The FBI reports that 59 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty across the country from January 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021. These statistics show that this is a 51 percent increase in the number of police officers killed when compared to the same period during the previous year. Locally, three...
The holidays are here. We love them . . . while very aware that they mean quite different things to our clients and their families. We’re frequently asked, “what do you tell parents who are in the process of or are already divorced about how to handle the holidays?” Simple, we tell them, “You can’t...
It’s estimated that at least 68% of Americans have never made a will. Why, then, does it always seem surprising that a recently deceased celebrity never got around to making an estate plan? As I’m sure most of you know, Anne Heche was killed after her car – traveling about 50 miles over the speed...
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...
Let’s talk about ‘your day in court.’ Every lawyer hears this phrase a few times a week from new clients. There’s a perception out here in the general population – no doubt fueled by a hundred TV shows – that one is vindicated when they win in court. There’s a reason for that – reaching...
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...