Probate Lawyer in Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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 Wellford, 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.

Hunt Midwest to Build Logistics Center in South Carolina

Hunt Midwest is planning its first development in the Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina, with an industrial project in Wellford, S.C. The company has already started construction on Fort Prince Logistics Center and is planning to have it ready for occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2022.The 476,280-square-foot industrial project will be located on a 47-acre site at 1090 Fort Prince Blvd. Hunt Midwest is planning to construct Fort Prince Logistics Center with 48 dock positions with 36-foot clear height, a 1...

Hunt Midwest is planning its first development in the Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina, with an industrial project in Wellford, S.C. The company has already started construction on Fort Prince Logistics Center and is planning to have it ready for occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The 476,280-square-foot industrial project will be located on a 47-acre site at 1090 Fort Prince Blvd. Hunt Midwest is planning to construct Fort Prince Logistics Center with 48 dock positions with 36-foot clear height, a 135-foot-deep truck court, mechanical dock equipment, ESFR sprinkler system, motion-sensor LED lighting, up to 125 tractor trailer parking stalls and 189 surface parking stalls with the option to expand to 385.

Tony Borchers, vice president of acquisitions and development for Hunt Midwest, said in prepared remarks that the project will allow for maximum flexibility for logistics, manufacturing and distribution users.

Hunt Midwest tapped Seamon Whiteside for civil engineering, LS3P for building design and Evans General Contractors as the project’s general contractor. Colliers’ John Montgomery, Garrett Scott, Brockton Hall and Dillon Swayngim will be in charge of leasing for Fort Prince Logistics Center.

Michael Bell, senior vice president of commercial real estate for Hunt Midwest, said in prepared remarks that the company was drawn to the area’s highly skilled labor force and the property’s location, which has the ability to reach 244 million customers within two-day shipping.

Fort Prince Logistics Center will have nearby access to Interstate 85, Inland Port Greer, GSP International Airport and a BMW plant along I-85 in Greer, S.C. The project will also be next to Walmart’s $450 million investment into a 720,000-square-foot distribution facility that’s expected to be complete in 2024. Like Hunt Midwest, Rockefeller Group recently entered South Carolina’s Greenville/Spartanburg market, with a three-building industrial project totaling 827,000 square feet.

Bullish on Southeastern industrial

While working on Fort Prince Logistics Center, Hunt Midwest said it’s already planning other developments in the area. The company told Commercial Property Executive that it currently has another property under control for an additional 2.7 million square feet in the Greenville-Spartanburg market and will continue to pursue other land opportunities for more developments.

Since Hunt Midwest has already had success in the Midwest and the South, the company is planning to also expand its footprint further into the Southeastern region of the U.S. The company told CPE that it’s also pursuing opportunities in Charleston, S.C., Louisville, Ky., Savannah, Ga., and central Florida. Overall, Hunt Midwest has seen more than 2,500 acres of industrial development, with several properties in Kansas City, Mo., where the company is based.

JUMPSTART Restoration Village set to provide housing on Saturday

WELLFORD, S.C. —JUMPSTART is set to hold its grand opening at 9 a.m. on Saturday for the newly built "Restoration Village" in Wellford.The Restoration Village is a 26-acre campus that will feature 24 transitional homes and a large list of amenities for men and women transitioning out ...

WELLFORD, S.C. —

JUMPSTART is set to hold its grand opening at 9 a.m. on Saturday for the newly built "Restoration Village" in Wellford.

The Restoration Village is a 26-acre campus that will feature 24 transitional homes and a large list of amenities for men and women transitioning out of prison back into society."

"JUMPSTART exists to create meaningful opportunities for men and women who are incarcerated,” JUMPSTART Executive Director Cary Sanders said. "This will be a community that will serve 106 men and woman every single year. 125 men and woman are getting out of prison and coming to the upstate every month. For those who get out without any assistance, over 70% of them return to prison within three years nationally. Over the past 10 years, 96% of those who have come through jumpstart are now thriving in the community.”

While the village is not 100% complete, there are several homes that are already built and ready to be lived in.

“Yes, people who’ve committed crimes need to experience justice, but 95% of those who are incarcerated are being released," Sanders said. "So, why not have them be prepared and have a pathway toward a bright future.”

Sanders said there will be staff and cameras on-site to monitor behavior, mandatory drug tests for participants, and assigned mentors. Sanders said with those aspects, the 'Restoration Village' will potentially be a much safer community than some of the surrounding areas, due to strict requirements to live there.

Sanders also said that the housing will no be a handout, but an opportunity that requires work, accountability, and dedication from the participants.

"People without opportunity need opportunity to get on their feet, but once they’re gainfully employed they will pay a program fee because we believe men and women need to own their responsibility for their own care in life.”

With a 96% success rate according to Sanders, the need to help more ex-prisoners getting out as well as demand to become a participant has boosted the 'Restoration Village' project, something that was a few years in the making.

Jennifer Meade, a current JUMPSTART participant, said the organization has changed her life for the better. She said she served time in prison three different times, but now has a new outlook on life.

“I got out March 1, 2022, and I came to JUMPSTART,” Meade said "When I got out the second time, I didn’t have anywhere to go. So, I went back to the same thing I was doing. The first two times I knew nothing about JumpStart, and this last time I knew I had to do something different with my life.”

Meade said she hopes her journey of turning her life around will inspire someone else in a similar situation to make the necessary changes they need to, to put their lives on a positive track.

"You have to put the effort in and give 100%, and you’ll be fine," Meade said.

Sanders said the remainder of the village will rely on support from the community. He hopes to have the village completed in its entirety by 2025.

For more information click here.

Soup Kitchen striving to address food insecurity in Spartanburg Co.

WELLFORD, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - “Breaking Bread for Jesus” says it needs more food.Simply put—the needs for food insecure families continue you grow, in Spartanburg County.When the soup kitchen first started, organizers say it was only serving about 30 to 40 plates a week. Now, that’s more than quadrupled to almost 200 per week. It just goes to show how great need has grown over the years.As soon as volunteers open their doors at 11 a.m., the orders start pouring in. And director Gail Eanes...

WELLFORD, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - “Breaking Bread for Jesus” says it needs more food.

Simply put—the needs for food insecure families continue you grow, in Spartanburg County.

When the soup kitchen first started, organizers say it was only serving about 30 to 40 plates a week. Now, that’s more than quadrupled to almost 200 per week. It just goes to show how great need has grown over the years.

As soon as volunteers open their doors at 11 a.m., the orders start pouring in. And director Gail Eanes says everyone who comes isn’t homeless.

“We don’t ask any questions. We assume when they come in the door that they’re hungry or they know somebody that’s hungry. So, we feed them. That’s what God has called us to do.” said Eanes.

Back in 2015, after volunteering at a different soup kitchen, Eanes realized some families in the Wellford-Duncan-Startex-Jackson-Lyman area needed help. That’s when “Breaking Bread for Jesus” was born.

“We know that it’s getting worse every day,” Eanes said, “There are more and more people that are coming into the doors here. And then, by Thanksgiving, I look for an increase of, at least, 15 percent.”

Volunteers serve the community fresh, home-cooked meals, 365 days a year—since the kitchen started. Some take for themselves. Some take for others, like Glenna “Faye” Holcombe.

“I’m sharing it with my mom, with a neighbor down the street. He cannot get out and drive anymore. So, I take different food to different people,” Mrs. Faye said.

Mrs. Faye says landing on their doorsteps is food is made with love.

“They’re not only concerned about the homeless. They’re concerned about the neighborhood. This is a community program,” Mrs. Faye continues, “And the food is delicious.”

Eanes says, despite setbacks, they will keep breaking bread, until it’s all gone.

“Our pantries are lower, right now, than they have been since we started,” said Eanes.

Mrs. Faye says the community needs it.

“Because of the economy now, everything is very expensive. People are hungry,” said Mrs. Faye, “And you wouldn’t think, in this country that we live in, that hunger would be here, but it’s here.”

“Breaking Bread for Jesus” will serve food on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The kitchen is in need of food donations, monetary donations, and volunteers. So, if you’re interested, visit their website.

Historic New Hope property in Wellford to be transformed by $50 million mixed-use development

An iconic farm at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Interstate 85 in Wellford will soon be transformed by a $50 million mixed-use project being developed by North Carolina-based Evolve Companies LLC.Evolve at New Hope Farm will involve construction of 280 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on the 23-acre property and the redevelopment of two existing buildings into c...

An iconic farm at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Interstate 85 in Wellford will soon be transformed by a $50 million mixed-use project being developed by North Carolina-based Evolve Companies LLC.

Evolve at New Hope Farm will involve construction of 280 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on the 23-acre property and the redevelopment of two existing buildings into commercial spaces aimed at housing a cafe and a brewery.

The development is the first approved under Spartanburg County’s recently revamped mixed-use zoning designation.

According to John McDonald, development manager for Evolve Companies, the project centers on the historic nature of New Hope Farm, with its origins dating back to a royal land grant in 1774 colonial America.

The existing main house dates from 1885, and McDonald says plans envision converting the structure to serve as a cafe or coffee shop. Plans also include converting the existing barn into a brewery or restaurant concept.

But the heart of the project will be a “grand lawn” green space that will include amenities like walking paths, a dog park, fire pits and a stage area to accommodate live music and movie nights. McDonald also says there are plans for a community garden, which in addition to historic markers planned for different locations on the property will honor the site’s more than 200 years of agricultural heritage.

He adds the idea is to create a welcoming space that is a destination, not only for residents but for members of the public.

“We really want to activate that area,” he says. “New Hope Farm is an iconic property on the Highway 29 corridor. We look forward to sharing it with the community.”

Initial site work has begun with an expected completion date for the project in the third quarter of 2023. SeamonWhiteside of Spartanburg is handling civil engineering for the project, and the architectural design is being done by Planworx Architecture out of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Evolve Companies LLC was named one of the top 25 largest builders in 2022 by the National Multifamily Housing Council, and the company has other projects underway in Simpsonville, Mauldin and Greenville.

Evolve at New Hope Farm fast facts

Gulf Relay Expands Operations with the Opening of a Second Terminal in Wellford, South Carolina

WELLFORD, S.C., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulf Relay, a Mississippi-founded, asset-based transportation company, is delighted to announce the opening of its terminal in Wellford, South Carolina, which occurred on January 2nd, 2024. This strategic expansion comes in response to the high growth potential observed in upstate South Carolina, and it marks a significant milestone in Gulf Relay's commitment to providing efficient and reliable transportation solutions. ...

WELLFORD, S.C., April 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gulf Relay, a Mississippi-founded, asset-based transportation company, is delighted to announce the opening of its terminal in Wellford, South Carolina, which occurred on January 2^nd, 2024. This strategic expansion comes in response to the high growth potential observed in upstate South Carolina, and it marks a significant milestone in Gulf Relay's commitment to providing efficient and reliable transportation solutions.

The decision to establish a presence in Wellford is driven by Gulf Relay's vision to tap into the thriving opportunities in the region and access a broader pool of skilled drivers. The I-85 corridor has been identified as a key area for growth, and Gulf Relay is eager to contribute to the economic development of this region.

The Wellford terminal includes an on-site office, an 8,000 square foot maintenance shop, 25 trailer spots, 20 truck spots, and convenient driver parking. These amenities are designed to enhance operational efficiency, provide basic maintenance services, and create a welcoming environment for Gulf Relay's dedicated team of drivers.

Heading the operations at the Wellford terminal is Jason Mefford, a seasoned professional with 15 years of truckload experience. His leadership and expertise in the industry will play a pivotal role in ensuring the terminal's success and maintaining Gulf Relay's high standards of service.

"We are thrilled to announce the opening of our second terminal in Wellford, South Carolina. This expansion is a testament to Gulf Relay's commitment to growth and our dedication to serving our clients with excellence," said Andy Vanzant, Chief Operational Officer at Gulf Relay.

Gulf Relay remains committed to fostering a culture of safety, growth, and service excellence in the transportation sector. The new terminal in Wellford represents a key step in achieving these goals and reinforces Gulf Relay's position as a leader in the logistics and transportation industry.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Sarah Williams Marketing Manager swilliams@gulfrelay.com

About Gulf Relay: Gulf Relay is a Mississippi-founded, asset-based transportation provider committed to providing reliable, safe, customer-centric transportation solutions. Gulf Relay continues to expand its operations and services to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the transportation industry.

SOURCE Gulf Relay

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