Probate

Family conflict after a death is painful but not uncommon. With proper guidance, even serious disputes can be resolved. With effective planning, your family may avoid probate court entirely.

Collins Family & Estate Law Group assists solo agers throughout South Carolina in developing plans that do not rely on family defaults. Contact our offices in Fort Mill, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, or...

If you are managing a loved one’s estate and unsure if probate court is necessary, the following explains when the small estate affidavit applies and what to do if it does not.

If you are unsure how your assets are titled or whether your beneficiary designations reflect your wishes, consult an estate planning attorney. The answers are often simpler than expected, and the resulting peace of mind is well worth...

This guide walks you through the probate process in Charleston and Mount Pleasant—from securing the will and opening the estate to paying claims, accounting, and closing with court approval.

Probate is not designed to create obstacles. It exists to ensure fairness, accountability, and proper transfer of property. While the experience can feel overwhelming during a time of loss, the structure of the system is mean to provide...

2026 Guide to Finding a Trusted Probate Attorney in Cornelius

Probate is the legal process in which the assets of a deceased person (“the decedent”) are identified (“marshalled”), valued (“appraised”), and distributed (‘inherited”). This legal process is supervised by a county court where the...

After a loved one passes away, often there is a legal responsibility to manage the decedent’s financial and legal affairs. Estate administration is the process of collecting these assets, paying off debts, and distributing what is left...

Life can change in an instant. The sudden death of Edward P. “Ed” Gilligan, the 55-year-old former president of American Express shocked the world. Gilligan became ill mid-flight traveling from Tokyo to New York. When a spouse suddenly...

Want to avoid probate in South Carolina? Learn how to protect your assets and spare your loved ones time, money, and stress with smart estate planning tools like living trusts, TOD designations, and more.

Navigating probate in South Carolina? Learn the key steps, timelines, and roles involved in settling an estate. Our guide explains how the process works—and why having an experienced attorney can make all the difference.

Losing a loved one is devastating, and the process of settling their estate can be both emotionally and legally challenging. This process in commonly referred to as probate or estate administration.