At DeMott Law Firm, we prepare personalized trusts designed to give your family clear direction and spare them from unnecessary legal complications. With an efficient process built around understanding your specific goals, the firm offers the kind of careful, hands-on guidance that templates and online services simply cannot provide.
In addition to helping you avoid probate, a trust can keep you in control of what gets distributed, to whom, and on what terms. For example, you could set certain ages at which your children could gain access to specific dollar amounts, or you could match their adjusted gross income to encourage them to be a productive member of society.
No matter what you want to happen, we are here to help you make sure that it does.
Many clients come to us unsure whether they need a will, a trust, or both. A will is simpler to create but requires probate. A trust avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and gives you more control over when and how your beneficiaries receive assets.
Our short quiz can help you sort through the basics and see which option fits your situation.
We know these decisions can feel overwhelming. That's why Russ takes the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and design a plan that fits your family’s needs. He is committed to helping you feel secure about the future.
Our office at 300 N. Cedar Street, Suite A, is located in the Cedar Square office complex at the corner of N. Cedar and W. 2nd North Street in Summerville.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday signing appointments are also available once a month for clients who cannot come in during the week.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which you transfer ownership of assets to a trustee, who manages them for your beneficiaries. During your lifetime, you can serve as your own trustee and retain full control. At your death, the trust transfers assets directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate court. South Carolina's Uniform Trust Code governs how trusts are created, administered, and enforced in this state.
It depends on your goals. A will is simpler and works well for smaller estates, but it requires probate. A trust avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and gives you more control over when and how beneficiaries receive assets. Many families use both–a trust for major assets and a pour-over will as a backup. The right choice depends on your estate size, family situation, and planning goals.
The main drawback is upfront cost and effort. A trust costs more to create than a will and requires you to transfer assets into it–a process called funding–for it to work properly. If you fail to retitle property or update beneficiary designations, those assets may still go through probate. Trusts also require ongoing attention during your lifetime.
A well-prepared trust gives your family clarity and keeps your estate out of court.
If you are ready to work with a Summerville trust lawyer, call (843) 695-0830 or request a consultation online to get started.
