Estate Planning Attorney inSummerville, SC

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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 Summerville, 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 Summerville 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 Summerville. 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.

Estate Planning Law Summerville, SC
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.

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

What is Estate Planning in
Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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
 Estate Planning Lawyer Summerville, SC

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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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.

 Law Firm Summerville, 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.

Estate Planning Law Summerville, 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 Attorney Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville, SC

A Summerville elementary school to be built in The Ponds

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester School District Two is ready to start building a new elementary school, but it doesn’t yet own the land where it will be built.The school will be located within The Ponds of Summerville. 40 acres of trees adjacent to the “Village Center” will eventually be clear cut to make room for the Pre-K through 5th grade school.A nearly 20-year-old development agreement states Kolter Homes will donate the land to Dorchester County, which will then deem it to the school district....

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester School District Two is ready to start building a new elementary school, but it doesn’t yet own the land where it will be built.

The school will be located within The Ponds of Summerville. 40 acres of trees adjacent to the “Village Center” will eventually be clear cut to make room for the Pre-K through 5th grade school.

A nearly 20-year-old development agreement states Kolter Homes will donate the land to Dorchester County, which will then deem it to the school district.

Kolter doesn’t have to turn the land over to the county until a specific amount of development is complete, which they are approaching the final phases of.

“The sooner the better,” councilman Jay Byars said.

Byars says a school in this neighborhood is needed.

“That elementary school will relieve some overcrowding,” Byars said. “A lot of the kids in this neighborhood go to Sandhill Elementary which is over near East Edisto and it’s already overcrowded they are adding trailers. This school will be right here in the neighborhood where the kids can bike to school and it’ll be a lot easier for everybody.”

Byars is hopeful that the county can get this land to DD2 in the next few months so they can get to work on this new school.

“There are so many children in The Ponds in general and not a ton of elementary schools in DD2 so I think adding one will lower class sizes which makes it easier for teachers and I definitely think it’s a need,” parent Hannah Litchfield said.

From working in real estate, Hannah’s husband Josh says people moving to the Charleston area want their kids to be in this specific school district.

“They come here and the first thing they say is ‘Dorchester School District Two we’ve heard it’s great, I wanna be here tell me about the schools’ so that is brining people here plus the people we already have so we desperately need this,” Josh Litchfield said.

DD2 officials confirmed a a traffic impact study has already been completed and they are still modifying plans to fit the site location.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

New Summerville resource center hopes to help people ‘get back on their feet’

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - A new resource connection center had its grand opening in Dorchester County.Trident United Way opened a location in the Summerville area, hoping to get people back on their feet.“From many of the families that we see, they’re working one sometimes multiple jobs. We want their children to be in a stable place so they can continue to remain in the same school, continue to learn and ultimately that our neighborhood can thrive ...

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - A new resource connection center had its grand opening in Dorchester County.

Trident United Way opened a location in the Summerville area, hoping to get people back on their feet.

“From many of the families that we see, they’re working one sometimes multiple jobs. We want their children to be in a stable place so they can continue to remain in the same school, continue to learn and ultimately that our neighborhood can thrive by making sure every neighbor is financially secure knowing where their next meals are going to be and that they’re able to stay in their home,” Trident United Way President and CEO, DJ Hampton said.

Hampton says this resource center has taken time to open the doors for those in financial distress.

“So for those families who are working hard every day, struggling to make ends meet, it’s a place where they can come and get additional help and services,” Hampton said.

After looking at their database, Hampton said there’s about 40% of the community that are above the poverty line yet struggle significantly financially.

“There’s a large cross-section in our community that’s on the brink of financial disaster so all of those citizens have a resource center right here,” Summerville Mayor, Russ Touchberry said.

Touchberry explained that though he did not play as big of a role as others, he has referenced many to the organization and is hopeful for what this may bring.

“I’ve connected folks to the 211 program and connected them directly to them and they always get taken care of. It always makes folks feel special,” he said.

Trident United Way partnered with about a dozen non-profits to help provide opportunities for Summerville families.

While choosing which partners, Hampton says they had to consider their data to also cater to the needs of the community.

“We know health care can be a real challenge for people to access here, so we’ve partnered with mobile clinics from MUSC and roper to come and actually provide medical for those families while they’re already here,” Hampton said.

The center has office spaces for seminars or meetings, computers, school supplies and food.

“Then we help them get it in one stop. So instead of spending weeks going to multiple places, they’re able to get it one place. Which ultimately means they’re most likely to get services and they’re more likely to get the help they need to stay stable,” Hampton said.

Hampton also explained they can help with taxes.

He said every year, they complete about 1,200 to 1,300 tax returns for families, so any family that makes less than 73,000 dollars a year are eligible for the opportunity to have their taxes done for them.

“I hope when people get in there, they feel comfortable. They feel empowered and supported, and then from that they can be successful in our community,” Touchberry said.

The hours for the new location are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

They will then accept appointments on Friday.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Green Wave boys notch wins

The Summerville boys volleyball team is gaining momentum.The Green Wave won its region during its first season competing in boys volleyball, but defending that title this season won’t be easy. Summerville has a new head coach and lost some heavy hitters to graduation.“Coming into year two of the program brought a lot of expectations after the team saw success in year one,” said Summerville coach Steven DiPaolo. “There were big holes and talent to fill from last year’s roster that exceeded expectati...

The Summerville boys volleyball team is gaining momentum.

The Green Wave won its region during its first season competing in boys volleyball, but defending that title this season won’t be easy. Summerville has a new head coach and lost some heavy hitters to graduation.

“Coming into year two of the program brought a lot of expectations after the team saw success in year one,” said Summerville coach Steven DiPaolo. “There were big holes and talent to fill from last year’s roster that exceeded expectations and advanced to the second round of playoffs, but our group this year set the bar high from spring and summer workouts.”

DiPaolo, who is the DuBose Middle School Athletic Director and head coach for the Summerville junior varsity boys soccer team, added varsity volleyball to his list of responsibilities after Skyler Dennis stepped down as the program’s coach to focus on leading the Green Wave golf programs.

Under DiPaolo’s leadership, the team has won four of its previous six games to improve to 4-3 with a 2-0 region record. During the stretch, Summerville defeated Ashley Ridge, Stratford, Cane Bay and Fort Dorchester while dropping matches to Wando and Lucy Beckham. In the MaxPreps South Carolina Rankings, Wando is the No. 4 ranked Class 5A team in the state, and Lucy Beckham is No. 7. Summerville is currently ranked No. 16 in the class.

“The goal is to win region again and to compete every night in an effort to obtain Lower State and state titles,” DiPaolo said. “The Lowcountry has a ton of talent, especially in the Mount Pleasant area. We know the hard work it will take to build a culture and system that will compete each year and show that Summerville has the talent and work ethic to be a powerhouse. Our group only includes five seniors, but everyone is poised to push themselves to achieve our team goals as well as their own personal goals.”

Half of the players on the roster are returning varsity lettermen.

“The squad is led by juniors Kerrick Pruitt and Nick Beddard and sophomore Alex Mose,” DiPaolo said. “Despite being underclassmen, they carry themselves as veterans on and off the court. Seniors Mona Kamauu, Mason Karns and Bennett Black are all returners who elevate this team and work to groom the younger athletes.”

Pruitt returns as the primary setter. Mose returns with experience at Libero but is being used more as a utility player this season now that Karns has moved into the Libero position. Others returning include Matthew Abercrombie, Hunter Scruggs and Campbell Pittman.

Beddard and newcomer Julian Covington provide good size at the net. Wyatt Thompson, Mason Mills, Steele Robinson, Noah Terry, Lennox Holness and Ethan Wilson are also joining the team this season.

Summerville is scheduled to travel to James Island Sept. 30 for a tri-match against the Trojans and Ashley Ridge. The Green Wave hosts Cane Bay and Stratford for rematches scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 2.

“With plenty of season left, the boys and coaching staff continue to push themselves to be playing at their highest level while enjoying an amazing game that is rapidly growing in South Carolina,” DiPaolo said.

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