Columbia Trust Attorney
Assisting Clients With Trust Matters in South Carolina
Securing your family’s legacy does not have to feel overwhelming or confusing. Whether you are caring for aging loved ones, planning for the next generation, or hoping to avoid the stress of probate, working with a seasoned trust attorney in Columbia gives you a clear path forward. At Collins Family & Elder Law Group, our experienced team guides families in Richland County and across the region through creating, updating, and administering trusts—all with the compassion and clarity you deserve.
We begin by understanding your situation and what matters most to your family. Every family’s concerns, goals, and values are unique. Our approach is always empathetic and patient, answering your questions and developing solutions that fit the realities of life in Columbia, SC.
With more than 200 years of combined legal experience, a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, and attorneys consistently recognized by Super Lawyers and Elite Lawyers, we bring both skill and compassion to every client. Let us help you achieve absolute peace of mind about your future.
Call us today at (803) 590-6982 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our trust lawyer in Columbia.
Why Choose Us?
Columbia families choose us because they want both expertise and understanding. Our team at Collins Family & Elder Law Group blends impressive credentials with a real dedication to making the legal process clear and approachable. If you are looking for a trust lawyer in Columbia, you will find a supportive approach and proven experience from the start.
We are proud to include attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Legal Elite for multiple years. Our staff features a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist and attorneys with deep knowledge of both family law and elder law. This means we understand the sensitive family dynamics that inform trust planning, such as blended families or special needs concerns. We offer convenient phone and video consultations, making it easier for you to get help no matter your schedule or health.
Choosing a trust attorney in Columbia is about more than legal skill. Our goal is to provide clarity and comfort at every step and to pair proven results with honest, straightforward guidance so you can feel confident moving forward.
How We Guide You Through the Process
Establishing a trust is a meaningful step for your family’s future. Our team at Collins Family & Elder Law Group makes the process clear and supportive from start to finish. We tailor every phase to your specific family goals and your situation in Colombia.
Here is what you can expect when working with our team:
- We begin with a thorough review of your family structure, needs, and long-term goals
- Our attorneys discuss your priorities and answer your initial questions directly
- We explain the available trust options, their differences, and how each may help you
- We provide regular updates and clear communication throughout the process
- You can meet us in person at our Columbia office or use our secure phone or video consultation options
Common Types of Trusts
Because every family and estate is unique, we provide a broad range of trust solutions for our clients in Columbia, SC. Our services go beyond drafting documents—we look at your overall goals, family structure, and potential challenges.
Some of the trust options we prepare and counsel on include:
- Revocable living trusts: These allow flexibility to change your plan as your life evolves and can help your family avoid probate court in Richland County
- Irrevocable trusts: Useful for asset protection and long-term tax benefits under South Carolina law
- Special needs trusts: Providing for disabled loved ones while protecting eligibility for public benefits
- Charitable trusts and family trusts: Supporting meaningful causes or managing generational wealth
- Medicaid and elder care trusts: Strategies to help families plan for long-term care expenses while following state requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a trust benefit my family in South Carolina?
A trust provides a range of benefits for families in South Carolina, such as helping avoid probate at the Richland County Probate Court, offering greater privacy, and allowing for efficient distribution of assets. Trusts are useful for minimizing court involvement, managing complex family structures, providing for future generations, and protecting eligibility for public benefits. Our team explains how these advantages apply to your family, so you can make an informed decision.
How do I know if I need a trust or a will?
The decision between a trust and a will depends on your assets, goals, and the complexity of your family situation. Trusts allow for privacy and may avoid the need for court filings, while wills are better suited for simpler distributions. In our initial meeting, we take time to understand your needs and explain the pros and cons of your situation in Colombia. You receive guidance that is practical and tailored rather than one-size-fits-all advice.
Do I need to go to court to set up a trust?
In most cases, creating a trust does not require any court appearance in Colombia. Our attorneys typically draft and execute trusts privately with you, offering flexibility and convenience. If your situation calls for a court appearance—for example, due to a family dispute or contested matter—we will let you know what that entails. Most clients complete the process entirely outside of court, with our guidance at every step.
Contact Our Trust Lawyer in Columbia Today
When you want trusted guidance for your family’s legacy, Collins Family & Elder Law Group offers experience, legal credentials, and a steadfast commitment to your needs. Our attorneys provide clear answers, flexible consultations, and a supportive process—right here in Columbia or wherever you live in South Carolina.
Take the first step toward confidence and clarity. Contact us today to discover how straightforward planning your family’s future can be with a skilled, compassionate legal team on your side.
Contact us today to get started with our Columbia trust attorney.
Suite 201
Columbia, SC 29201
Our Satisfied Clients
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"I could never tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for me"Emiline Northcut
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"Your professionalism, compassion, and dedication are truly commendable. I am truly fortunate to have had you as my attorney."Rusty Strawn and Family
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"Shayna Matheny is incredibly amazing. She went above and beyond to help me in a very complicated case. She worked earnestly and did not give up the fight to get my kids and me the best outcome."Cecia Villalta
Meet Our Team
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Shawna Collins Founder -
Isla Tabrizi Partner & Chief of Legal Development -
Candace S. Faircloth Partner & Chief of Trial Strategy -
Jennifer Rodrigue Partner & the Regional Director of Lowcountry -
Kathryn Cook DeAngelo Senior Counsel -
Melinda Taylor Senior Attorney -
Amber R. Morris Senior Attorney -
Kristen Leonard Managing Attorney -
Nancy Roberts Attorney at Law -
Ali Miller Attorney at Law -
Monica Schuring Attorney at Law -
Stephanie Smith Attorney at Law -
Spencer Schold Attorney at Law -
Christine Robbins Attorney at Law -
Alexa Litt Attorney at Law -
Madison Woschkolup Attorney at Law -
Shayna Matheny Attorney at Law -
Chelsea Josey Attorney at Law -
Kaitlyn Yost Attorney at Law -
Tabitha Alcott Attorney at Law -
Mikaila Matt Attorney at Law -
Patti Tutone Attorney at Law -
Lauren Riedy Attorney at Law -
Paulina Havelka Attorney at Law -
Emma Blakley Attorney at Law -
Peyton Staab Attorney at Law -
Meredith Jolin Attorney at Law -
Ann- Marie Murzin Attorney at Law -
Savanna Kimble Earles Attorney at Law -
Nicole Jackson Attorney at Law