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:
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 Hilton Head Island, SC, by your side, however, you can rest easy knowing your loved one's assets are protected, and their legacy is legally preserved.
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.
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.
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 Hilton Head Island, 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Hilton Head Island, SC is often recommended to assist during this time. This process isn't just recommended - it's often a legal responsibility 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.
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:
Assets that are not subject to probate in South Carolina include:
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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
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:
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 Hilton Head Island, 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:
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:
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.
Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
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 Hilton Head Island, 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.
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.The typical home value in the United States was $363,946 in August, 0.0% lower than the year before.High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of September 18, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.26%.Although home prices have infl...
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.
The typical home value in the United States was $363,946 in August, 0.0% lower than the year before.
High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of September 18, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.26%.
Although home prices have inflated all across the U.S., there are some cities that command a higher price tag than others. Location, size, age, and condition are all contributing factors to home value.
Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in the Hilton Head Island metro area using data from Zillow. Charts show the monthly typical home value since January 2018. All 11 cities and towns with data available were included in the list.
- Typical home value: $177,805
- 1-year price change: -11.0%
- 5-year price change: +24.7%
- Typical home value: $200,172
- 1-year price change: -10.2%
- 5-year price change: +12.6%
- Typical home value: $305,618
- 1-year price change: -4.8%
- 5-year price change: +46.4%
- Typical home value: $338,709
- 1-year price change: -2.8%
- 5-year price change: +68.2%
- Typical home value: $386,452
- 1-year price change: -0.8%
- 5-year price change: +49.1%
- Typical home value: $405,125
- 1-year price change: +1.1%
- 5-year price change: +60.3%
- Typical home value: $447,626
- 1-year price change: -2.7%
- 5-year price change: +72.3%
- Typical home value: $465,805
- 1-year price change: +2.1%
- 5-year price change: +73.1%
- Typical home value: $498,987
- 1-year price change: -1.6%
- 5-year price change: +56.0%
- Typical home value: $759,982
- 1-year price change: +0.8%
- 5-year price change: +74.9%
- Typical home value: $2,146,987
- 1-year price change: +1.3%
- 5-year price change: +53.8%
© Stacker Media, LLC.
Cranes, concrete and construction crews have become a familiar sight along Buckwalter Parkway, where Bluffton’s landscape — and its services — are changing fast.From new hospitals, businesses and a towering new water tank, five major projects are now underway in the heart of Bluffton, expanding the town’s health care offerings and its infrastructure.Here’s what we know about each of these projects and how they’ll reshape this area within the next year.High Tide Pediatric Dentistry in ...
Cranes, concrete and construction crews have become a familiar sight along Buckwalter Parkway, where Bluffton’s landscape — and its services — are changing fast.
From new hospitals, businesses and a towering new water tank, five major projects are now underway in the heart of Bluffton, expanding the town’s health care offerings and its infrastructure.
Here’s what we know about each of these projects and how they’ll reshape this area within the next year.
A new pediatric dental practice is coming to Washington Square, with a shell space already under construction at 5 Mott St.
High Tide Pediatric Dentistry, owned and operated by Dr. Melissa Connell, will serve Bluffton’s youngest residents. Connell had a practice in the Chicago area, but sold it in 2024 to relocate south.
High Tide is currently operating at a temporary location at 10 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 100, but according to Connell, this new Washington Square location is set to be operational by the spring or summer of 2026.
A second phase of this project is also in the works and will be completed in 2028, Connell said. It includes a second building and garden space that will be used for events and administrative work.
High Tide Pediatric Dentistry will have space for nine chairs, Connell said, and a website for the practice is coming soon.
In the lot next door, a two-story daycare facility is in early planning stages, but the development proposal has not received final approval from the Town of Bluffton.
Right across the street, construction is underway for Novant Health’s new medical hub. The project includes two major components:
The site will include improved traffic flow and a new signal at Buckwalter Parkway and Parkside Drive to enhance safety, according to Novant Health.
This project is separate, but expected to be complementary to the $320 million, 50-bed hospital less than half a mile away that will be located along Lake Point Drive, past the light at Buckwalter Place Boulevard.
The facility is slated to open summer 2026.
Just across Bluffton Parkway, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has quickly broken ground on a new 28-bed community hospital at the corner of Innovation Drive and Buckwalter Parkway.
This full-service facility will feature an emergency department, surgery center, cardiac catheterization lab, inpatient acute nursing unit and comprehensive imaging services.
The new Bluffton hospital is anticipated to be completed by late 2026 and will be located at 10 Innovation Drive.
Adding to the healthcare scope, the Medical University of South Carolina Health is expanding its presence in Bluffton with a new three-story, 54,000 square-foot medical office building set to open in spring 2026.
The Bluffton Medical Pavilion will consolidate existing MUSC services in the area and introduce six new specialties to the community, including a cancer clinic offering oncology and infusion treatments. Additional services will include:
This new facility will be located at 700 Buckwalter Towne Boulevard.
Rising more than 100 feet tall, the new Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority water tower will soon become a prominent landmark off Bluffton Parkway, across from the future Beaufort Memorial Hospital campus.
The $28 million structure can hold 1.5 million gallons of water and is designed to support 11,500 customer connections in the Bluffton area.
This project, first unveiled in 2021, addresses the region’s rapid population growth and increasing water demand fueled by developments in Sun City, Hampton Lakes, Lawton Station, Hilton Head Lakes, and Margaritaville – along with these ongoing medical facilities.
It is the opening week of the high school football playoffs in South Carolina.Here is a look at how Hilton Head area schools did Friday night:Hilton Head 52, South Aiken 24: Quarterback Derrick Raniszewski threw three touchdowns and Thaddeus Czarnecki rushed for three scores as the Seahawks won their opener in the Class 4A playoffs.HHI will host Wilson in the second round next week.Raniszewski was 14-of-16 for 271 yards passing. Kaden Stewart caught four passes for 168 yards and two TDs. Ty Wiedemann also h...
It is the opening week of the high school football playoffs in South Carolina.
Here is a look at how Hilton Head area schools did Friday night:
Hilton Head 52, South Aiken 24: Quarterback Derrick Raniszewski threw three touchdowns and Thaddeus Czarnecki rushed for three scores as the Seahawks won their opener in the Class 4A playoffs.
HHI will host Wilson in the second round next week.
Raniszewski was 14-of-16 for 271 yards passing. Kaden Stewart caught four passes for 168 yards and two TDs. Ty Wiedemann also had a TD catch. Czarnecki rushed for 84 yards. Jayvin Risher had a TD run and led HHI with 11 tackles.
Hilton Head Christian 42, Trinity Collegiate 20: Quarterback Kres Langhals had a big night, including TD passes to Joey Haupt and Jackson Richardson in the Eagles’ win in the SCISA 3A playoffs. HHCA will go to Wilson Hall next week.
Langhals also had a TD run in the game.
Hilton Head Prep 27, Calhoun Academy 26: The Dolphins went on the road and provided the night’s biggest win in the SCISA 2A playoffs.
It was HHP’s first playoff win in a decade. The Dolphins entered the game with a 2-8 record and Calhoun was 8-2. Hilton Head Prep will travel to Pee Dee Academy next week. PDA beat the Dolphins, 44-0, earlier this year.
Thomas Heyward 47, Carolina Academy 20: Tony O’Banner had five touchdown runs as the Rebels advanced in the SCISA Class A playoffs.
THA will travel to Williamsburg Academy next week. WA defeated the Rebels, 40-12, earlier this year.
THA quarterback Joshua Gibson added two TD runs and a TD pass.
Gilbert 38, Bluffton 21: Kitt McLauchlin threw two touchdown passes to Chandler Guthrie and Gray Gunter threw a TD pass and ran for a score as the Indians went on the road and knocked off the Bobcats in the 4A playoffs.
Bluffton led 14-3 in the first half as Malcolm Gordon returned an interception for a touchdown QB Aedan McCarthy threw a TD pass to Carnell Warren and also had a TD run for Bluffton.
Wilson 36, May River 28: Tristen Howard threw two touchdown passes as the Tigers eliminated the Sharks from the Class 4A playoffs.
Kayden Bethea had a TD run, caught a touchdown pass and Zyeir Lyde rushed for two touchdowns for Wilson.
Sean Mitchell and Justin Head had touchdowns for May River.
Bethune Bowman 34, Ridgeland 30: Ridgeland loses at home in the first round of the SC Class A playoffs. Ridgeland finishes the season at 4-6
Lake View 28, Hardeeville 6: Hardeeville’s season ended in the first round of the SC Class A playoffs.
Lake View QB Chase Price rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more.
Florence Christian 28, John Paul II 12: The Warriors scored a pair of fourth-quarter TDs in the loss in the SCISA 3A playoffs.
Andrew Miller had 26 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns to lead Florence Christian.
Dorchester Academy 46, Beaufort Academy 20: Ben Davis threw a TD pass to Jace Paulk and Nych Underwood had a TD run in the Eagles’ loss in the SCISA Class A playoffs.
Hilton Head residents will need to ditch the flip-flops for a coat next week, as colder temperatures hit the coastal area on Tuesday.A strong cold front moving through the Lowcountry Sunday will bring the season’s coldest air so far, with freezing temperatures possible early next week.Before the cold arrives, the weekend will remain mild. Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, followed by a partly cloudy Saturday night with lows in the mid-60s.Sunday will bring a slight c...
Hilton Head residents will need to ditch the flip-flops for a coat next week, as colder temperatures hit the coastal area on Tuesday.
A strong cold front moving through the Lowcountry Sunday will bring the season’s coldest air so far, with freezing temperatures possible early next week.
Before the cold arrives, the weekend will remain mild. Saturday’s forecast is mostly sunny with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, followed by a partly cloudy Saturday night with lows in the mid-60s.
Sunday will bring a slight chance of showers or a thunderstorm in the afternoon before the front moves through.
According to the National Weather Service Charleston Office, the cold front will sweep across the region late Sunday afternoon, pushing away any lingering showers by Monday morning. Skies will clear, but temperatures will tumble behind the front.
Overnight temperatures Sunday night are expected to dip into the low 40s inland and high 40s along the coast.
Monday will stay dry, chilly and bring wind gusts into the 20s, with daytime highs only reaching the low to mid-50s – well below normal for early November.
The real cold, however, will arrive Monday night into Tuesday morning, when record low temperatures are forecast to drop around freezing in coastal counties. Hilton Head is expected to see temperatures around 38 degrees Monday night.
The NWS says these temperatures mark some of the coldest of the season, and for much of the region, a freeze watch or warning is likely to be issued.
Above-average temperatures will continue for a few more days, though a big cooldown is ahead as temperatures become well below normal next week! Areas inland will likely see temperatures dip down into the upper 20s, while those along the coast cool into mid 30s on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/3dixh2L1Jd
— NWS Charleston, SC (@NWSCharlestonSC) November 7, 2025
Coastal areas have about a 10-20% chance to reach the freezing mark, rising up into the 90 to 95% range further inland.
Later on Tuesday will bring somewhat of a warm-up, with highs in the 50s and overnight lows near freezing inland and in the upper 30s to low 40s closer to the beaches.
By midweek, temperatures are expected to return to more typical November levels. Highs should climb back into the 60s by Wednesday and Thursday.
As for the remainder of hurricane season, which officially concludes Nov. 30, no tropical development is expected in the Atlantic over the next seven days.
For the latest forecast updates, visit the NWS Charleston 7-day forecast webpage.
One of Hilton Head’s beloved traditions returns this weekend.Since 2001, the Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival, hosted by the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, has served up a family-friendly celebration of the Lowcountry’s seafood culture — complete with fresh local oysters, shrimp, live music and plenty of coastal charm.This year’s festival offers two days of feasting, music and fun, running Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at two of the island’s most popular parks.Here’s w...
One of Hilton Head’s beloved traditions returns this weekend.
Since 2001, the Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival, hosted by the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, has served up a family-friendly celebration of the Lowcountry’s seafood culture — complete with fresh local oysters, shrimp, live music and plenty of coastal charm.
This year’s festival offers two days of feasting, music and fun, running Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at two of the island’s most popular parks.
Here’s what to know about this year’s event:
The weekend kicks off Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park, located at 39 Shelter Cove Lane, with an all-you-can-eat seafood spread.
Day one will feature steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and chili. Drinks are sold separately, and the evening includes live music by Rock Candy.
Tickets are $60 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under.
On Saturday, the celebration moves to Lowcountry Celebration Park, located at 94 Pope Avenue, near Coligny Circle, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Expect live music, local artisans, kid activities and plenty of food and drink available for purchase.
Admission is $10 at the door, with free entry for children under 11, as well as veterans, active military, police and fire personnel with ID.
Saturday’s music lineup includes:
After the festival, attendees can continue celebrating at The Bank, located at 59 Pope Ave.
Note that this is a cashless event set for rain or shine. Refunds are not available.
All proceeds from the Oyster Festival benefit the Carmines Family Recreation Scholarship Fund at the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, which helps children participate in recreational programs they might not be able to afford otherwise.
The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association is a community based nonprofit organization. The group said it raises over $200,000 annually for the scholarship fund, established in memory of David McGee Carmines, a Hilton Head native and active member of the community.
The festival also plays a key role in environmental stewardship by recycling its oyster shells with the Outside Foundation, which reuses them through its Oyster Recycling and Reef Building Initiative. This initiative helps rebuild oyster reefs from old shells — an essential part of the Lowcountry ecosystem.
Last year, 5.2 tons of shells were donated from this event.
Each ton of shells helps create new reefs that support marine life, clean local waters and produce a thriving oyster fishery for future generations.