Efficient, Compassionate Legal Assistance for Probate Matters
Probate Lawyer in Union, 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 Union, SC, by your side, however, you can rest easy knowing your loved one's assets are protected, and their legacy is legally preserved.
What is a Probate Attorney in Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, 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.
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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 Union, 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 Union, 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.
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Latest News in Union, SC
Union Govt Tells SC it Can't Probe Graft Allegations Against Arunachal CM Khandu
The Wirehttps://m.thewire.in/article/government/union-govt-tells-sc-it-doesnt-have-jurisdiction-to-probe-graft-allegations-against-arunachal-cm-khandu
GovernmentThe PIL by two non-profit organisations has called for an investigation into allegations against Khandu for awarding public contracts to his family members.New Delhi: Citing the Code of Conduct for ministers, the Union government has told the Supreme Court that it cannot probe the allegations of corruption and nepotism against Arunachal Pradesh chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pema Khandu.The Union government filed an affidavit in this regard before the apex court, which w...
Government
The PIL by two non-profit organisations has called for an investigation into allegations against Khandu for awarding public contracts to his family members.
New Delhi: Citing the Code of Conduct for ministers, the Union government has told the Supreme Court that it cannot probe the allegations of corruption and nepotism against Arunachal Pradesh chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pema Khandu.
The Union government filed an affidavit in this regard before the apex court, which was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) by two non-profit organisations which have called for an investigation into allegations against Khandu for awarding public contracts to his family members, .
In its affidavit, the Union government said that the Code of Conduct for ministers that governs Khandu comes under the jurisdiction of the state and the Union Finance Ministry’s public procurement rules are not binding on the states.
Earlier, the petitioners said that Khandu not only violated the Code of Conduct binding on all state and central ministers issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), but also failed to honour the procurement rules of the Union Finance Ministry.
After the Union government had failed to file a response even after a court order on March 18, the Supreme Court had last month given it three weeks to file it.
The PIL has been filed by two NGOs – Save Mon Region Foundation and Voluntary Arunachal Sena, accusing Khandu, his father’s second wife Rinchin Drema, and his nephew Tsering Tashi, as beneficiaries of the contracts.
In its affidavit, the Union government said that the Code of Conduct certainly binds all ministers of states and centre. It also referred to an office memorandum of MHA dated September 18, 2025, that held Clause 2(d) of Code of Conduct for Ministers applies to ministers of both Union and states.
This Code says, “After taking office, and so long as he remains in office, the Minister shall ensure that the members of his family do not start, or participate in, business concerns, engaged in supplying goods or services to that government (excepting in the usual course of trade or business and at standard or market rates) or dependent primarily on grant of licenses, permits, quotas, leases, etc. from that government.”
However, the Union government then said in its affidavit that the MHA does not have any further role in the matter.
“The MHA does not have any further role whatsoever in the matter. In fact, the issues flagged in the writ petition fall within the domain of the state government,” the government stated in the affidavit, reported Hindustan Times.
The petitioners, represented by advocates Prashant Bhushan and Neha Rathi also expressed concerns over the procedures followed in the public procurement process by the Arunachal Pradesh government.
“The Code of Conduct specifically says that ministers should ensure their families do not participate in government tenders. We must have a clear-cut answer on what was the process followed if tenders were not called for. This must be stated,” the Supreme Court had earlier said in March this year.
Responding to the allegations, the Arunachal government had said in July that “no government contracts were awarded” to Khandu or the persons named as alleged beneficiaries in the petition.
It had said that 95% of the contracts which were awarded to firms or individuals related to Khandu, Drema or Tashi were through the process of “open tender” and were given after inviting and evaluation of technical and financial bids. The state government had denied adopting any “pick and choose” or showing “undue favour” in respect of any of the beneficiaries named.
This article went live on October thirty-first, two thousand twenty five, at twelve minutes past two in the afternoon.
Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview
bwin.comhttps://www.bwin.com/en/news/match-preview-union-berlin-sc-freiburg-bundesliga-gameweek-9/
Match DetailsOur predictions for Union Berlin vs SC FreiburgMatch Prediction: Union Berlin 2-1 SC FreiburgUnion Berlin's recent form suggests a team capable of high-scoring victories but also vulnerable to losses. Their wins against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt indicate an attacking flair, yet their defeats to Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen show defensive frailties. SC Freiburg, on the other hand, has been more consistent, with a strong defensive record and an ability to secure points f...
Match Details
Our predictions for Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg
Match Prediction: Union Berlin 2-1 SC Freiburg
Union Berlin's recent form suggests a team capable of high-scoring victories but also vulnerable to losses. Their wins against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt indicate an attacking flair, yet their defeats to Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen show defensive frailties. SC Freiburg, on the other hand, has been more consistent, with a strong defensive record and an ability to secure points from draws. This match could see Union Berlin pushing forward aggressively, while Freiburg aims to exploit counter-attacks and maintain a solid backline.
The tactical battle will likely revolve around Union Berlin's offensive momentum against Freiburg's disciplined structure. Union Berlin's home advantage might push them to take the initiative, but Freiburg's recent performances suggest they can absorb pressure and strike on the break. Expect a closely contested match with both teams having moments of dominance.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Union Berlin's recent form has been a mix of high-scoring wins and disappointing losses. Their victories against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt showcase their attacking prowess, but defeats to Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen highlight defensive inconsistencies. This fluctuating performance could lead to an unpredictable approach against SC Freiburg, with Union Berlin likely to focus on their offensive strengths to secure a win at home.
Recent Bundesliga Results:
SC Freiburg has shown resilience in their recent matches, with a strong defensive record and an ability to secure points from draws. Their only loss came against Bayer Leverkusen, while they managed to draw against strong teams like Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Mönchengladbach. This consistency suggests that Freiburg will approach the game against Union Berlin with a focus on maintaining a solid defense and looking for opportunities on the counter-attack.
Recent Bundesliga Results:
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between Union Berlin and SC Freiburg shows a competitive rivalry, with Union Berlin winning three of the last five encounters. The most recent match saw Union Berlin triumph 2-1 away at Freiburg, while their home games have resulted in a draw and a high-scoring victory. This history suggests that Union Berlin has a slight edge, but Freiburg's ability to secure draws indicates they can be a tough opponent.
Recent Bundesliga Results:
Team News & Injury Report
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Union Berlin's predicted lineup emphasises their attacking intent with Ansah and Ilić leading the charge. Their recent form suggests they will look to exploit Freiburg's defense with quick transitions and high pressing.
SC Freiburg's predicted lineup indicates a balanced approach, with a strong defensive core led by Lienhart and Ginter. Their recent performances suggest they will aim to control the midfield with Manzambi and Eggestein, looking to counter-attack effectively.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
FAQs
How to watch Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg
Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg at 14:30 BST on Saturday, 01 November 2025 isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK
What is Bwin's prediction for Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg?
Bwin is predicting that the score will be Union Berlin 2-1 SC Freiburg in the match between Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg
Can you bet on Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg?
Bwin is giving fans the ability to bet on various markets for Union Berlin vs SC Freiburg, including match betting, correct score and anytime scorer odds.
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