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Estate Planning

Law Office of Dundee W. Carter, LLC | Estate Planning

Protecting your loved ones and your legacy

Estate planning is about more than just preparing for the future—it’s about protecting the people and legacy that matter most to you. At the Law Office of Dundee W. Carter, LLC, we help individuals and families across South Carolina take proactive steps to ensure their wishes are honored, their loved ones are protected, and their affairs are in order—no matter what life brings.

Estate planning is the process of making legal arrangements for the management and distribution of your assets during your lifetime, in the event of incapacity, and after your death. A comprehensive estate plan can minimize stress for your loved ones, reduce the need for court involvement, and provide peace of mind that your affairs are handled exactly as you intended.

Essential Estate Planning Documents

We guide clients through the thoughtful creation of key estate planning documents, tailored to their specific needs:

  • Last Will and Testament
    Outlines how your assets should be distributed, who will serve as the executor of your estate, and who you wish to name as guardians for minor children.
  • Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts
    Trusts can help avoid probate, manage assets during your lifetime, protect beneficiaries, and provide for specific requirements such as special needs care or multi-generational planning.
  • Durable Financial Power of Attorney
    Authorizes a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney
    Appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so.
  • Living Will (Advance Directive)
    States your preferences for life-sustaining treatment or end-of-life care.

Estate Planning is Essential

Creating a well-structured estate plan is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. It allows you to:

  • Clearly express your wishes for how your property is distributed and who manages your affairs.
  • Protect your family’s financial well-being, especially in times of crisis or incapacity.
  • Avoid the delay and expense of probate through tools like trusts and beneficiary designations.
  • Minimize tax exposure, ensuring more of your legacy passes directly to your beneficiaries.

What happens if you die without a Will?

If you pass away without a valid will in South Carolina, your estate will be subject to the state’s intestacy laws. That means the state—not you—determines who inherits your assets:

  • If you leave a spouse and children, your spouse typically receives half, and your children split the remainder.
  • If you have a spouse but no children, the spouse inherits the entire estate.
  • If you have no spouse or children, your estate may go to parents, siblings, or more distant relatives.

Tax Considerations in South Carolina

  • No South Carolina Estate or Inheritance Tax
    The state does not impose its own estate or inheritance taxes.
  • Federal Estate Tax
    Estates exceeding the federal exemption limit may be subject to federal estate tax, but strategic planning can often reduce or eliminate this burden.

Experienced, Compassionate Guidance

Attorney Dundee W. Carter offers personalized estate planning solutions tailored to your unique goals, family dynamics, and core values. Whether you’re creating a plan for the first time, updating an existing one, or addressing a specific concern—such as incapacity planning or asset protection—we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions at every step.

Located in Murrells Inlet, we proudly serve clients throughout the Grand Strand—including Horry County, Georgetown County, and surrounding areas. Our Mobile Legal Services allow us to meet with clients at home, virtually, or by phone for convenience and accessibility.

Practice Areas

The Law Office of Dundee Carter, LLC

Contact Information

Location

Murrells Inlet, SC

Mailing Address

PO Box 182
325 Unit A Pine Avenue
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Office Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-12PM

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Let us help you put a plan in place that protects what matters most.  Contact us to schedule a consultation—by phone, virtually, or in person.