Wills and Trusts

Talking about your legacy or a loved one’s estate can feel uncomfortable—but with proper legal guidance, it becomes a powerful way to secure peace of mind.  

At Butler Law, I help individuals and families protect what matters most through thoughtful estate planning, including wills and trusts. I have years of experience guiding clients through every stage of estate planning and probate administration.  

I take pride in offering personalized legal services that fit real people’s lives. Whether you’re planning for your family’s future or settling an estate, I make sure you understand all the available options. From creating wills and living trusts to helping executors carry out their duties, I’m here to make the process transparent, practical, and manageable. 

My firm proudly serves South Carolina residents in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Horry County, Georgetown County, and surrounding communities. No matter where you are in your planning journey, I’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you create a plan that reflects your values and wishes. 

Why Having a Will or Trust Matters

A will or trust is more than a legal document—it’s a way to protect your loved ones from uncertainty. Without a will, the state decides how your property is divided under South Carolina’s intestacy laws, which might not reflect your intentions. Having a clear plan in place enables your family to focus on what truly matters, rather than worrying about paperwork, delays, or disputes. 

A last will and testament lets you: 

• Decide who inherits your assets 

• Name guardians for minor children 

• Choose someone you trust to handle your estate (the executor) 

• Specify final wishes, such as burial or cremation preferences 

A trust, on the other hand, allows you to transfer property during your lifetime or after death, often avoiding probate. Trusts can also protect assets from certain taxes or creditors, provide for individuals with disabilities, or make sure beneficiaries receive funds in a responsible manner over time. 

At Butler Law, I help clients determine which options best suit their needs—whether that means drafting a simple will, establishing a revocable living trust, or combining both for added protection. 

Types of Wills and Trusts We Handle

Every person’s financial and family situation is different. That’s why I offer tailored solutions designed to match your circumstances and goals. Here are some of the most common estate planning tools I use to help clients: 

Wills 

I assist with drafting and updating wills that clearly express your intentions and wishes. Life changes—such as marriage, divorce, new children, or the purchase of property—often mean it’s time to revisit your will. I’ll help you make sure your current document reflects your wishes and complies with South Carolina law. 

Living Trusts 

A revocable living trust enables you to manage your assets during your lifetime while facilitating a seamless transfer of property after your death. Because assets in a trust usually bypass probate, your loved ones can receive their inheritance faster and more privately. 

Irrevocable Trusts 

An irrevocable trust can be useful for long-term tax planning or protecting assets for beneficiaries. Once created, it generally cannot be changed, but it can offer benefits such as minimizing estate taxes or preserving eligibility for Medicaid. 

Special Needs Trusts 

If you have a loved one with a disability, a special needs trust can provide financial support without jeopardizing their access to government benefits. I’ll help you set up a plan that secures their well-being while maintaining important protections. 

Testamentary Trusts 

These are trusts established within a will and activated upon the death of the testator. They can help manage inheritance for minors or provide structured support for dependents over time. 

No matter what type of arrangement you’re considering, I take the time to explain how each option works so that you can make confident, informed decisions.

How I Help Families with Estate Administration

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal process that follows can feel unfamiliar. I assist personal representatives (executors) and families through all phases of probate administration—the court-supervised process of settling an estate. 

My services include: 

• Filing the will with the probate court 

• Gathering and valuing assets 

• Notifying heirs and creditors 

• Paying debts and taxes 

• Distributing remaining property to beneficiaries 

I also assist with trust administration, ensuring that trustees adhere to the terms of the trust and keep beneficiaries informed. 

If disputes arise, I strive to resolve them as efficiently and calmly as possible. My focus is always on finding practical solutions that honor both the law and your loved one’s wishes. 

South Carolina Laws Governing Wills and Trusts

South Carolina law sets out specific requirements for valid wills and trusts. Here are some key points every resident should know: 

• Legal capacity: A person must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to create a valid will. 

• Witness requirements: Wills must be signed by the testator (the person making the will) and two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. 

• Self-proving affidavit: Adding this notarized statement helps speed up probate by confirming that the will was properly signed. 

• Revoking or amending a will: You can update or revoke a will at any time before death, typically by creating a new document that clearly states your intent. 

• Probate jurisdiction: In South Carolina, probate matters are handled through the county Probate Court—such as the Horry County Probate Court for Myrtle Beach residents. 

• Trust Creation: Trusts must have a clearly defined purpose, identified beneficiaries, and assets transferred into them to be valid. 

While online templates are available, small mistakes can create significant problems later. Working with me is likely to prevent disputes, delays, and unintended outcomes. 

Why Clients Choose Butler Law

I Listen First 

Every family has its own priorities. I start by understanding what matters most to you—whether that’s protecting your children, caring for an aging parent, or making things easier for your spouse. 

• Thorough explanations: Legal terms can be confusing, so I speak in everyday language. You’ll always know what each document does, why it’s important, and how it affects your family. 

• I plan for your future: At Butler Law, I don’t just prepare paperwork—I create flexible plans that adapt as your life changes. You can count on me to be your long-term resource whenever updates are needed.