Probate Lawyer in Duncan, SC

If there's one thing that most families can agree on, it's that losing a loved one is tough. It's a grief-stricken time often filled with sleepless nights and free-flowing tears. Between notifying friends, planning funeral services, and working through your own emotions, the thought of Estate Administration is the last thing on your mind. But you know something must be done. You feel obligated to do something about your family member's estate but aren't sure how to proceed or when to do it. You're probably wrestling with hard-to-answer questions like:

What Happens with My Loved One's Estate?
What Happens During the Estate Administration Process?
How Long Will It Take?
Do I Receive Compensation for My Time?
What State is Probate Taking Place?

That's where Cobb Hammett comes in - to help guide you through the complicated processes of probate court in South Carolina. Because the truth is, probate can be confusing and intimidating if you're ill-equipped to deal with the court's procedures and inner workings. There is legal paperwork to draft and file, petitions to publish, notices to serve, bonds to file, and a long list of rules that you must adhere to during this time. With a probate lawyer in Duncan, SC, by your side, however, you can rest easy knowing your loved one's assets are protected, and their legacy is legally preserved.

Service Areas

What is a Probate Attorney in Duncan, SC?

When someone passes away, their assets have to be distributed according to South Carolina state laws and the directions in their Will. Your probate lawyer will be a significant source of help in this regard, as they will guide an executor of a Will or Beneficiaries of an estate through the often-confusing probate process. From identifying notating estate assets to distributing inheritances, your probate attorney is a crucial partner during this difficult time in your life.

At Cobb Hammett, our probate attorneys understand that when a client's loved one dies, they need a caring presence by their side. But they also need a confident source of knowledge that can act on their behalf as they grieve. That's why, given the complex nature of probate law, it's a good idea to have a trusted attorney on call who can settle an estate and handle the nuanced issues that arise in probate court.

Walk You Through the Aspects of Your Probate Case
Prepare and File All Necessary Paperwork by the Mandated Deadlines
Help You Stay Abreast of Requirements and Responsibilities
Identify Estate Assets
Help Pay Debts and Bills
Transfer Assets to the Appropriate Parties
Assist with Estate Disputes
Resolve Income Tax Issues
Advise You of Your Rights
Remain Prepared and Organized to Help Reduce Your Stress

Administering a decedent's estate can be a long, arduous process. That's especially true if disputes are involved with Beneficiaries. When you consider the chances of being held liable for decisions you make as a Personal Representative of an Estate, working with a probate lawyer from Cobb Hammett Law Firm just makes good sense.

About The Cobb Hammett Law Firm Difference

As seasoned probate lawyers in South Carolina, we understand that Estate Administration often involves sensitive family dynamics as much as it does the legal minutia involved in probate law. After all, a person's estate not only affects their generation but the generations that follow.

But when your loved one passes, their assets must be managed and distributed correctly. When mismanaged, disputes often arise between parties like the Beneficiaries, Trustees, Heirs, or Executors of a Will. Even when everything is managed the right way, arguments and misunderstandings can still occur, and even evolve into bitter legal battles necessitating probate litigation.

It stands to reason, then, that you should hire a probate lawyer in Duncan, SC to help. But the truth is, many attorneys don't have vast experience with probate and trust work. If they do, they aren't usually seasoned trial attorneys. That's what separates probate attorneys at Cobb Hammett, LLC from others - we have the ability to help plan your Estate and litigate estate disputes if they arise.

We are keenly familiar with local probate judges, courtroom staff members, and the related procedures involved with South Carolina probate law. Our intimate knowledge and experience help us successfully navigate the probate process to complete our client's cases quickly and efficiently.

But that's just one aspect that sets Cobb Hammett apart from other firms. Understanding the importance of personalized attention, we also make an intentional decision to limit our law firm's overall caseload. This allows us to better focus on individual clients, many of whom remain with us for generations. We do not pass off cases to paralegals or junior associates but rather prioritize the attorney-client relationship. We value compassion and integrity, and our practice reflects those values.

Moreover, trust is one of the most important aspects of the attorney-client relationship. We work to create an open, friendly environment in which you can feel comfortable. After years of experience, we boast the skill and experience necessary to earn that trust - and that's a priceless commodity when it comes to probate cases in South Carolina.

Our attorneys love probate and estate-related legal services, including but not limited to the following:

Estate Administration

When our probate lawyers assist with Estate Administration, our team prioritizes efficacy and efficiency to ensure all tasks are accomplished correctly and on time. That way, our clients endure less stress while looking good in front of family members.

Estate Disputes and Litigation Cases

When an Estate is disputed and requires litigation, Cobb Hammett probate attorneys fight to win on our client's behalf. From holding unfaithful Executors accountable to contesting Wills, our team searches for the best way to achieve our client's goals.

Trust Administration

Things get more complicated in probate cases where Trusts are involved. To ensure that the terms of the Trust are met and handled correctly, our team works closely with clients to advise them on how to proceed.

Trust Disputes and Litigation Cases

Every Trust is different. By proxy, every Trust dispute must be handled in a unique manner. After a careful analysis of the Trust and South Carolina law, our team will determine the best strategy to achieve our client's goals.

Understanding The Probate Process in South Carolina

When a loved one passes away, it's natural to go through a time of emotional adjustment. However, it's crucial for the family of the loved one to face the financial realities of their estate. That reality includes the probate process, which involves distributing assets and settling the estate. A probate attorney in Duncan, SC is often recommended to assist during this time. This process isn't just recommended - it's often a legal responsibility in South Carolina.

Steps to the Probate Process in South Carolina

Delivery of Will Upon Death: During probate, the first step involves having a will delivered to an Estate Administrator or to the probate court. The deadline to accomplish this task is 30 days.

A Personal Representative is Assigned: This individual is often named in a Will and should be appointed officially by the court.

A Notice is Sent to Intestate Heirs: If these heirs feel that they should inherit, they have a right to challenge this step.

The Estate is Inventoried and Appraised: This process must occur within 90 days of opening an estate. In some estates with valuables like jewelry, art, and property, professional appraisers may be needed.

Settling Accounts: During this step, the estate must pay any applicable taxes, ongoing expenses, or outstanding debts. Should the estate not have enough money to pay these debts, creditors must be paid according to South Carolina code.

Distributions: If there is money in the estate after debts are paid, those funds are given to heirs of the estate, according to the Will or the State.

Discharge: As soon as any claims are paid, the personal representative of the estate will file documents to close the estate. To make this official, the court will issue a Certificate of Discharge.

Avoiding Probate in South Carolina

Though most estates in South Carolina must go through probate, it is possible to avoid. This happens when a decedent's assets are placed in a Living Trust prior to their death. In this scenario, beneficiaries must be designated in order to inherit the estate. Suppose there are funds that have been promised to beneficiaries via life insurance policies or bank accounts with "payable upon death" designations. In that case, those funds do not have to go through probate.

Assets subject to probate in South Carolina include:

Interest in an LLC, Partnership, or Corporation
Real Estate Held as a Tenant in Common
Property Held in Only the Deceased's Name

Assets that are not subject to probate in South Carolina include:

Assets Placed in a Trust
Assets Which Are Already Tied to a Beneficiary
Pension Plan Assets
Insurance Policies with Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries of Retirement Funds
Real Estate or Property with Right of Survivorship
Real Estate or Property with Joint Tenancy
Accounts That Are Transferable or Payable Upon Death

Avoiding Probate: Yes or No?

Though it's not always possible, some families go out of their way to avoid the probate process in South Carolina. Doing so can help save money in the long run and also expedite the distribution of funds to heirs. By avoiding probate, you're also keeping personal matters private.

Because every person has different estate and probate complexities, it's hard to say whether avoiding probate is good or bad. Whether or not you should avoid probate depends on your unique situation. As a general rule, it's always best to consult with a probate lawyer in Duncan, SC, for honest feedback and probate assistance.

Typically, having a Living Trust or a Will in place will make transferring assets easier. A little prep ahead of time will make a world of difference when your loved one passes away. After all, nobody is ever prepared for a relative or family friend's death, but a compassionate, trustworthy probate attorney can make the process easier.

FAQsSouth Carolina Probate FAQs

For many families, "Probate" is a dirty term that involves heartbreak and headaches. And while the probate process in South Carolina can be complex and stressful, having answers to some of the most common probate questions can help put your mind at ease.

My family member recently passed away, and we're considering their estate. How long will the probate process take?

The time it takes an estate to go through probate in South Carolina varies depending on a number of questions, including:

Does the deceased have a valid will?
Is the Estate complex or large?
Is the Will contested?
Have any lawsuits been filed?
Is the personal representative of the estate efficient?

When conditions are good, a small or simple estate usually takes about a year to close. More complicated estates may take longer.

My loved one mentioned opening a Trust to protect my assets. What is a Trust, and what Trusts should I consider?

As is the case with most probate decisions, opening a Trust should be based on your unique situation and guidance from your probate attorney in Duncan, SC. With that said, a Trust is meant to hold property for your loved one's benefit. When a Trust is created, assets are transferred into the said Trust and managed accordingly. Though there is a common misconception that Trusts are reserved for the wealthy, just about any family can benefit from opening a Trust.

The most common types of Trusts used in probate include:

Living Trust: These trusts are opened and controlled by you while you're still living. When you pass away, the assets in the trust are distributed to the beneficiaries you choose. Typically, these trusts do not go through the probate process.
Testamentary Trust: These trusts are usually established after you pass away and are included in your will. These trusts must go through the probate process in South Carolina, though they allow for the distribution of property within a certain time frame.
Special Needs Trust: This type of trust gives financial support to your loved one if they are disabled.

When conditions are good, a small or simple estate usually takes about a year to close. More complicated estates may take longer.

What happens when somebody dies without a will in South Carolina?

When a person passes away without a Will in South Carolina, the state decides who gets their decedent's assets. This is also called passing intestate. When this happens, usually only spouses, blood relatives, or registered domestic partners can inherit property according to intestate succession laws.

Relatives who receive the probate property of the deceased are usually chosen in the following order:

Living Spouse
Children or Grandchildren
Parents
Brothers or Sisters

Grandparents
Uncles and Aunts
Extended Family

If you're in need of a veteran probate lawyer in South Carolina, look no further than Cobb Hammett Law Firm. With years of experience in Estate Administration and probate cases, our team is ready to serve you with excellence and protect your interests. Have additional questions? We're here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about Estate Administration in South Carolina.

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A Caring, Confident Approach to Probate in South Carolina

Planning your estate is the first step to take if you want to protect your family, your assets, your well-being, and the fruits of your hard work.

At Cobb Hammett, LLC, our team of experienced probate lawyers in Duncan, SC, can help you navigate the entire Estate Administration process. Through creative legal strategies and a clear understanding of your goals and desires, we work together to make your asset and estate visions a reality. It's never too early to get your estate in order. In fact, estate planning is important for everyone, whether you're single or married, young or old, with or without children. If you're ready to protect your assets and be prepared for probate, contact Cobb Hammett, LLC, today.

Stoneledge Park: The Park That Should Definitely Be On Your List In Duncan, SC

Inside: A local mom shares all the details about the great amenities at Stoneledge Park in this full guide.Looking for a great place to plan some activities this summer? Look no further! StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has it all: an indoor event center, outdoor pavilions and playgrounds, a paved walking trail, and of course—the well-known water park—Shipwreck Cove! Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett breaks down everything you need to know to make the most use of this versatile park as the weather ...

Inside: A local mom shares all the details about the great amenities at Stoneledge Park in this full guide.

Looking for a great place to plan some activities this summer? Look no further! StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has it all: an indoor event center, outdoor pavilions and playgrounds, a paved walking trail, and of course—the well-known water park—Shipwreck Cove! Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett breaks down everything you need to know to make the most use of this versatile park as the weather gets warmer!

Quick Summary: Stoneledge Park

About Stoneledge Park In Duncan, SC

Whether you want to meet indoors or play outside, get wet or stay dry, go with a group or just your family—StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has just the space for you!

Here, you will find a private event center open to reservations, multiple covered picnic shelters, two pretty white gazebos, a small man-made waterfall, playgrounds for big kids and little ones, and a paved walking trail that is perfect for casual strolls and kids on wheels. And of course, you can’t miss Shipwreck Cove, the fantastic adjoining water park which opens every summer!

This property encompasses over 20 acres, much of which is still to be developed, and it has long been a focal point for the town’s recreation and tourism. Parking is available on either side of the Duncan Event Center, with one lot putting you right next to the playgrounds and the other putting you right next to Shipwreck Cove!

Stoneledge Park Events Center

The centerpiece of StoneLedge Park is the Duncan Event Center. No matter which way you come into the park, you won’t be able to miss this hilltop building!

Newly constructed in 2020, the Duncan Event Center is a versatile 3,500-square-foot facility. It offers a wide open, well-lit space with tables and chairs to accommodate up to 200 people, a large wall-mounted projector and screen, built-in sound system, multi-stall restrooms, and a fantastic kitchen space complete with refrigerator, freezer, and warming station.

Reservations are required, with a 4-hour minimum to book the space. Booking details are available online, including the event calendar and options for setup, cleanup, and extras.

Common uses include weddings, showers, and parties, but my family’s experience with the Event Center has been primarily community events. With convenient parking, ample seating, and its big projector screen, the Event Center has been such an ideal space for meetings and presentations! We especially love the immediate access to all the surrounding outdoor spaces, too, which allow for fun and fellowship to carry on long after a more formal gathering ends.

Perfect Playground for All Ages

As a mom of littles, the playground at StoneLedge Park is one of my absolute favorites. It’s open every day from dawn to dusk, has public restroom facilities available, and two covered picnic shelters right by the playgrounds for easy snack breaks.

There are two playsets right near each other, one geared towards ages 2 to 5 years old and one for ages 5 to 12 years old. The playset for bigger kids is really well-designed for safety and visibility, with secure rails fully surrounding the highest levels, so this is one where toddlers might be okay to tag along with older siblings or under close supervision from parents. Swing sets include baby swings, big kid swings, and one accessible swing.

Most of the entire playground area is connected by a smooth artificial surface, which is one of my favorite features for visiting with a baby: Our littlest family member has no trouble crawling and exploring this entire area while the older siblings climb and play! There are also two covered gazebos with low benches, which make great enclosed spaces for crawlers, climbers, and cruisers while grown-ups sit and supervise.

Whether you are just visiting as a family, reserving one of the picnic shelters for a party, or booking the Duncan Event Center for a private event, the park and playground make a fantastic, family-friendly addition to any outing in this area!

Water Feature and Walking Trail

At the playgrounds, you will also find a small man-made waterfall right next to the paved walking path. In summer and fall, this is a great spot to stop for a quick family or group photo!

From there, you can follow the paved trail loop for a leisurely walk around the park. It stretches about 0.5 miles, encircling the play areas and then extending down Spring Street to a broad greenspace with another picnic shelter. The trail is wide with mostly gradual slopes, making it perfect for strollers, kids on wheels, dog-walkers, and even walking groups to enjoy!

Shipwreck Cove Water Park

Depending on the time of year, you may also want to include Shipwreck Cove in your plans! This water park typically opens over Memorial Day weekend and runs through summer each year. Typical hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Monday through Saturday, then 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. However, the water park does sometimes close for private events or adverse weather, so always be sure to check before visiting!

Admission rates vary by height and age, and there are also discounts available for groups, senior citizens, military personnel, and those with a qualifying handicap. With your ticket purchase, you can receive a wristband which allows you to enter and exit the water park freely throughout the day, making it a fabulous add-on to any outdoor adventure at StoneLedge Park! You can easily go back and forth from the playgrounds and picnic shelters to water slides and cabanas.

The wristband can be especially helpful depending on your dining plan: Food is available for purchase inside Shipwreck Cove, but outside food and drink are restricted to consumption outside the water park. Plan ahead for this if you want to bring a picnic!

Inside the water park, you’ll find an amazing kiddie area complete with pirate ship, two super slick water slides for bigger kids, and a lazy river complete with inner tubes. A limited number of life vests are available to borrow, but you may want to bring your own in case these run out. Lifeguards are on duty, but of course parental supervision is also expected!

Learn more!

Local mom’s review of Shipwreck Cove in Duncan

Duncanfest and Community Events

Whether you are planning your own event or looking for something else amazing to do, StoneLedge Park is a fantastic place to check.

It’s a go-to site for the Town of Duncan’s community events, including their annual Duncanfest—featuring carnival rides, food trucks, local bands, and usually even a fun run! Be sure to check the Town of Duncan’s event calendar for anything that could be happening at the park, especially in the spring and summer!

Does your family enjoy spending time at Stoneledge Park?

The Upstate is lucky enough to have a ton of parks. Check out our Park Guide to find your next adventure!

The BEST List of 2025 Easter Egg Hunts: Greenville, SC

Are you looking for the perfect Easter Egg hunt in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Upstate, SC? We have an amazing list of egg hunts, Easter bunny photos, Easter farm events, crafts, and all sorts of kid-friendly 2025 Easter events in the Upstate SC area. Bookmark this list!Easter Egg Hunts in Greenville, SCEaster Egg Hunts in Spa...

Easter Egg Hunts in Greenville, SC

Easter Egg Hunts in Spartanburg, SC

Easter Bunny Photos in the Upstate

Easter Events for Special Needs

Travel: These Easter Events are Worth the Drive

Tips for Surviving the Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Want to know more about Things to Do this Easter in Greenville? Find all our fantastic Easter content on our Guide to Easter in Greenville.

**Egg Hunts will be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather so be sure to check your intended egg hunt’s social media pages before heading out. We will do our best to update our list but we cannot guarantee we get to all of them that are changed if weather hampers the event.***

Greenville, SC Easter Egg Hunts

Searching for an Easter Egg Hunt in Greenville County for your kids? You found the right list! We are adding events to this list as information becomes available, so bookmark this page and check back often.

Heritage Park, 861 South Main Street, SimpsonvilleSaturday, April 5th, 2025 from 2-5 pm, The Great Egg Venture: Egg Hunt at Heritage Park. This is a free community event with inflatables and egg hunts, plus prizes.

Greer City ParkApril 12th, 2025 from 11 am – 1 pm, Eggtastic Easter Event at Greer City Park is back for 2025 with egg hunts, inflatables and more. Limited capacity so register online beforehand. Please bring your own bags. Each child can collect up to 10 eggs during their designated hunt.

Greenville, SCApril 12th, 2025, 2 pm – 4 pm, enjoy Easter egg hunts, food, games, inflateables, and even a petting zoo at this annual event at GFN’s Easter Jam.

Larkin’s Sawmill, Greenville, SCApril 20th, 2025, 10 am – 2 pm, This event fills up quickly, so reserve your brunch and egg hunt time soon. The event features an open buffet, egg hunts at 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:45 pm. Please bring your own Easter basket!

Spartanburg, SC Easter Egg Hunts

The Easter Bunny will be visiting Bass Pro Shop in Greenville this April 2025! You can visit with him and get a FREE printed photo with the Easter Bunny.

Visit with the Easter Bunny at Haywood Mall, dates TBD for 2025The Caring Bunny (a special opportunity for kids with special needs to get their photo in a sensory-friendly environment) date will be announced in March. Reservations are required for this special event.

The Great Smoky Mountian Railroad in Bryson City, NC is offering their Bunny Hopper Express train again in 2025. On April 18 – 20, 2025 at 11 am, you can ride the Bunny Hopper Express to the Bunny Trail. At this 1-and-a-half-hour layover, you’ll enjoy an Easter Egg hunt, live music, photos, and an Easter treat for kids at the layover.

Tickets are $35 to $132 depending on your choice of car, and complimentary for kids under in designated cars. Purchase Bunny Hopper Express tickets in advance. Many cars will likely sell out.

Top 5 Easter Egg Hunt Tips

What could go wrong at a fun event involving kids, candy, and the outdoors? I hope that I won’t shock any new parents out there, but the public egg hunt is not always all fun and games. It’s lots of fun but it can also result in tears from both kids and parents. Here are some of the top tips to help make the experience safe and enjoyable.

Different egg hunts have different rules and it’s smart to choose a hunt that fits your family’s age children and temperaments. For example, a fast, competitive child might thrive at a free-for-all egg hunt that’s every man for himself, but a shy child might find the same hunt frightening and leave without a single egg.

Find out . . . What are the rules for this egg hunt?

Beware of the hunts that allow parents to “help” kids. It’s not unheard of to watch fellow parents run toddlers over while they help their very capable preschooler fill an overflowing basket of eggs.

Easter is early-April this year which means the day could rapidly go from a cool early morning to a hot late morning or afternoon depending on the weather.

Make sure that you plan time to park. If your egg hunt has an age requirement for a specific time, your child will likely only be allowed to hunt at that time. If the hunt is large, plan at least 30 minutes for parking and registration before the hunt. Also pack snacks, water, extra clothes, and don’t forget the basket! You should always have a backup plan as well, just in case your kid’s basket ends up empty.

Be sure to go over your expectations of behavior before the craziness starts. Let your kids know that pushing, shoving, or taking other people’s eggs are a no-no.

In lieu (or in addition) to the big community hunt, consider planning your own private hunt with just your own kids or with your neighborhood or friends. Smaller hunts can allow for actual hiding (rather than just a bunch of eggs dumped in a field) and a smaller event can also be a fun chance to dye eggs and enjoy Easter games. It’s a simple event that the kids enjoy and it doesn’t involve tons of candy. With friends and family. Have fun!

Did your favorite egg hunt make our list? If we missed it, please share it in the comments below!

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