Dean Porter has over 40 years of legal experience, specializing in estate planning and business law. He earned his BA and MBA from Columbia University and his JD from Case Western Reserve University. He is a member of the South Carolina and New Jersey Bars, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of South Carolina and New Jersey.

A South Carolina resident for the past 25 years, Mr. Porter has been published in South Carolina Lawyer magazine. His expertise includes addressing the critical need for estate planning, as only about 34% of Americans currently have a will—and even among those who do, many are outdated.

A properly executed will ensures care for children, spouses, partners, and aging parents. While wills generally remain valid when moving to another state, state-specific laws may impact their enforceability. One of the most crucial reasons to have a will is to designate a guardian for your children in the event of your death. Although courts typically grant custody to a surviving parent, single parents especially must consider contingencies if their children become orphaned.

To avoid conservatorship and probate while maintaining privacy, establishing a revocable living trust is a recommended alternative. A living trust offers both confidentiality and streamlined estate management.