An estate plan is written for a day you will not be there to explain what you meant. When it works, your family barely notices it. When it does not, they end up in probate court arguing over what you intended — often with each other.
David Collins has spent over 25 years as a litigator in South Carolina courts, addressing problems no one saw coming and disputes that grew out of decisions no one thought through. That experience shapes how he plans. He drafts every will and trust by asking the questions a challenger might ask later — and answering them now, while you can.
Call today to schedule a consultation: (864) 990-3061 — Greenville or (864) 707-2600 — Spartanburg
Estate Planning
A good plan does more than say who gets what. It says who is in charge, what happens if you become unable to make decisions for yourself, and how your family avoids unnecessary cost, delay, and conflict.
Planning documents we prepare:
- Wills — directing how your property passes and naming the personal representative who will carry out your wishes
- Revocable living trusts — for privacy, continuity, and to reduce what must pass through probate
- Durable powers of attorney — so someone you trust can handle your financial affairs if you cannot
- Health care powers of attorney and living wills — so your medical wishes are known and followed
- Planning for minor children — guardianship nominations and trusts that manage an inheritance until a child is ready
- Business succession planning — making sure a business you own survives you and passes the way you intend
Planning for the Problems Most People Never Imagine
Most estate disputes come from situations that are predictable in hindsight: a second marriage and children from a first, one child who has been the caregiver and others who have not, a family business that one heir works in and the others do not, a document signed late in life or during an illness, or a do-it-yourself will that does not say what the family thought it said.
A career in litigation trains a lawyer to look for these situations before they become disputes. In planning, David Collins raises them with you up front, so the documents address them directly rather than leaving them for a judge to sort out.
Probate and Estate Administration
When a loved one dies, the person named to handle the estate often has no idea where to begin. South Carolina probate involves deadlines, notices to creditors, inventories, accountings, and ultimately the distribution of property — and a personal representative can be held personally responsible for getting it wrong.
We help personal representatives and families with:
- Opening the estate in probate court and qualifying the personal representative
- Identifying, collecting, and valuing estate assets
- Notice to creditors and handling claims against the estate
- Inventories, accountings, and closing the estate
- Transferring real estate and other property to the heirs
Probate Disputes
Sometimes an estate cannot be settled without a fight. When that happens, you need a lawyer who is comfortable in the courtroom.
Probate litigation matters we handle:
- Will contests and challenges to trusts
- Disputes with or between personal representatives and trustees
- Claims of undue influence or lack of capacity
- Breach of fiduciary duty and accountings
- Disputes among heirs and beneficiaries
Ready to Talk?
Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with an estate right now, David Collins can help you understand your options and protect the people who matter to you.
Call today: (864) 990-3061 — Greenville · (864) 707-2600 — Spartanburg