We help unmarried individuals create comprehensive estate plans that protect your assets, honor your wishes, and ensure the right people make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to.
Whether you never married, are divorced, or widowed, we'll design a plan that gives you control and your loved ones clarity.
South Carolina law has default rules that apply when there is no estate plan. Those rules may not reflect your relationships or your wishes. Close friends, long-term partners, or charities you care about may be left out. Family members you rarely see could end up making decisions that don’t align with your wishes.
Estate planning puts those decisions back in your hands.
A last will and testament is often the starting point for single individuals who want to name beneficiaries and an executor. It's straightforward, legally binding, and ensures your assets go to the people or causes you care about most.
A will requires probate in South Carolina, unless your estate qualifies for expedited small estate procedures.
A revocable living trust offers more privacy and control, especially if you own real property or want to avoid probate. As a single person, you serve as your own trustee during your lifetime. You name a successor trustee to manage and distribute your assets seamlessly if you become incapacitated or pass away.
With over 30 years of experience, Russ has helped countless unmarried clients throughout the Charleston area create estate plans that reflect their values and relationships. As a former Associate Probate Judge for Dorchester County, he brings unique insight into how estates are handled in South Carolina courts.
He takes the time to listen to your specific situation. Whether you're focused on beneficiary designation planning for retirement accounts, establishing power of attorney and healthcare directives, or implementing probate avoidance strategies, Russ and his team make the process clear, compassionate, and tailored to your life.
We start by learning about your assets, your relationships, and your goals. You'll share who you want to inherit your property, who you trust to make decisions, and any specific wishes you have for your legacy.
We draft your estate planning documents, all customized to South Carolina law and your unique circumstances. You'll review everything in plain language before we finalize, and we'll answer every question along the way.
Once your documents are executed and notarized, we provide organized copies and guidance on securely storing your plan. We’re also here to update your plan as your life changes.
Don't leave your legacy, or your health and financial decisions, up to South Carolina's default rules. A plan created now gives you control over who inherits your assets, who makes decisions on your behalf, and how your wishes are carried out.
Call the DeMott Law Firm, P.A. at (843) 695-0830 to schedule your estate planning consultation.
