Month: June 2021
A guide to paying estate taxes in South Carolina
South Carolina families that have just lost a loved one have much on their plate. One element many fail to consider are taxes and how they will get paid. What taxes occur after the death of a loved one The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) still needs the decedent's...
Period it takes for beneficiaries to get notified after death
Inheritance in South Carolina is something many people worry about. Determining who should get what and how it should be divided can be stressful. One thing that can ease this process is to know the period it takes for beneficiaries to be notified after a death. The...
Understanding ancillary probate
If you live or own property in South Carolina, your estate will likely be subject to the state's probate laws. However, if you also own property in another state, an ancillary probate proceeding will need to take place within that jurisdiction. Ancillary probate...
Changing your will’s executor: Reasons and ways
Trusting anyone completely is understandably difficult. But you must trust yourself to make the critical choice of choosing someone to oversee your estate when you pass on. An executor, at least 18 and of sound mind, is the individual you, as the testator, appoint to...
How long does the probate process take?
Most South Carolina residents who own any type of asset know the importance of estate planning. However, even the most well-constructed estate plans still go through the probate process. The process varies in length depending on several factors, including what type of...
3 tips for being a good executor
While many South Carolina residents don’t want to think about the passing of a loved one, being an executor is both an honor and a great responsibility. Typically, people creating their estate plans choose a friend or relative whom they completely trust to serve as...
Overview of different types of trusts
For some people, creating a trust might be a better way for them to accomplish their estate goals than simply writing a basic will. Trusts can be used to accomplish a broad variety of different purposes, including the avoidance of South Carolina probate, minimizing...
How an Asset Protection Trust (APT) protects your financial future
Protecting your assets from financial risks in South Carolina becomes increasingly necessary as you accumulate wealth. A legal instrument called an Asset Protection Trust (APT) can safeguard your wealth from creditors, lawsuits and other financial threats to ensure...
What is probate in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents have probably heard of the term “probate” or “probate court” before. But you might not know what probate is until you’re planning your estate or trying to manage a loved one's affairs. Probate refers to the legal process used to transfer...
Should you choose trusts or wills for your estate planning?
Proper estate planning in South Carolina often involves both wills and trusts. Follow these tips to determine which works best for your assets and heirs. Purpose of wills When you discuss wills for estate planning, you should distinguish whether you mean the last will...