Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning is one of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves and our families, and it is so easily overlooked. It is incredibly valuable to work in this area and help people ease their minds and ensure things will be taken care of for them and their families.
South Carolina is unique in that Durable Powers of Attorney need to be filed with the state. This is important because it ensures that the agent’s authority is legally recognized if the principal becomes incapacitated.
South Carolina clients are unique because I get to develop relationships with people from all walks of life. I’ve worked with farmers, doctors, retirees, etc. Additionally, I get to experience the great Southern charm that comes with living in South Carolina, as well as build connections with folks who have moved to this area in retirement and learn about where they are from.
Oath is right for my clients because I am extremely dedicated to them and to ensuring that they have the planning that best suits their needs. I am very committed to each of my clients and always make sure that they feel heard and understood.
I would estimate that the longest possible probate in South Carolina is somewhere approaching two years. On average, it is an 8–12 month process, but when you have contests and complications, it really drags out.
I am from a small town called Smithfield, VA—I'm sure some of you have heard of Smithfield bacon and ham? Well, that’s where I’m from. I grew up with a dad in the Navy and a mom who works as a schoolteacher. They are both still in these careers today. From an early age, I looked up to both of them and saw how much good their work brought into the community, both locally and on a national scale.
I was the first in my family to ever pursue a legal degree, let alone become an actual attorney. Throughout law school, I struggled to find what legal field I was most passionate about and how I could, as my parents did, help those in my community. During my last semester of school, my uncle passed away unexpectedly. He did not have a will or any designation about his final wishes. It was in watching my mom and uncle struggle to make decisions about his estate that I became interested in the estate planning industry.
Most people don’t think about, or choose not to think about, planning their estate—especially because when estate planning first comes to mind, it is easy to imagine that it is only for the wealthy. But during law school and through my personal family experience, I came to understand that everybody deserves to have the same opportunity when it comes to planning their estate. I want to be able to help those who are not extremely wealthy but would still like to have all their affairs in order.
Mount Pleasant, Orangeburg, and North Charleston. The folks I have met in these communities have been extremely gracious and kind and truly thankful that I was able to help explain things they would not have otherwise known.
I recently had a client come in whose husband had been incapacitated for 20+ years. She had been his primary caretaker this entire time but was worried that she would not be able to do it for much longer. She wanted to protect their assets from the nursing home, but unfortunately did not think she would be able to care for him for the five years necessary for property to be in an irrevocable trust and have that protection. It was truly heartbreaking not being able to give her better news when I know that if she had come to us earlier, we would have been able to take care of this for her and her family.
I get asked a lot: “Why should I go with a trust vs. a will?” I always answer that by saying you should do what’s best for yourself and your family. If you are worried about things being complicated for your family after you pass away, then a trust is a great way to truly simplify things and make them as easy as possible for your family.
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