The De Bruin Law firm offers a wide range of legal services to clients in Greenville, SC and the surrounding upstate. Our experienced attorneys can help you with legal matters in the areas of business law, criminal law, estate planning, and real estate law.
HIPAA Authorizations in Estate Planning: Ensuring Access to Medical Information in Greenville
/in Estate Planning, HIPAAWhen unforeseen health crises arise, who will speak for your medical care? And perhaps even more importantly for your family, who will be able to access the medical information needed to make informed decisions and manage your affairs? In Greenville, as elsewhere, many individuals meticulously plan their estates, outlining how assets should be distributed and […]
Estate Planning for Snowbirds: Coordinating SC Plans with Other States
/in UncategorizedThe allure of warmer climates during colder months draws many individuals and families to maintain residences in more than one state. These “snowbirds,” who often split their time between South Carolina and another state, face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. While mild winters of Greenville and the surrounding areas offer a delightful […]
“As-Is” Clauses in South Carolina Real Estate Contracts: What Greenville Buyers Need to Know
/in Real Estate, Real Estate LawPurchasing real estate, whether a family home or an investment property, represents a substantial financial and personal commitment. In Greenville and throughout South Carolina, buyers often encounter contracts that include an “as-is” clause. This seemingly simple phrase carries significant weight, fundamentally altering the dynamics of a real estate transaction. It’s important for buyers to fully […]
Federal Estate Tax Exemption Made Permanent, Increased to $15 Million by New Legislation
/in Estate PlanningFor the past several years, estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and families has been shaped by a significant provision in the federal tax code that was set to expire. The scheduled expiration, often called a “sunset provision,” created a degree of uncertainty for long-term financial strategies, as the federal estate tax exemption was slated to […]
Big Changes for Small Estates: South Carolina’s New Law Raises Probate Threshold to $45,000
/in ProbateThe period following the loss of a loved one is invariably challenging, marked by grief and the sudden need to manage practical responsibilities. Navigating the legal requirements of settling their final affairs can add a significant layer of stress to an already difficult time. In South Carolina, this court-supervised process, known as probate or estate […]
What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Greenville County, SC?
/in Estate PlanningNavigating the loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult. When that loss is compounded by the absence of a will, families in Greenville County often face a complex and uncertain legal landscape. If someone passes away without a valid will in Greenville County, South Carolina law dictates how their assets are distributed through a […]
Navigating Probate When the Executor Lives Outside South Carolina
/in Estate PlanningBeing asked to manage a loved one’s final affairs is a significant responsibility, often undertaken during a time of grief. When that responsibility involves handling a South Carolina estate, specifically in the Greenville area, while you live hundreds or even thousands of miles away, the complexities can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re not just dealing with […]
Contesting a Will in Greenville County Probate Court: Grounds and Process
/in Estate PlanningChallenging the validity of a will is a significant legal undertaking, often arising during emotionally charged times. In Greenville County, South Carolina, such contests are handled by the Probate Court. Successfully navigating this process requires a thorough understanding of who has the right to contest, the legally recognized grounds for a challenge, the strict procedural […]
Beyond the Basics: Understanding South Carolina’s Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement
/in Real Estate, Real Estate LawWhen buying or selling a home in South Carolina, particularly in areas like Greenville County, the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement (RPCDS), sometimes referred to as the Seller’s Disclosure of Real Property Condition Report (SC) or simply the mandatory SC property condition statement, is a standard document. Mandated by the South Carolina Residential Property Condition […]
AI Still Makes Things Up: Why Professionals Must Remain the Experts
/in Business Law, Criminal Law, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, ResourcesThere are many reasons why someone may want to devise their estate plan. Perhaps they are wanting to protect assets and ensure that those they love receive a piece of their legacy that can be passed down to future generations. Or they may have just been diagnosed with an illness and want to get their affairs in order. There are limitless factors that can contribute to someone becoming sick. For instance, someone who is diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition later in life because of working with asbestos material may be motivated to solidify their end of life wishes through establishing a legally-binding documentation, like an estate plan.