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Estate Planning Attorney in Myrtle Beach, SC
Call NowStrategically Plan for Your Future With the Guidance of an Experienced Attorney
Bespoke Estate Law is a boutique law firm serving South Carolina residents and their families. Led by attorney Matthew Hurst, the firm provides trust formation and administration services, wills, elder law support, probate administration, and other legal services. Whether you are about to become a parent for the first time, are ready to retire from your business, or need to designate how to distribute your wealth, contact us for a free consultation. We have helped hundreds of people like you, and we want you to enjoy a secure and tax-efficient future.
You're Never Too Young to Start Planning Your Estate
Estate planning is important for adults of all stages of life and economic means -- you don't need to be wealthy or elderly to benefit from an estate planning attorney. For young professionals, it is essential to create a solid foundation that protects assets and outlines your personal wishes. This may include drafting a basic will or setting up a durable power of attorney to ensure your affairs are managed in case of extenuating circumstances. Perhaps more importantly, this is an opportunity to establish a relationship with an estate planning firm that you trust early in your career.
As Each Estate Plan is Different
Our Services are Personalized to Your Needs
Every life is different, and no two estate plans should be the same. Your estate plan will be tailored to reflect your family dynamics, financial situation, preferences, and even your personality. While we have helped many high-net-worth individuals secure complex estate plans, it's a common misconception that only the wealthy require such efforts; in reality, anyone can benefit from articulating their plans and providing for their loved ones.
When couples have children, they begin to prioritize the well-being of their kids. Parents may choose to set up trusts to ensure financial stability for their children and appoint guardians to take care of them if an unforeseen tragedy occurs. You will sleep better at night knowing that your children are in good hands regardless of what may happen to you.
As you progress through life, your estate planning needs may include managing retirement funds, planning for long-term care needs, and minimizing tax burdens as your estate is distributed in the future. Bespoke Estate Law is experienced in the creation of specialized trusts for a variety of needs, and we would be happy to provide a free consultation to discuss your particular objectives.
We also help senior citizens simplify their estates, preserve wealth for the next generation, and even donate to charitable causes in a strategic way. From drafting advanced healthcare directives to creating living wills that dictate medical care preferences in later stages of life, we will use our experience to ensure that you are well taken care of even as your capacity to make challenging decisions diminishes.
As every situation is unique, a young single person may primarily require a will and healthcare directives; while someone with a complex family situation may need a detailed trust to ensure their blended family is treated fairly.
Don't Risk Your Future with DIY Estate Planning
Creating your own estate plan using generic, downloadable online documents can be risky. Free resources may not reflect the latest updates to the law, fail to address your specific circumstances, and can potentially cause disputes or lawsuits among your heirs. By planning for all possible contingencies the proper way, you are creating the maximum benefit for your spouse, children, and any other beneficiaries.
What Does Estate Planning Entail?
Will Formation
Call Bespoke Estate law for help preparing a will that is clear, compliant with the laws of the state of South Carolina, properly written, notarized, and witnessed by at least two individuals. You have worked your entire life to acquire your assets; don't leave the future of your estate to chance or the outcome of legal challenges. Your will dictates where your assets are distributed, the manner in which your assets are distributed, and it can even appoint a guardian for your minor children.
Trust Formation
We implement a wide variety of trusts for South Carolina residents to accomplish their estate planning objectives most effectively. These include revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, marital trusts, dynasty trusts, charitable trusts, and more. Our diverse repertoire will afford you numerous options to protect your assets and distribute them responsibility. We are here to help you make an informed decision on trusts and other vehicles for managing your estate.
Elder Law
This aspect of estate planning focuses on the needs of older adults, and addresses issues such as Medicaid planning, elder abuse, and competency concerns. We ensure that seniors have their legal, financial, and health needs appropriately managed as they age. We have helped many clients plan for their own future, and we can provide caring and insightful planning services to you that are rooted in our experience.
Avoiding Probate
Strategies like the creation of revocable living trusts, naming beneficiaries on retirement and bank accounts, or establishing joint ownership can help bypass the probate process. Don't leave your heirs fighting amongst themselves -- call us for a free consultation regarding your estate today.
Caring For Your Loved Ones After Worst-Case Scenarios
It's your responsibility to establish legal frameworks, such as conservatorships and guardianships, to protect your loved ones in case of a disaster. We can also assist you in the creation of durable powers of attorney to enable an agent to handle property and financial decisions for you. Also worth considering are: health care proxies for an agent to make medical decisions, and living wills to solidify your wishes regarding end-of-life care.
Business Succession Planning
If you're planning to retire and leave your business to certain leadership within your team, we would be happy to speak with you about responsible succession planning. You should be certain that your business is left in good hands, continues to provide jobs for valuable employees, and has defense mechanisms in place to guard against the irresponsible handling of funds.
We Keep Your Estate Plan Up To Date
Life is full of changes, and your estate plan should evolve accordingly. Whether it's the birth of a child, a change in marital status, or the onset of unexpected health issues, we may recommend making changes to your estate plan. Bespoke Estate Law will work closely with you to review and revise your documents, and ensure they continuously reflect your current situation and future goals.
FAQ
What Is the Purpose of Estate Planning?
Estate planning gives structure to your financial and personal affairs. It allows you to direct how property will be distributed, who will manage your finances or medical decisions if you cannot, and how your dependents will be cared for. A well-drafted plan also reduces the likelihood of disputes among heirs and can provide tax advantages. For additional context on when to begin preparing your plan, you can read the firm’s article At What Age Should You Consider Estate Planning?, which explores how these decisions apply at different stages of life.
Do I Need an Estate Plan If I Don’t Have Significant Assets?
Yes. Estate planning is about more than wealth. Even with modest assets, it helps determine who will handle your affairs, how debts will be paid, and who will inherit sentimental or family property. It can also name guardians for minor children and specify health-care preferences. Many clients begin with a simple will or power of attorney and expand their plan later as circumstances change.
What Documents Are Typically Included in an Estate Plan?
An estate plan generally includes a last will and testament, one or more trusts, durable powers of attorney, health-care directives, and, in some cases, a living will. Each serves a distinct purpose. The will directs how property passes after death. Trusts may hold assets for management or distribution. Powers of attorney and medical directives protect you during incapacity. A Myrtle Beach estate planning attorney will help determine which documents fit your situation best.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Your plan should evolve as your life changes. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, purchasing property, or a shift in financial status can all affect the validity or effectiveness of your documents. Periodic reviews—at least every few years—keep everything aligned with your current goals. The firm’s blog What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed on a Trust? explains how ongoing review can prevent gaps or unintended consequences.
What Happens If I Die Without a Will in South Carolina?
If you die intestate, meaning without a valid will, your assets will be divided according to South Carolina’s intestacy statute rather than your personal wishes. Typically, the surviving spouse and children receive first priority, but this may not match your intentions. Extended family could inherit property, and the court will appoint a representative to administer your estate. Having a will removes uncertainty and lets you control how your legacy is handled.
How Do Trusts Fit Into an Estate Plan?
Trusts are flexible instruments that can manage property during life and distribute it after death. They may also help avoid probate, protect assets from creditors, and reduce taxes. Revocable trusts allow continued control while you are alive, while irrevocable trusts provide stronger protection from liability or nursing-home costs. The blog What Is a Revocable Trust? Bespoke Estate Law Explains offers a closer look at how these trusts operate for South Carolina residents.
What Are the Benefits of Avoiding Probate?
Probate can be a lengthy court process that delays access to assets and becomes public record. Avoiding probate through trusts, beneficiary designations, or joint ownership can save time, preserve privacy, and minimize costs. In South Carolina, careful planning can spare families from months of paperwork and potential disputes. A probate attorney from our firm can determine whether a simplified process or full administration would apply to your situation.
How Does a Power of Attorney Work in Estate Planning?
A power of attorney appoints someone you trust to act on your behalf if you become unable to manage your own affairs. This person can pay bills, manage investments, and make property decisions depending on the powers granted. Having this document prevents the need for a court-appointed guardian. For details about how these documents must be executed under state law, see Legal Requirements for a Power of Attorney in South Carolina.
What Is Medicaid Planning and Why Does It Matter?
Medicaid planning protects assets while preparing for potential long-term care needs. Without advance planning, nursing-home costs can quickly deplete savings. Strategies may include restructuring ownership, creating irrevocable trusts, or transferring property within South Carolina’s five-year look-back period. Our attorneys help clients protect their homes and preserve eligibility for benefits while remaining compliant with federal and state regulations.
Can Estate Planning Protect a Family Member With Special Needs?
Yes. Through a special needs trust, a family can provide financial support to a disabled loved one without disqualifying them from government benefits. Funds may cover housing, education, or medical costs while maintaining eligibility for Medicaid or SSI. The article Does a Special Needs Trust Affect Social Security Benefits in South Carolina? discusses how these trusts are structured to comply with federal requirements and protect long-term support.
How Does Business Succession Fit Into Estate Planning?
For business owners, estate planning involves deciding who will take over the company, how ownership interests will transfer, and how taxes or debts will be handled. Planning ahead protects employees, partners, and family members from confusion. Our attorneys draft buy-sell agreements, establish management structures, and align personal and business goals to achieve a smooth transition.
Why Should I Work With a Local Estate Planning Attorney?
Working with a Myrtle Beach estate planning attorney means your documents will comply with South Carolina law, reflect your specific property and family structure, and coordinate with local probate courts. A local lawyer understands regional tax considerations, property rules, and healthcare directives used by area hospitals. Just as importantly, you’ll have someone nearby who can revisit your plan as your life evolves.
Call Our Myrtle Beach Estate Planning Lawyers Today For a Free Consultation
We help clients in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and throughout the state of South Carolina. Whether you have amassed a significant estate with real estate holdings and businesses, or are a young family seeking a living will, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We would be happy to discuss your needs and provide options and recommendations for your situation.
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