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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, 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 Simpsonville, 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.
A Greenville restaurant voluntarily closed in February after inspectors found numerous health violations, including live and dead roaches, black growth, food at improper temperature and too much trash on the floor where garbage cans are located.Epic Buffet of East Bank on Grandview Drive in Simpsonville scored 59. Anything lower than 70 is to be closed.The inspection report says the restaurant can reopen ...
A Greenville restaurant voluntarily closed in February after inspectors found numerous health violations, including live and dead roaches, black growth, food at improper temperature and too much trash on the floor where garbage cans are located.
Epic Buffet of East Bank on Grandview Drive in Simpsonville scored 59. Anything lower than 70 is to be closed.
The inspection report says the restaurant can reopen upon a satisfactory review.
Among the deficiencies were numerous employee closed drinks in the kitchen, personal belongings stored above food contact surfaces, employee foods stored intermingled in multiple cold holding units and employee medications stored in the kitchen.
A food handler did not take off gloves to wash hands.
Multiple cutting boards were soiled with food debris and were in disrepair. The ice machine had black microbial growth.
The sushi station temperature was too low as was the case that held honey baked ham, chicken nuggets, popcorn shrimp and fried fish. The food was thrown out and the violation cited as consecutive.
A cold holding and Hibatchi area had noodles, garlic in oil, chicken, egg roll at improper temperatures.
Multiple buckets of food contained sauces and beef stew in the walk-in cooler without dates. Chicken was thawing on a countertop. Containers of various sauces and marinades were stored on floors and in the walk-in cooler. Cardboard boxes of food stored on the floor in the freezer.
Chemicals and cleaners were not labeled with their common names, a screen door had large gaps.
Roaches were seen on the floor of food prep areas and dead roaches were on floors, shelving and light fixtures throughout the kitchen.
Wet wiping cloths were not stored in sanitizer throughout the kitchen, and utensils were in too-cool standing water.
A chest freezer in a walk-in freezer was in severe disrepair and held together with duct tape.
Sewage and wastewater was improperly disposed of, oil/grease was on ground outside of an oil recycling container, Dumpster lids did not function properly.
A large drill used for outdoor repairs was inside the food prep area.
The soda room had heavily soiled syrup residue and the ceiling air vents throughout the kitchen customer was soiled with dust and debris as were ventilation hoods and floors in the main cook line.
Other Greenville County restaurants inspected in February included:
Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse on Congaree Road in Greenville scored 70.
Among the concerns were no vomit/diarrhea clean up procedure and a food handler touched raw meat, dish machine and raw meat without changing gloves.
A pitcher was submerged in ready-to-eat sauce, with a soiled paper towel wrapped around the handle. The sushi kitchen did not have shell stock tags for shucked oysters and raw shelled eggs over ready-to-eat sauces.
Cutlery and dishes, rice cooker and soup dispenser stored as clean had food debris and microbial growth, debris, and rust in the ice machine.
Raid pest spray was in the kitchen / sushi area, and multiple live and dead roaches throughout the facility with dead roaches inside microwave time display.
Grease was pooled on floors and by the receiving door.
Tiles were in disrepair under a high-temperature dish machine and a large hole was seen under a three-compartment sink where plumbing exits the wall.
Walls/ceilings throughout the kitchen were soiled with grease and dust, floors sticky and the sides of the ice machine were dirty.
There were also multiple bottles of employee medications in the sushi area.
Ingles #74 Deli Bakery on White Horse Road in Greenville scored 73 based on incorrect employee handwashing, cleaning of pans and meat slicer, and deli sandwich bar at too-low temperatures that included fried chicken and rotisserie chicken.
Date markings were not indicated on various foods. A can of pesticide was in the bakery.
A large piece of broken glass was in the cold display case and excessive ice build up was on the floor and ceiling in a walk-in freezer.
Organic buildup was seen on floors and surrounding each walk-in freezer.
OJ’S Diner on Pendleton Street in Greenville scored 72.
It was cited for employee drinks being stored on food contact surfaces during food prep, an employee eating when coming into the kitchen and not washing hands before touching dishes and no paper towels.
Large cans were dented and food was stored at improper temperature. The inspector called it a “danger zone.”
Dates were not marked properly and a large container of cooked pasta measuring was cooling at ambient temperature. Rodent droppings were scattered across dry storage, on shelving and paper goods. A wooden pallet in a walk-in cooler stored eggs.
The dish machine had food debris, and shelving in a walk-in cooler was heavily soiled with dust and debris. Also, painted walls in the main cook line were distressed and not smooth/easily cleanable.
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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...
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, 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.***
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!
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.
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!
It’s a family affair at Rustic II Refined. Most days find Hailey Minten working with her mother, Kerry Minten, and sister, Chelsey Tourville, at their seasonal boutique in Five Forks where they work “within 20 feet of each other,” according to Hailey Minten, creating something special.Across the country and the state, the family has worked together to create a business that means more to its customers than items on the store’s shelves.Each brings a different strength to the operation, from Tourville&rsqu...
It’s a family affair at Rustic II Refined. Most days find Hailey Minten working with her mother, Kerry Minten, and sister, Chelsey Tourville, at their seasonal boutique in Five Forks where they work “within 20 feet of each other,” according to Hailey Minten, creating something special.
Across the country and the state, the family has worked together to create a business that means more to its customers than items on the store’s shelves.
Each brings a different strength to the operation, from Tourville’s design skills and Hailey Minten’s business focus to mom Kerry Minten’s ability to do “everything,” according to Hailey, who said her father also gets in on the work.
“We call him Maintenance Man Dave,” Hailey Minten says.
Kerry Minten opened and ran a store in Wisconsin, before the family moved to South Carolina and settled on the coast, where Hailey started school at Coastal Carolina University.
Hailey fully credits her mother’s vision and determination in opening that first store with inspiring all that has come since. After the move, she and her mother opened a shop in Myrtle Beach. And when Hailey graduated and Tourville finished interior design school in Wisconsin, the family decided to make Greenville their new home. While they considered opening a business downtown, they ultimately chose the Five Forks area of Simpsonville five years ago. It has become a community favorite for shopping and connection.
“We have three categories: home decor, gifts and apparel,” Minten says. “That changes through the seasons. We always like to keep it fresh and change it up all the time.”
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Displays offer design inspiration, from rich fall colors to sparkling holidays to summer sunshine for graduations and Mother’s Day. Throughout the year, the family team listens to customers and offers new inventory based on their requests – like expanding their apparel offerings.
“The three of us are also the buyers,” Minten says. “Because we're working in the store every day, if someone says, ‘Hey, we're looking for this,’ we know the next time we buy to look for that. Our customers definitely are influential here. We do really strive to get the brands and the trends that our customers are looking for.”
But the reality is that customers can shop anywhere. Minten says the personal connection many find at Rustic II Refined is what creates community and turns shoppers into friends.
The family is working toward expanding to a new location, creating a spot with both a larger storefront and space where people can gather and connect over a class or fun evening out. For now, they get creative, both in what they offer and how they celebrate each other and their customers, like doing a limo tour of displays of Christmas lights with proceeds benefiting a nonprofit and participants making memories together.
“They always come to us as their safe space,” Minten says. “On Saturdays, it's kind of touching – they come in because they get a cup of coffee, and they're like, ‘I just need to debrief.’”
From rough weeks at work to the loss of family members, customers know where they can turn to find a listening ear and whatever they need to help with gifts, events and more. Minten says one customer came in recently following the loss of her mother, shopping for items that resembled her mother’s style.
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“It’s things like that that I feel like we're helping the community through – the really highs, like weddings and baby showers and gender reveals and things like that – but we're also helping them through the lows,” she says. “When you're coming here, we form a connection. I feel like that's really the community that we've created. So many people know my dog by name, so many people know my dad by name. I just feel like creating that community, not just a business, is very important, because they're buying from our family, not just what’s within the four walls.”
Shop in the store or learn more and shop online at rustic2refinedsc.com.
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