russ@demottlawfirm.com

(843) 695-0830

Search

Estate Planning Attorney Serving Ladson

Protect Your Family's Future Through Thoughtful Estate Planning

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you need a trust, a will, or guidance on choosing the right estate plan for your situation, we make the process simple and straightforward.
Request a Consultation
Take the Trust or Will Quiz
Russ DeMott Charleston Estate Planning Lawyer Meeting with Client for Consultation

Documents to Include in Your Estate Plan

These estate planning tools work together to protect you during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transfer of assets afterward.

Will or Living Trust

Every estate plan starts with deciding whether a will or a living trust is the right choice. A will outlines how your property should be distributed and can name guardians for minor children. A living trust places assets such as your home, bank accounts, or investments under the management of a trustee (typically you while you are alive), helping you avoid probate and maintain privacy.

Financial Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney is a key part of any estate plan, whether built around a will, a living trust, or both. This document allows someone you trust to manage financial matters on your behalf if you are unable to do so, protecting your interests and ensuring bills, accounts, and other obligations are handled smoothly.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A healthcare power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. This ensures that treatment decisions reflect your wishes and relieves family members from having to make difficult choices without guidance.

Living Will (Advanced Directive)

A living will specifies your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care. It works in conjunction with a healthcare power of attorney to clarify your wishes and alleviate the burden on loved ones during difficult times.

HIPAA Authorization

A HIPAA authorization allows medical providers to share your health information with designated individuals. This ensures that your loved ones can stay informed and participate in care decisions when necessary.

Personal Property Memorandum

A personal property memorandum provides a simple way to designate who receives items of sentimental or personal value, such as jewelry, artwork, or family heirlooms, without needing to amend your will or trust.

Estate Planning Based on Your Life and Family

Single individual consulting with Estate Planning Lawyer in Ladson, SC

Singles

Even if you don’t have a spouse or children, planning ahead prevents state law from governing your decisions and helps to make sure the right people are chosen to manage your affairs.
Married couple meeting with Estate Planning Lawyer in Ladson, SC

Married Couples

Estate planning helps protect your spouse, preserves what you’ve built together, and provides clear direction for your children.
Blended family consulting with Estate Planning Lawyer in Ladson, SC

Blended Families

When families come together, estate planning can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both your spouse and children from prior relationships are cared for.
Parents planning estate for minor children with Estate Planning Lawyer in Ladson, SC

Families with Minor Children

For parents, perhaps the most important step you can take is naming guardians and creating a financial plan that supports your children as they grow.
Family with special needs meeting with Estate Planning Lawyer in Ladson, SC

Families with Special Needs

For families with a loved one with special needs, thoughtful estate planning can provide lasting care, financial support, and peace of mind for every stage of life.

Russell DeMott, Ladson Estate Planning Attorney

With over 30 years of legal experience and a background as a Dorchester County associate probate judge, Russ provides thoughtful guidance on South Carolina estate planning. He combines legal skill with a personal approach, taking the time to explain options clearly and create plans tailored to each family’s needs. Russ is dedicated to helping clients feel confident and secure about the future.
Estate Planning Lawyer Russ DeMott in office serving clients in Ladson, SC

Our Estate Planning Law Firm is Just 15 Minutes From Ladson

If you’re traveling from Ladson, our office at 300 N. Cedar Street, Suite A, is about a 15 minute drive. You’ll find us in the Cedar Square office complex at the corner of N. Cedar and W. 2nd North Street. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we also offer Saturday signing appointments once a month for added convenience.

Hear From Our Clients

Do I Need a Will or a Trust?

One of the most common estate planning questions people have is whether they need a will, a trust, or both. The truth is: it depends on your unique circumstances.

Your estate plan should accound for your goals, your family situation, and the complexity of your assets. Take our quick quiz to find out which option is right for you.
Take the Trust or Will Quiz

Common Questions

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions to protect your wealth and family.

See our Estate Planning FAQs for more common questions and answers, or request a consultation so we can provide you with guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Request a Consultation

What is a revocable living trust?

This is a trust that you have the right to revoke, in contrast to an irrevocable trust. It’s “living” because you establish the trust while you’re living, in contract to a testamentary trust, which is established in a will after you die.

What is a durable power of attorney?

This document allows you to name an agent to act for you—either effective immediately or when you are incapacitated. The durable power of attorney will list out all the powers the agent is granted, such as the power to do banking, file taxes, institute legal proceedings, deal with brokerage accounts, or to sell or buy property, just to name a few of the powers. The durable power of attorney is called “durable” because it remains effective even if you’re disabled. If the power isn’t granted in the document, the agent will not have it, so we draft a very comprehensive power of attorney at the DeMott Law Firm.

What is a health care power of attorney?

Your health care power of attorney addresses who will act on your behalf if you can’t act for yourself due to some health problem. Spouses typically name each other, then adult children or other relatives. Also, selections are made regarding organ donation and whether you want continued medical intervention if (a) you are expected to die or (b) are in state of permanent unconsciousness.

Protect the People & Things You Care About Most

Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. At DeMott Law Firm, we provide personalized guidance to help you create a plan that safeguards your family and your assets. Reach out at (843) 695-0830 and take the first step.

Request a Consultation
Family protected through estate planning services in Ladson, SC
© 2026 DeMott Law Firm, PA.
All right reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Disclosures