Anne Heche and the Lessons in Estate Planning: Why a Will Matters It’s estimated that at least 68% of Americans have never made a will. So why does it always seem shocking when a recently deceased celebrity doesn’t have an estate plan? The late Anne Heche’s story highlights exactly why estate planning is critical—and why...
The pandemic has made it more important than ever to talk to your loved ones about what you and your family members would want if incapacitated by an accident or illness and unable to make decisions about medical care What Does “Incapacitated” Mean in South Carolina? An incapacitated person is physically or mentally unable to...
Do You Really Want Your Day in Court? The Myth of Courtroom Vindication Every lawyer hears it: “I just want my day in court.” Many new clients in Horry and Georgetown Counties believe that going before a judge will deliver justice and closure. Television courtroom dramas fuel this perception, showing victorious verdicts that solve...
A tenancy by the entirety is a common way for married couples to hold property and have it easily pass from one spouse to the other upon one spouse’s death. South Carolina doesn’t recognize tenancies by the entirety, but there are planning steps you can take to get the same effect. What is a Tenancy...
Mothers and fathers have no greater duty than to protect the lives of their children. As members of loving families and communities, we embrace that sacred responsibility with every rising sun, every breath we take. But your willing task of raising a child in a safe, secure environment comes to an end when you pass....
There are critical issues that everyday people can manage for themselves. Crafting a comprehensive estate plan and managing it when significant life changes occur is usually not one of them. It’s not uncommon for savvy professionals to believe that simple mandates such as “I want everything to go to my children,” won’t require an experienced...
Estate planning is not one of American’s top priorities. According to a 2016 CNBC poll, 64% of Americans have not had a will prepared. Half of those surveyed either feel they do not need a will or they just have not found the time to make one. You may be asking yourself, “Who needs estate planning?...
Most of us take our independence for granted. Whether it is being able to bathe ourselves, drive ourselves to the grocery store, or sign an important document, most of us do these things without even thinking. It comes naturally to us. However, what if these abilities were taken away from us? These abilities can be taken...