Estate Planning

South Carolina Estate Planning Attorneys

Promoting Peace of Mind

When we founded this firm, probate was our main focus. We saw many examples of the unfortunate consequences of an out-of-date estate plan or intestacy. The lack of a will or a current estate plan often cost the beneficiaries a great deal.

We offer comprehensive estate planning services to our clients to prevent these types of problems from occurring. Advance planning made a great deal of difference for our clients and their families. Whether your estate is simple or vast, our estate planning lawyers give you the tools you need to provide for your heirs and make your final wishes clear. If you would like to discuss you options, contact Blackwell Trimnal for a consultation.

Wills and Trusts

There are three documents that every adult should have when planning their estate:

• Will: The will distributes your assets and makes provisions to pay your debts. Having a will enables you to distribute your property as you see fit. It also shortens the amount of time your estate spends in probate; reducing the time your beneficiaries have to wait to receive their distribution. A will is also important to direct specific personal property to a specific heir; family strife can be reduced if everyone knows who receives the china or other family heirlooms. It also can address any family limited partnership or business succession issues, if they apply.
• Durable Power of Attorney: This enables someone of your choosing to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
• Healthcare Directive: A health care directive works like a power of attorney, except it covers health care decisions instead of financial decisions. Unlike a conservatorship, which your relatives must pursue if you are unable to make your own decisions, you draft a healthcare directive yourself while you are of sound mind and lucid. Included in the healthcare directive is a "living will" which leaves instructions if you fall into a terminal coma.

Trusts

Trusts are powerful, flexible legal instruments. They can be used to fund charities, provide for an heir's education, or take provide for your own care in your later years. You can also use trusts for estate tax planning purposes and to avoid probate.

Contact a South Carolina estate planning attorney for an initial consultation.

Blackwell Trimnal, LLC represents clients throughout South Carolina, primarily in the cities of Lancaster, Pageland, Indian Land, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, York, Landry, Chesterfield, Chester, Winnsboro, Lake Wateree, Lake Wylie.

Lancaster County ● Chester County ● York County ● Chesterfield County