If there's one thing that most families can agree on, it's that losing a loved one is tough. It's a grief-stricken time often filled with sleepless nights and free-flowing tears. Between notifying friends, planning funeral services, and working through your own emotions, the thought of Estate Administration is the last thing on your mind. But you know something must be done. You feel obligated to do something about your family member's estate but aren't sure how to proceed or when to do it. You're probably wrestling with hard-to-answer questions like:
That's where CHSA Law comes in - to help guide you through the complicated processes of probate court in South Carolina. Because the truth is, probate can be confusing and intimidating if you're ill-equipped to deal with the court's procedures and inner workings. There is legal paperwork to draft and file, petitions to publish, notices to serve, bonds to file, and a long list of rules that you must adhere to during this time. With a probate lawyer in Fountain Inn, SC, by your side, however, you can rest easy knowing your loved one's assets are protected, and their legacy is legally preserved.
When someone passes away, their assets have to be distributed according to South Carolina state laws and the directions in their Will. Your probate lawyer will be a significant source of help in this regard, as they will guide an executor of a Will or Beneficiaries of an estate through the often-confusing probate process. From identifying notating estate assets to distributing inheritances, your probate attorney is a crucial partner during this difficult time in your life.
At CHSA Law, our probate attorneys understand that when a client's loved one dies, they need a caring presence by their side. But they also need a confident source of knowledge that can act on their behalf as they grieve. That's why, given the complex nature of probate law, it's a good idea to have a trusted attorney on call who can settle an estate and handle the nuanced issues that arise in probate court.
Administering a decedent's estate can be a long, arduous process. That's especially true if disputes are involved with Beneficiaries. When you consider the chances of being held liable for decisions you make as a Personal Representative of an Estate, working with a probate lawyer from CDH Law Firm just makes good sense.
As seasoned probate lawyers in South Carolina, we understand that Estate Administration often involves sensitive family dynamics as much as it does the legal minutia involved in probate law. After all, a person's estate not only affects their generation but the generations that follow.
But when your loved one passes, their assets must be managed and distributed correctly. When mismanaged, disputes often arise between parties like the Beneficiaries, Trustees, Heirs, or Executors of a Will. Even when everything is managed the right way, arguments and misunderstandings can still occur, and even evolve into bitter legal battles necessitating probate litigation.
It stands to reason, then, that you should hire a probate lawyer in Fountain Inn, SC to help. But the truth is, many attorneys don't have vast experience with probate and trust work. If they do, they aren't usually seasoned trial attorneys. That's what separates probate attorneys at CHSA Law, LLC from others - we have the ability to help plan your Estate and litigate estate disputes if they arise.
We are keenly familiar with local probate judges, courtroom staff members, and the related procedures involved with South Carolina probate law. Our intimate knowledge and experience help us successfully navigate the probate process to complete our client's cases quickly and efficiently.
But that's just one aspect that sets CDH apart from other firms. Understanding the importance of personalized attention, we also make an intentional decision to limit our law firm's overall caseload. This allows us to better focus on individual clients, many of whom remain with us for generations. We do not pass off cases to paralegals or junior associates but rather prioritize the attorney-client relationship. We value compassion and integrity, and our practice reflects those values.
Moreover, trust is one of the most important aspects of the attorney-client relationship. We work to create an open, friendly environment in which you can feel comfortable. After years of experience, we boast the skill and experience necessary to earn that trust - and that's a priceless commodity when it comes to probate cases in South Carolina.
Our attorneys love probate and estate-related legal services, including but not limited to the following:
When our probate lawyers assist with Estate Administration, our team prioritizes efficacy and efficiency to ensure all tasks are accomplished correctly and on time. That way, our clients endure less stress while looking good in front of family members.
When an Estate is disputed and requires litigation, CHSA Law probate attorneys fight to win on our client's behalf. From holding unfaithful Executors accountable to contesting Wills, our team searches for the best way to achieve our client's goals.
Things get more complicated in probate cases where Trusts are involved. To ensure that the terms of the Trust are met and handled correctly, our team works closely with clients to advise them on how to proceed.
Every Trust is different. By proxy, every Trust dispute must be handled in a unique manner. After a careful analysis of the Trust and South Carolina law, our team will determine the best strategy to achieve our client's goals.
When a loved one passes away, it's natural to go through a time of emotional adjustment. However, it's crucial for the family of the loved one to face the financial realities of their estate. That reality includes the probate process, which involves distributing assets and settling the estate. A probate attorney in Fountain Inn, SC is often recommended to assist during this time. This process isn't just recommended - it's often a legal responsibility in South Carolina.
Delivery of Will Upon Death: During probate, the first step involves having a will delivered to an Estate Administrator or to the probate court. The deadline to accomplish this task is 30 days.
A Personal Representative is Assigned: This individual is often named in a Will and should be appointed officially by the court.
A Notice is Sent to Intestate Heirs: If these heirs feel that they should inherit, they have a right to challenge this step.
The Estate is Inventoried and Appraised: This process must occur within 90 days of opening an estate. In some estates with valuables like jewelry, art, and property, professional appraisers may be needed.
Settling Accounts: During this step, the estate must pay any applicable taxes, ongoing expenses, or outstanding debts. Should the estate not have enough money to pay these debts, creditors must be paid according to South Carolina code.
Distributions: If there is money in the estate after debts are paid, those funds are given to heirs of the estate, according to the Will or the State.
Discharge: As soon as any claims are paid, the personal representative of the estate will file documents to close the estate. To make this official, the court will issue a Certificate of Discharge.
Though most estates in South Carolina must go through probate, it is possible to avoid. This happens when a decedent's assets are placed in a Living Trust prior to their death. In this scenario, beneficiaries must be designated in order to inherit the estate. Suppose there are funds that have been promised to beneficiaries via life insurance policies or bank accounts with "payable upon death" designations. In that case, those funds do not have to go through probate.
Assets subject to probate in South Carolina include:
Assets that are not subject to probate in South Carolina include:
Though it's not always possible, some families go out of their way to avoid the probate process in South Carolina. Doing so can help save money in the long run and also expedite the distribution of funds to heirs. By avoiding probate, you're also keeping personal matters private.
Because every person has different estate and probate complexities, it's hard to say whether avoiding probate is good or bad. Whether or not you should avoid probate depends on your unique situation. As a general rule, it's always best to consult with a probate lawyer in Fountain Inn, SC, for honest feedback and probate assistance.
Typically, having a Living Trust or a Will in place will make transferring assets easier. A little prep ahead of time will make a world of difference when your loved one passes away. After all, nobody is ever prepared for a relative or family friend's death, but a compassionate, trustworthy probate attorney can make the process easier.
For many families, "Probate" is a dirty term that involves heartbreak and headaches. And while the probate process in South Carolina can be complex and stressful, having answers to some of the most common probate questions can help put your mind at ease.
My family member recently passed away, and we're considering their estate. How long will the probate process take?
The time it takes an estate to go through probate in South Carolina varies depending on a number of questions, including:
When conditions are good, a small or simple estate usually takes about a year to close. More complicated estates may take longer.
My loved one mentioned opening a Trust to protect my assets. What is a Trust, and what Trusts should I consider?
As is the case with most probate decisions, opening a Trust should be based on your unique situation and guidance from your probate attorney in Fountain Inn, SC. With that said, a Trust is meant to hold property for your loved one's benefit. When a Trust is created, assets are transferred into the said Trust and managed accordingly. Though there is a common misconception that Trusts are reserved for the wealthy, just about any family can benefit from opening a Trust.
The most common types of Trusts used in probate include:
When conditions are good, a small or simple estate usually takes about a year to close. More complicated estates may take longer.
What happens when somebody dies without a will in South Carolina?
When a person passes away without a Will in South Carolina, the state decides who gets their decedent's assets. This is also called passing intestate. When this happens, usually only spouses, blood relatives, or registered domestic partners can inherit property according to intestate succession laws.
Relatives who receive the probate property of the deceased are usually chosen in the following order:
If you're in need of a veteran probate lawyer in South Carolina, look no further than CDH Law Firm. With years of experience in Estate Administration and probate cases, our team is ready to serve you with excellence and protect your interests. Have additional questions? We're here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about Estate Administration in South Carolina.
Law is complicate matter. It can cause you a big problem if you ignore it. Let us help you!
Planning your estate is the first step to take if you want to protect your family, your assets, your well-being, and the fruits of your hard work.
At CHSA Law, LLC, our team of experienced probate lawyers in Fountain Inn, SC, can help you navigate the entire Estate Administration process. Through creative legal strategies and a clear understanding of your goals and desires, we work together to make your asset and estate visions a reality. It's never too early to get your estate in order. In fact, estate planning is important for everyone, whether you're single or married, young or old, with or without children. If you're ready to protect your assets and be prepared for probate, contact CHSA Law, LLC, today.
Fountain Inn, SC is just on the outskirts of Greenville, and while it’s a small town, it has a lot to offer. There are restaurants, shops, a library, and some wonderful parks. You could honestly spend an entire day exploring this little town. There’s so much to do in Fountain Inn!This article includes:Things to Do in Fountain Inn, SC...
Fountain Inn, SC is just on the outskirts of Greenville, and while it’s a small town, it has a lot to offer. There are restaurants, shops, a library, and some wonderful parks. You could honestly spend an entire day exploring this little town. There’s so much to do in Fountain Inn!
This article includes:Things to Do in Fountain Inn, SCWhere to Eat in Fountain InnSeasonal Fun in Fountain InnWhat’s happening this weekend in Fountain Inn, SC?
245 Little Virginia Road, Fountain InnHidden Pasture Farm has an outdoor playground, and opportunities to meet a unicorn, ride a pony, and interact with farm animals.
113 S Main Street A, Fountain InnVillage Play in Fountain Inn is the perfect indoor playground for kids ages 0-6 years old. Plus they sell coffee so mom and dad can grab some caffeine while the kids play.
The fountains in Fountain Inn are favorites. You pass by one on the left just as you enter Fountain Inn on Main Street. It has a more Grecian feel. Just as you get past a group of shops and restaurants you will find a second fountain. It has a more contemporary feel. There’s even a little library there and the porch style swings.
311 N Main St, Fountain InnTake a little break and head indoors for some quiet time at the Fountain Inn Library! There’s a small children’s area, and the library hosts regular events for kids and teens.
102 Depot St, Fountain InnThe Fountain Inn History Museum is a wonderful place to explore. The stage coach and railroad exhibits are popular. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm and Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm.
104 N Main St, Fountain InnRight off Main Street, the Fountain Inn splash pad is completely free and a great way to cool off in the summer months.
181 Barefoot Acres Way, Fountain InnWe haven’t been to Barefoot Acres yet, but there are cute farm animals AND ziplining?! Sounds like a blast.
Looking for more zip lining? Here are the best places to zip line near Greenville, SC.
218 South Main Street – Unit A, Fountain InnGrab a sandwich, peruse the grocery store, and snag a pastry at this Italian grocery.
1301 N. Main Street, Fountain InnYou’ll be treated like family when you walk in. Plus—the platters offer guests generous portions.
101 N. Main St., Fountain InnThe Fountain Inn Taproom has a large number of events throughout the year, including live music. They also offer a wide selection of beer and wine to go with your food.
113 S Main Street A, Fountain InnHead to STEAM Coffee, a kid-friendly coffee shop in Fountain Inn, and try an entire flight of coffee. Read our review of STEAM Coffee!
115 Main Street, Fountain Inn, SCAfter grabbing coffee at STEAM, grab some sweets at Candy and Chronicles next door. Candy and Chronicles is a candy shop AND a bookstore!
This festival occurs every April in Fountain Inn. With raffles, a corn hole tournament, spaghetti eating contest, and more, you’ll find something for everyone!
Fountain Inn, SC has several Christmas events and celebrations throughout December. Ride a horse drawn carriage, pet an animal at the petting zoo, watch the Christmas Parade, shop, and more.
Fountain Inn hosts a Fireworks Spectacular every Independence Day.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —The Greenville County School Board of Trustees has approved additional funding and a land purchase for expansions for two schools in Fountain Inn.First, board members approved adding $16.9 million to the cost of an addition to Fountain Inn High School. The project now has a total cost of $48.4 million.Scott Carlin, executive director of facilities, said it will add more classrooms and a fine arts space to handle 250 more students than planned."The original schoo...
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —
The Greenville County School Board of Trustees has approved additional funding and a land purchase for expansions for two schools in Fountain Inn.
First, board members approved adding $16.9 million to the cost of an addition to Fountain Inn High School. The project now has a total cost of $48.4 million.
Scott Carlin, executive director of facilities, said it will add more classrooms and a fine arts space to handle 250 more students than planned.
"The original school was built for 1,000 students with the expectation to go to 2,000," Carlin said. "We thought that it wasn't going to be needed as soon as it is, but of course, as we all know, the county is growing and certainly in that part of the county."
Fountain Inn officials said they have grown by 34% since 2010, which is double Greenville County's growth in the same time span.
The median age for the city has also dropped by four years to just over 32, and more than 4,000 people have moved to the city since 2000.
Parents like Kevin Autauvo said the project to expand the high school is needed.
"It being a new school and there hasn't been a senior class yet, and next year there will be a senior class — with all the new freshmen coming in from Rudolph Gordon from the eighth-grade class coming in as ninth graders, I think it's really important," he said.
Trustees also approved buying over three-quarters of an acre for a future expansion of Fountain Inn Elementary School.
School officials plan to turn the campus into a K-8 school.
"We need that extra land to be able to add on to the back of the school to have enough room for the additions as well as some other requirements," Carlin said.
Carlin added staying ahead of future growth is one of the district's biggest priorities.
"We want to make sure that we're getting slightly ahead of growth, so we're not having to do — as you've seen in other school districts in the state where you have portable farms — portable classroom farms all over the place. We don't want to get to that place," Carlin said.
Carlin said the addition to the high school should be completed next August, but they will have a modular classroom building on campus until that's ready.
The expansion for the elementary school, meanwhile, will likely not be done until 2030, according to Carlin.
(Tesla is locating a logistics center at Fox Hill Business Park. Image provided.)Tesla will open a regional distribution center in Fountain Inn in Greenville County, S.C. in early 2024, another promising development in support of the booming automotive and EV economy of the Upstate and South Carolina.The center is believed to mark Tesla’s fi...
(Tesla is locating a logistics center at Fox Hill Business Park. Image provided.)
Tesla will open a regional distribution center in Fountain Inn in Greenville County, S.C. in early 2024, another promising development in support of the booming automotive and EV economy of the Upstate and South Carolina.
The center is believed to mark Tesla’s first major investment in operations in South Carolina.
The inaugural Tesla facility in the Palmetto State will be located in Fox Hill Business Park -- the Class A business and industrial park which came online in 2020 as the first major business park developed in Greenville County in well over a decade.
Fox Hill Business Park, located on 172 acres in the City of Fountain Inn, is being developed by The Sudler Companies, a family- and veteran-owned and operated development firm based in Chatham, New Jersey.
The Tesla facility in Greenville County will mark the second such venture between Tesla and The Sudler Companies in 2023, the duo having announced a similar project near Tampa, Florida, in 2023.
“Tesla’s commitment to Fox Hill Business Park in Greenville County is a testament to the continued strength of our company’s partnership with Tesla and to the indisputable drivers that make the park and the Upstate a force in the logistics world,” said Brian Sudler, principal with The Sudler Companies.
Tesla’s work in Greenville County will focus strictly on distribution of vehicle parts regionally and won’t include manufacturing, officials said.
Tesla will absorb all of Fox Hill’s Building 3, comprised of 251,100 square feet. Depending on final development strategies, the Fox Hill Business Park campus can accommodate up to 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing activity across multiple buildings.
Total investment and planned job additions by Tesla haven’t been made public.
Late in 2023, Tesla posted a hiring notice for a training leader to support and train employees at the new facility in Greenville County.
A company focused on accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla is committed to building a world powered by solar energy, running on batteries, and transported by electric vehicles that charge with clean energy.
Tesla operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents and employs over 100,000 employees who design, build, sell and service Tesla products in-house.
The Tesla announcement is the latest major announcement for Fox Hill, which also saw the recent addition of Sage Parts Plus, a global leader in replacement parts for aviation ground support equipment.
Sage Parts opened new distribution operations in Fox Hill Business Park in mid-2023, leasing a 103,049-square-foot building to accommodate distribution operations along with its new global headquarters that houses its leadership team, purchasing, finance, customer service, HR, product management, and other support departments.
Fox Hill Business Park has immediate access to Interstate 385, I-85, the Inland Port in Greer, South Carolina, and Greenville Spartanburg International Airport.
The Sudler Companies are a vertically integrated development firm that includes construction and property management departments and owns and manages over 12 million square feet of commercial real estate across America.
“The addition of the Tesla brand to Greenville’s business ecosystem is another example of the important role that speculative development plays in today’s competitive environment, and exactly why Greenville County was so supportive of The Sudler Companies and Fox Hill Business Park,” said Kevin Landmesser, interim CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation.
“We are excited that Tesla has chosen to call Fountain Inn home for their first facility in South Carolina,” said City of Fountain Inn Mayor GP McLeer. “This facility will not only create local jobs that will support families, but it also helps many of our region's existing suppliers get their products to one of the nation's most innovative automotive companies more efficiently.
McLeer added, "We continue to be proud of our community's expanding role in the automotive industry and are excited to see Tesla begin operations.”
Since its founding in mid-2001, the GADC team’s efforts have resulted in the announcement of more than 34,600 new jobs and more than $6.6 billion in capital investment in Greenville County.
FOUNTAIN INN — Three buildings on the edge of Fountain Inn's downtown have long stood unused, further deteriorating with the passage of each year.In 2021, developer Bryan Beal bought them with plans to transform the fallow tract at the intersection of Wall and Ellison streets into an entertainment campus, complete with a brewery, food hall and outdoor event space.That vision is now coming into sharper focus every day as work continues on the three historic buildings.The brewery, a secondary gathering space and an o...
FOUNTAIN INN — Three buildings on the edge of Fountain Inn's downtown have long stood unused, further deteriorating with the passage of each year.
In 2021, developer Bryan Beal bought them with plans to transform the fallow tract at the intersection of Wall and Ellison streets into an entertainment campus, complete with a brewery, food hall and outdoor event space.
That vision is now coming into sharper focus every day as work continues on the three historic buildings.
The brewery, a secondary gathering space and an open green space are set to open this spring, while the food hall will likely be up and running by late summer or early fall.
Construction crews broke ground on the renovations in February 2023, and the site has transformed in the year since.
Each of the buildings standing on the site — a former flour mill and two nearby structures — will each serve a separate function.
The three-story mill, originally built in the early 1940s, will be a full-service brewery with some food offerings, including pizza. The first floor will have a 15-tap bar, while the second floor will function as a coworking space during the day and a secondary bar and event space in the evening. The third floor will not be open to the public, though Beal said he hasn't ruled out updating it in the future to make it fit for commercial use.
While the structure is undergoing a major renovation, Beal is striving to preserve as much of the structure as possible. Much of what he couldn't repurpose will remain intact as aesthetic nods to the mills past. That includes a staircase and elevator shaft on the second floor that have been encased in glass for display.
Last week, most of the equipment needed to brew beer at the facility was installed on the basement level.
Beal said the next building over, which sits in the center of the .75-acre property, will be part history museum, part gathering space. Disused milling equipment found in the mill buildings will be put on display, and the building will include additional seating. Bay doors in the back will open onto a porch overlooking the open green space, which will connect all three buildings.
The planned size of that outdoor space has roughly tripled with the acquisition of another nearby property. It will include a 21-by-12-foot screen for sporting events.
In addition to expanding the green space, the purchase of the abutting property will allow for the addition of a parking lot, and Fountain Inn is adding a city lot nearby.
The third building, which stands in the northwest corner of the property, is set to open several months after the rest of the project. It will include a food hall featuring local vendors as well a full bar with taps offering beer from the nearby brewery. It will also include an "entertainment component" with games, though the specifics have not been finalized.
Fountain Inn City Administrator Shawn Bell, who first helped Beal identify the property as a development opportunity, said the project will be a significant contribution to the city's downtown.
"I don't think there is anything around that is like this," he said. "I think there are going to be people that will want to travel from all over to experience what the flour mill has to offer."
Listen to this articleTesla will open a regional distribution center in Fountain Inn in in early 2024, according to a news release from theThe center is believed to mark Tesla’s first major investment in operations in South Carolina, the release stated.The facility will be located in Fox Hill Business Park — the Class A business and industrial park that came online in 2020 as the first major business park developed in Greenville County in well over a decade, according to the release.Fox Hill Business ...
Listen to this article
Tesla will open a regional distribution center in Fountain Inn in in early 2024, according to a news release from the
The center is believed to mark Tesla’s first major investment in operations in South Carolina, the release stated.
The facility will be located in Fox Hill Business Park — the Class A business and industrial park that came online in 2020 as the first major business park developed in Greenville County in well over a decade, according to the release.
Fox Hill Business Park, located on 172 acres in the city of Fountain Inn, is being developed by The Sudler Cos., a family- and veteran-owned and operated development firm based in Chatham, N.J., according to the release. The Tesla facility in Greenville County will mark the second such venture between Tesla and The Sudler Cos. in 2023, the duo having announced a similar project near Tampa in 2023.
“Tesla’s commitment to Fox Hill Business Park in Greenville County is a testament to the continued strength of our company’s partnership with Tesla and to the indisputable drivers that make the park and the Upstate a force in the logistics world,” said Brian Sudler, principal with The Sudler Cos., in the release. “Access to world-class labor, a friendly business environment, quality of life and proximity to more than 90 million people within one day’s drive combine to make Greenville County the vital and dynamic area it is known to be.”
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Tesla’s work in Greenville will focus strictly on distribution of vehicle parts regionally and will not include manufacturing, officials report, the release stated. Tesla will absorb all of Fox Hill’s Building 3, comprised of 251,100 square feet. Depending on final development strategies, the Fox Hill Business Park campus can accommodate up to 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing activity across multiple buildings.
Total investment and planned job additions by Tesla have not been made public. Late in 2023, Tesla posted a hiring notice for a training leader to support and train employees at the new facility in Greenville County.
A company focused on accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla is committed to building a world powered by solar energy, running on batteries, and transported by electric vehicles that charge with clean energy, the release stated. Tesla operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents and employs over 100,000 employees who design, build, sell and service Tesla products in-house.
The Tesla announcement is the latest major announcement for Fox Hill, which also saw the recent addition of Sage Parts Plus, a global leader in replacement parts for aviation ground support equipment, according to the release. Sage Parts opened new distribution operations in Fox Hill Business Park in mid-2023, leasing a 103,049-square-foot building to accommodate distribution operations along with its new global headquarters that houses its leadership team, purchasing, finance, customer service, HR, product management and other support departments.
The Sudler Cos. are a vertically integrated development firm that includes construction and property management departments and owns and manages over 12 million square feet of commercial real estate across America, according to the release.
“The addition of the Tesla brand to Greenville’s business ecosystem is another example of the important role that speculative development plays in today’s competitive environment, and exactly why Greenville County was so supportive of The Sudler Companies and Fox Hill Business Park,” said Kevin Landmesser, interim CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corp. “Our market is extremely strong thanks to quality investment by organizations like The Sudler Companies, and we will continue to support site development to attract more high-quality companies to Greenville County.”