Inheritance Law Experience, Care & Respect

Inheritance Attorney in Goose Creek, SC

A Former Probate Judge Now Fights for Goose Creek Families

When a loved one passes, the legal process of transferring their assets doesn’t move on its own. Whether a will exists or not, inheritance matters in Goose Creek move through the Berkeley County probate court and carry real deadlines, creditor notice requirements, and court oversight. PMC Law Firm handles inheritance law for families throughout South Carolina, including Goose Creek, from our Summerville office. Our team brings over a century of combined legal experience to every matter we take on.

Inheritance law governs how a deceased person’s assets pass to heirs and beneficiaries, whether through a valid will (a testate estate) or under state law when no will exists (an intestate estate). The process is manageable with the right guidance. Without it, families often face delays, disputes, or missed deadlines that complicate an already difficult time.

If you’re facing an inheritance matter in Goose Creek or anywhere in South Carolina, contact PMC Law Firm today at (800) 914-0620 to schedule a consultation.

Judicial Experience Behind Every Inheritance Matter

What sets PMC Law Firm apart is a perspective most firms can’t offer. Our founding partner, Tiffany Provence, served more than ten years as an elected Probate Judge in Dorchester County and two additional years as Associate Judge before entering private practice. She is one of the youngest female judges in South Carolina’s history. That firsthand experience inside the probate court means she understands how SC probate proceedings actually work.

Our attorneys have held roles as judges and solicitors, bringing that public-service foundation into every client relationship. The legacy of James H. Messervy, a former judge and solicitor, remains part of the firm’s history and the standard of commitment we carry forward. David Causey’s diverse academic background further strengthens our team’s ability to address complex probate and estate issues. We craft personalized legal strategies for each client and keep you informed at every stage because inheritance matters are rarely one-size-fits-all.

Inheritance Law Services for Goose Creek Residents

We advocate for clients across the full range of inheritance-related proceedings. We represent both personal representatives (the individuals appointed to administer an estate) and beneficiaries, and we handle matters that are straightforward as well as those that may require courtroom-ready representation before the Berkeley County Probate Court in Moncks Corner.

What we handle includes:

Probate Administration: Guiding personal representatives through the process of inventorying assets, notifying creditors, satisfying valid debts, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries
Intestate Estate Administration: Administering estates where no will exists, including identifying rightful heirs under South Carolina’s intestate succession laws
Will Review & Contests: Reviewing submitted wills for validity and representing clients in contested matters where a will’s authenticity or execution is disputed
Beneficiary Representation: Protecting the rights of named beneficiaries when estate administration becomes contentious or delayed
Heirship Disputes: Resolving disagreements among heirs over asset distribution, accounting, or the conduct of a personal representative
Mediation: Pursuing resolution outside of court when parties are willing and the circumstances allow

It’s worth noting that some assets pass outside of probate entirely, including life insurance with named beneficiaries, jointly owned property with survivorship rights, and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries. Understanding what falls inside or outside the probate estate affects how an inheritance matter is handled and how long the process may take.

Talk to a Goose Creek Inheritance Lawyer

Inheritance questions don’t arise at convenient times. Whether you’re a personal representative trying to understand your obligations, a beneficiary concerned about how an estate is being handled, or a family member navigating a loss without a clear plan, we’re ready to help. PMC Law Firm serves clients throughout South Carolina and can walk you through your options before the process becomes more complicated.

Contact our firm today at (800) 914-0620 to schedule a consultation with an inheritance attorney serving Goose Creek and the surrounding area.

How South Carolina Inheritance Law Works

South Carolina’s intestate succession rules are found in Title 62, Article 2 of the SC Probate Code. When someone dies without a valid will, those rules determine who inherits. If both a spouse and descendants survive, the spouse inherits half and the descendants split the remaining half equally. If only a spouse survives with no descendants, the spouse inherits everything. Without a surviving spouse, the estate passes first to children, then to parents, then to siblings, and then to more distant relatives.

One detail that surprises many families: South Carolina law requires an heir to outlive the decedent by at least 120 hours (five days) to inherit under intestate succession (SC Code Section 62-2-104). Stepchildren and foster children who were never legally adopted generally don’t qualify as issue under these rules, regardless of the nature of the relationship.

The Elective Share

A surviving spouse in South Carolina has the right to claim an elective share equal to one-third of the deceased spouse’s probate estate, regardless of what the will provides (SC Code Section 62-2-201). This protection means a surviving spouse doesn’t have to be completely disinherited by the terms of a will. The election must be made within a defined timeframe, and deciding whether to claim it requires careful consideration of the full estate picture.

South Carolina Has No State Inheritance Tax

South Carolina doesn’t impose a state inheritance tax or a state estate tax. Beneficiaries receiving assets from a South Carolina estate generally won’t face a state-level tax on what they inherit. Large estates may still be subject to the federal estate tax, which applies above the federal exemption threshold, but most families in Goose Creek may not encounter it.

Intestate Estates & Administration Time

Estates without a will can take longer to administer than testate estates. Before assets can be distributed, the probate court must document and verify legitimate heirs, which adds steps to the process. The overall timeline depends on the estate’s complexity, whether disputes arise, and how promptly required filings are made.

Berkeley County Probate Court & Goose Creek Residents

Goose Creek is located in Berkeley County, which means inheritance and estate administration for Goose Creek residents falls under the jurisdiction of the Berkeley County Probate Court in Moncks Corner. The court handles estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, and related proceedings for Berkeley County residents.

Knowing which court has jurisdiction and understanding the filing procedures specific to Berkeley County matters from the outset is important. The requirements, timelines, and local practices that govern how an inheritance matter proceeds in Moncks Corner are details that experienced legal guidance can help a family navigate without unnecessary delay.

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Dedicated, honest and puts clients interests above their own

Tiffany and her team worked countless hours on my father's estate. We all knew from the beginning there was no hidden ...

Donna S
"This aspect of our journey has been the very least of our worries, thanks to Tiffany and her team at Provence Messervy."

After receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2016, I contacted Provence Messervy to ensure my family was taken care of regardless of ...

Dominic L.
"Working with the legal team of Provence Messervy Law Firm was awesome!"

Working with the legal team of Provence Messervy Law Firm was awesome! They definitely made me feel more than just a client!

Daniel P.
"Tiffany explained everything in layman's terms so we better understood how the law works. I would definitely recommend her to others and consult with her again."

My family and I consulted Tiffany about several issues including probate. She was incredibly helpful, patient, and kind. ...

Dawn
"Tiffany will inform you of what she honestly expects out of your case and always has you kept up to date with what's going on with your case."

Tiffany cares about her clients. She will inform you of what she honestly expects out of your case and always has you kept up ...

Lee
"Their excellent customer service and willingness to go the extra mile makes me feel like a valued customer."

Tiffany Provence and the entire team at Provence Messervy have provided me with the best professional advice at some of the ...

Robert J.
"We were very pleased with David's professionalism and personal manner."

David Causey has assisted Colin and me with a new will and several other legal matters. We were very pleased with his ...

Sandra A.
"Mr. Causey listens, makes great recommendations and guidance and seems genuinely interested in how best to move forward with your best interest!"

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Mr. Causey is a really nice change to the legal arena. He listens; He asks great questions; seems to know ...

Frank S.