity, announces the official opening of its newest club in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Located at 680 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, this state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public and ready to serve pickleball ent...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom, the world's largest indoor pickleball entity, announces the official opening of its newest club in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Located at 680 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, this state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public and ready to serve pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
"We're excited to see Pickleball Kingdom officially open in Mount Pleasant, SC, and we couldn't be happier to have Chris and Kelly Ogden leading the charge," said Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. "This opening marks another exciting milestone in our mission to deliver a premier indoor pickleball experience to communities around the world."
The Mount Pleasant club features nine premium indoor courts plus a dedicated practice dink court, all designed to provide a world-class playing environment for players of all skill levels. With climate-controlled conditions, a mezzanine viewing area, community room, pro shop, and top-tier amenities, the facility is built to deliver a high-quality experience both on and off the court.
A highlight of the new location is Pickleball 101, a complimentary class created specifically for beginners. This introductory program offers a welcoming and accessible way for newcomers to learn the game for free and experience the excitement of pickleball in a supportive environment. In addition to Pickleball 101, the club offers a full slate of programming, including professional coaching and clinics, youth development initiatives, competitive leagues and tournaments, and opportunities for community and corporate events.
"We're thrilled to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Belle Hall Shopping Center in Mount Pleasant! Pickleball Kingdom is more than just a place to play pickleball—it's a place to make new friends, improve your skills, and have fun! The energy at Pickleball Kingdom is unlike anywhere else, and we are looking forward to creating community with everyone!" said franchisees Chris and Kelly Ogden.
Pickleball Kingdom's President and Chief Global Officer, Rob Streett, added, "Chris and Kelly Ogden have shown an incredible commitment to elevating the player experience in Mount Pleasant. Their passion for the sport and dedication to building community make them the perfect leaders for this club. We're confident this location will set a new standard for indoor pickleball in the region."
To celebrate the grand opening, Pickleball Kingdom Belle Hall will host a special weekend event from Friday, April 25th to Sunday, April 27th, featuring raffle prizes, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, founding member festivities, and special promotions.
To sign up to become a member of Pickleball Kingdom Belle Hall, visit:https://pickleballkingdom.com/clubs/mount-pleasant-sc/
Follow Pickleball Kingdom Belle Hall on Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickleballkingdom.bellehall/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557914176289
About Pickleball Kingdom
Pickleball Kingdom is the premier indoor pickleball franchise, dedicated to fostering community and providing world-class facilities. With a mission to create a global network of pickleball venues, Pickleball Kingdom is at the forefront of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, Pickleball Kingdom invites driven individuals to explore franchise opportunities and join this exciting growth. For more information, visit https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/.
For Franchise or Media Inquiries:Mitch Kistner, Sr. Director of MarketingEmail: [email protected]Phone: 888-788-0999
SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom Franchising
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant officials are making progress on a project that will alleviate some congestion on Highway 17 and provide more connectivity and safety to those who frequent the area.The All-American Boulevard extension project is getting close to completion. Project leaders are currently finishing the installation of a stormwater drainage system that includes over 3,000 feet of concrete pipe.They...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant officials are making progress on a project that will alleviate some congestion on Highway 17 and provide more connectivity and safety to those who frequent the area.
The All-American Boulevard extension project is getting close to completion. Project leaders are currently finishing the installation of a stormwater drainage system that includes over 3,000 feet of concrete pipe.
They are also working on installing an eight to 10 foot wide shared use path that will add to the Mount Pleasant Way network. This shared use path will include landscaping and streetlights along its entire length as well as separate bike lanes from its intersection with George Browder Boulevard to Park West Boulevard.
Once completed, this project will create a two-lane road that will run from Lexington Drive all the way to Park West Boulevard, providing drivers with an alternative route to avoid using US-17.
“I think with the completion of this project, you’ll see a reduction in traffic on 17 through the limits of this project from Park West to Lexington. You’ll also see some improved mobility as far as the installation of the shared use path from the Mount Pleasant Way, connecting residential to commercial zones as well as existing paths along Park West Boulevard,” Deputy Director of the Mount Pleasant Capital Projects and Transportation Department James Aton says. “So I think you’ll see a lot of better interconnectivity, reduction in traffic and congestion and improved nonmotorized mobility.”
Aton says that this project will provide several benefits, including increased accessibility to first responders when needed. This project is all about creating a functional, safe and interconnected community by connecting neighborhoods and businesses.
“It’s really to provide that transportation redundancy, options for travel [and] reduce congestion on 17 through this section and provide better EMS, police, and fire response in the event of an incident,” Aton says.
Erin Rauton is the office manager of Solomon Family Dentistry, a business on All-American Boulevard. Rauton says they frequently see patients arriving late to their appointments because of the traffic on US-17, so she really hopes this project will help resolve some of that.
“I feel that this will increase the patient’s ability to get here in a timely fashion. Sometimes they’re dealing with traffic on Highway 17, which can be stressful and then running late to an appointment could also be stressful. So, I think it’ll help counteract some of the traffic patients have to experience to get here,” she says.
She says she is excited for this project to be completed as she believes it will not only help the traffic but will also help keep nonmotorized road users safe.
“This project will help accessibility to our office for our patients who live nearby to avoid 17 and also increase walkability so people can ride bikes and walk without having to be on the Highway 17,” Rauton says.
The cost of this project is a little over $3.5 million and is funded through the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan. The contract also includes the installation of a new water main, which is not included in that cost; however, Mount Pleasant Water Works will fully fund that portion of the project.
While they have been working since July 2024, it may not look like much yet because most of the work is being done under the surface. This includes installing the stormwater drainage systems, relocating utilities, stabilizing underlying materials and compacting them.
Now that they are finishing up the drainage system installation, progress will quickly start to become visible, as they will soon begin paving the roadway and constructing the shared-use path. Those steps in addition to the landscaping and street light installation are really the only main construction efforts that remain.
Project leaders anticipate having this project fully completed by August.
The roadway was named All American to honor Mount Pleasant citizens who gave their life in the War on Terror in the early 2000s. When the roadway name was adopted, those specifically being honored were:
Maj. Edward J. Murphy, Operation Enduring Freedom, Ghazni, Afghanistan, April 6, 2005
Capt. Richard G. Cliff Jr., Operation Enduring Freedom, Yakhchal, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2008
Sgt. Adam M. Wenger, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tunnis, Iraq, Nov. 5, 2008.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
iCode, a premier technology and coding school for kids and teens, has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The celebration will take place on March 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3475 Park Avenue, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Families and community members are invited to explore iCode’s state-of-the-art facility, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and learn about the innovative programs designed to equip students with essential tech skills.The grand opening will h...
iCode, a premier technology and coding school for kids and teens, has announced the grand opening of its newest location in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The celebration will take place on March 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 3475 Park Avenue, Suite 102, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Families and community members are invited to explore iCode’s state-of-the-art facility, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and learn about the innovative programs designed to equip students with essential tech skills.
The grand opening will highlight iCode’s hands-on, project-based curriculum, which teaches students coding, robotics, game development, and other critical STEM skills in an engaging and interactive environment. With a low 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio and experienced, teacher-led instruction, iCode ensures personalized learning and meaningful engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet instructors, and experience live coding demonstrations.
"My husband, Kyle, and I are thrilled to bring iCode to Mount Pleasant, creating a space where kids can develop the tech skills they need to succeed in today’s digital world," said Annie Cox, Owner and Director of iCode Mount Pleasant. "A Charleston native, Kyle has been in the IT industry for over 20 years and currently serves as the CEO of Think Unified, an information technology company specializing in a range of IT services and solutions. My background as an educator for 19 years in Charleston County has reinforced my belief in the power of STEM education to shape young minds and prepare students for the future. At iCode, we don’t just teach technology—we cultivate critical soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration to help students thrive in any career path."
Annie has spent nearly two decades as a dedicated educator, shaping the learning experiences of students in Charleston County. She spent 14 years at Laing Middle School of Science and Technology, where she played a pivotal role in integrating STEM across all subjects. The school embraced a powerful philosophy: "STEM in every class, every day," ensuring that students developed problem-solving skills, creativity, and an analytical mindset regardless of their subject area. More recently, Annie taught at East Cooper Montessori, where she saw firsthand how hands-on, real-world problem-solving deepens student engagement and fosters essential skills for future careers. Her passion for STEM education, combined with her commitment to developing well-rounded students, led her to bring iCode to Mt. Pleasant—a place where students can explore technology in a way that is both fun and meaningful.
The opening of our facility will be bittersweet, as two of our greatest supporters will not be there to celebrate with us. Kyle's uncle, Bob Scott, was more than family—he was a lifelong mentor, close friend, and business partner in multiple ventures. He immediately saw the potential in the iCode franchise and how it perfectly aligned with our combined experience. Annie’s father, Joe McCormick, was our biggest champion. As a former business owner himself, he encouraged us from the very beginning, believing wholeheartedly in our vision. While they may not be with us physically, we know they would be incredibly proud of what we’ve built. We will be honoring and recognizing both of them at our ribbon-cutting ceremony (on March 18)."