What Are the Legal Responsibilities of an Executor in Probate?

What Are the Legal Responsibilities of an Executor in Probate?

At Porter Law Firm, located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, we understand the responsibilities and challenges that come with serving as the executor of an estate.

Senior couple signing Last, Testament at home

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up a Revocable Trust

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up a Revocable Trust

Creating a revocable trust is a popular choice for many South Carolina residents as part of their estate planning. It provides flexibility, control, and can help avoid probate. But like any estate planning tool, it requires careful thought and proper execution.

Gavel and revocable living trusts in block letters concept

How To Use A Power Of Attorney To Manage Financial And Medical Decisions

How To Use A Power Of Attorney To Manage Financial And Medical Decisions

A power of attorney can give someone the authority to act on another person’s behalf in a wide range of situations. In South Carolina, this document often plays a key part in planning for unexpected events, medical care, and long-term financial matters.

Still Life Of Power Of Attorney Document On Desk

What Business Owners Should Include in Their Estate Plan to Ensure a Smooth Succession

What Business Owners Should Include in Their Estate Plan to Ensure a Smooth Succession

Planning for the future of your business is just as important as running it in the present. For many South Carolina business owners, their company is their most valuable asset and often the product of years of dedication. But if something unexpected happens, a lack of estate planning can create legal headaches, internal conflict, and even lead to the collapse of the business.

Elderly couples meeting attorney for estate plan consultation

Understanding the Probate Process: What Executors and Beneficiaries Need to Know

Understanding the Probate Process: What Executors and Beneficiaries Need to Know

When someone passes away in South Carolina, their assets, debts, and estate often go through a legal process called probate court. This process can seem overwhelming, especially for family members already dealing with grief. It helps to have a clear understanding of what probate involves and what your role might be.

Gavel by Probate document

How to Protect a Loved One’s Future With a Special Needs Trust

How to Protect a Loved One’s Future With a Special Needs Trust

Families want to provide support while preserving eligibility for critical public benefits. In South Carolina, one of the most effective legal tools for achieving that balance is the special needs trust.

Mother with her special need child

Key Differences Between a General Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney

Key Differences Between a General Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney

Estate planning is about more than just deciding who gets what after someone passes away. It's also about preparing for life's uncertainties and making decisions now that'll carry legal authority later. Among the most important legal documents we prepare for at Porter Law Firm in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, are powers of attorney.

Gavel and Power of Attorney word in notebook

How a Revocable Trust Can Help You Avoid Probate and Simplify Estate Planning

How a Revocable Trust Can Help You Avoid Probate and Simplify Estate Planning

Estate planning can feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with what feels like legal options and terminologies. However, creating a revocable trust is one of the most effective ways to protect your assets and streamline the process for your loved ones after your passing.

Revocable Trust Text written on board with gavel on background

How Special Needs Trusts Provide Long-Term Security for Loved Ones

How Special Needs Trusts Provide Long-Term Security for Loved Ones

Planning for the future of a loved one with special needs takes careful thought and preparation. Many families worry about how their loved ones will be cared for after they're gone, especially when it comes to financial stability.

Special need child with her parents

The Consequences of Poor Estate Planning

The Consequences of Poor Estate Planning

Drafting a will or trust is often viewed as a straightforward task, yet poor estate planning can cause undue grief and stress for your heirs. In many scenarios, insufficient documents create courtroom battles, confusion over assets, or unexpected tax burdens that drain resources.  You might inadvertently omit key accounts, place contradictory instructions in multiple documents, or rely on outdated assumptions about your children’s current needs. When you pass away, your family and beneficiaries could be left to grapple with scattered files or contradictory directives.

Senior Couple preparing estate plan with help of attorney