Estate Planning Lawyers in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Many people put off estate planning because it feels uncomfortable, confusing, or intimidating, but taking steps now can bring peace of mind, protect your family, and give you more control over your wishes. 

You’re not alone in feeling this way, and taking even small steps now can bring reassurance, protect your family, and make sure your wishes are honored. With more than 40 years of legal experience in estate planning and business law. 

At Porter Law Firm, we help clients in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, Hilton Head, and across South Carolina approach estate planning with confidence and clarity. We take the time to listen, answer questions, and guide you through each step, so you can feel secure knowing your future is protected. Reach out today to begin your estate planning journey.

South Carolina Estate Planning Rules and How They Affect Your Plans

Estate planning in South Carolina has some unique rules that can affect how you create wills, trusts, and other planning documents. Knowing these laws helps families avoid unintended consequences and protects their assets for the people they care about:

• Wills must be signed and witnessed: For a will to be valid in South Carolina, it must be in writing and signed by the person making it. Two witnesses must also sign, affirming that the will reflects your wishes.
  

• Probate process: South Carolina law requires most estates to go through probate, the court-supervised process for distributing assets. Certain trusts and property held jointly may avoid probate.
  

• Inheritance and intestacy rules: If someone passes away without a valid will, South Carolina law determines how assets are divided among family members. Planning ahead helps avoid this default distribution.
  

• Powers of attorney: South Carolina allows both general and durable powers of attorney, which must follow specific requirements to be valid.
  

• Trust regulations: South Carolina recognizes revocable and irrevocable trusts, including special needs trusts, which must comply with state law to protect beneficiaries and maintain tax benefits.

Knowing these state-specific rules is important for creating an effective estate plan. We help clients make decisions that align with these laws and their personal goals.

Why Hire Porter Law Firm

Choosing the right estate planning attorney can make a significant difference in how smoothly your plans are carried out. Porter Law Firm focuses on helping clients in ways that are personal, thoughtful, and clear. Here are a few reasons clients trust us with their estate planning needs:

• Experience you can rely on: We have decades of experience helping families and business owners develop estate plans that fit their goals.
  

• Comprehensive guidance: We handle everything from basic wills to special needs trusts, so our clients feel confident that every detail is carefully addressed.
  

• Personalized attention: Each client receives guidance tailored to their unique family and financial situation.
  

• Support through every step: We assist clients from initial planning through updates and revisions, providing support whenever it’s needed.

Working with an attorney familiar with local and state laws can reduce stress and make the process smoother. We’re committed to helping families create estate plans that reflect their wishes and protect their loved ones.

Our Estate Planning Services

At Porter Law Firm, we help clients create plans that cover a wide range of estate planning needs. Whether you’re just starting or revising an existing plan, our services provide clarity and guidance for you and your family.

The estate planning documents and services we offer include:

• Wills: A will allows you to designate how your property and assets are distributed. You can also appoint guardians for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes.
  

• Revocable trusts: These trusts allow you to control your assets during your lifetime and direct how they’re distributed after your death, often avoiding probate.
  

• General power of attorney: This document appoints someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so.
  

• Healthcare power of attorney: This appoints a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can't communicate your wishes.
  

• Living wills: A living will outlines your medical preferences in situations where you can't speak for yourself, such as end-of-life care.
  

• Special needs trusts: These trusts provide for a loved one with special needs without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.

By addressing these areas, estate planning helps protect your family, preserve your assets, and give you peace of mind.

How Estate Planning Protects Your Family

Estate planning goes beyond managing property—it's about safeguarding the people you love. By planning ahead, families can minimize conflicts, avoid delays in asset distribution, and make sure everyone's needs are addressed.

Some of the ways estate planning provides protection include:

• Financial security: Plans can provide ongoing support for spouses, children, and other dependents.
  

• Healthcare guidance: Documents such as living wills and healthcare powers of attorney make sure medical wishes are honored.
  

• Guardianship clarity: Parents can name guardians for minor children, reducing uncertainty and potential conflicts.
  

• Special needs support: Special needs trusts allow families to provide for loved ones while maintaining eligibility for benefits.

Estate planning also provides peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be respected and your loved ones supported. We help families across South Carolina put these protections in place.

Estate Planning Attorney Serving Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

When it comes to estate planning, having knowledgeable guidance can make all the difference. Reach out to us at Porter Law Firm to create an estate plan that protects your family and provides peace of mind. Whether you’re in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, Hilton Head, or elsewhere in South Carolina, we’re ready to help you take control of your future.