Do you have a last will and testament set up? Though most people know they need their affairs in order, most procrastinate about estate planning. We get it - thinking about your death and what happens to your assets when you pass is uncomfortable. The truth is, though, that working with an estate planning attorney in Columbia, SC, doesn't just protect your assets.
Having a will in place protects you and your loved ones, too, both while you're living and after you're gone. And while there's no perfect time to plan your estate, doing so sooner than later will provide security and peace of mind down the line.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we know that one-size-fits-all plans aren't suitable for your needs. That's why our team of estate planning attorneys sits down to speak with you one-on-one so that we can help create an estate plan tailored to your wishes. That way, your family and loved ones are protected when it's time for you to go.
When it's all said and done, our goal is to provide all of our estate planning clients with more information and options so that they feel less stressed about the process. After all, peace of mind is priceless these days. Why spend time worrying about the future of your family when you can do your part to provide for them now?
GET HELP NOWIf you're feeling over-stressed and uninformed about estate planning, don't worry. You're not alone! Most of our estate planning clients are filled with doubt and worry when they walk into our office. They're concerned about their kids, their spouses, their loved ones, or all of the above. They have serious questions that need truthful answers, such as:
If you find yourself asking these or other pertinent questions, our experienced team is here to help answer them. We've worked with hundreds of individuals and families trying to plan their estates, many of whom are forced to act quickly. In such situations, it's crucial to work with an estate planning firm with your best interests at heart.
Estate planning in South Carolina is like second nature for our team of seasoned attorneys. We've done it all, from setting up healthcare power of attorneys and will packages to full estate planning that involves millions of dollars in assets. When you choose Lauren Taylor Law as your estate planning team, you can rest easy knowing you'll work directly with an experienced lawyer.
Because when it involves your estate and your family's future, passing your case off to a junior associate or paralegal isn't an option. Instead, you'll be working with a dedicated attorney with the time, resources, and knowledge to exceed your needs. At the end of the day, we're passionate about the outcome of our client's estate planning cases because the future of their family is at stake.
To get a better sense of your estate plans and needs, your attorney will consult with you, so that they can answer your questions and educate you on the nuances of estate law in South Carolina. That way, you can leave our office feeling a little wiser and a lot more informed about what options lie ahead.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in South Carolina Estate Law, encompassing the following areas:
When you hear the word "estate," what comes to mind? Many people think of a sprawling, multi-story mansion on the water. However, you don't have to be uber-wealthy to have an estate. Chances are you already have one. An estate is comprised of all the assets a person owns, such as:
And that, in a nutshell, is what estate planning is all about - working with an estate planning attorney in Columbia, SC, to create a framework that recognizes the people or organizations who should benefit from your assets. Though it may require some work and introspection up front, planning your estate now will make life easier for you and your loved ones down the line.
However, great estate plans usually cover more than fiscal assets. Your estate plan should also include:
Contrary to what others may tell you, estate planning isn't just reserved for older people approaching retirement. Estate planning is a savvy and responsible way to plan ahead because we never know when it could be our time to go.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our estate attorneys craft personalized wills while providing guidance on many estate planning topics. Some of the most common estate planning services we offer include:
Wills are a crucial legal document and the primary building block of professional estate planning. They are legal declarations that you use to name one or more people to administer your estate. Wills also dictate provisions for how your wealth is distributed after death. Hiring an estate planning attorney in Columbia, SC, ensures you get the outcomes both you and your loved ones prefer.
Sometimes, you need authorized representation to help with your affairs. Having a power of attorney lets you choose a person to act on your behalf or represent you in private or legal matters. It should be noted that while you have access to standard power of attorneys, they can only fulfill basic planning needs. Our team can help you draft a more comprehensive document addressing all your administrative needs.
Also referred to as an advanced directive, your living will states your medical end-of-life wishes if you cannot communicate. This sensitive document guides your family members and doctors through difficult situations, like whether you should be resuscitated after a car crash.
In addition to the estate planning services above, we also specialize in:
Estate planning can be a complex process, but drafting a well-rounded plan now will make a big difference to your beneficiaries in the future. To give you a better understanding of estate law in South Carolina, keep these basic concepts and strategies in mind.
If there were one strategy that every estate attorney agrees about, it would be maximizing what you plan to leave behind. Taking time to think through what you'll be leaving and to whom you'll be leaving it to is crucial in estate planning. It's important to note, however, that your plans may change depending on what type of asset you're leaving behind, its worth, your age, and many other factors. With an estate planning lawyer in Columbia, SC, by your side, you'll learn about the pros and cons of your choices while minimizing court fees and taxes.
The person you choose as the executor of your will plays a big part in your affairs. Your executor is responsible for finalizing estate settlements while upholding the terms of your will. Such a demanding role requires a unique person, and choosing that person is a decision you should take seriously. Your executor should be adept at managing money and should be patient in stressful times because they're responsible for the following:
To ensure your executor upholds your instructions and wishes, ask that they use an estate planning attorney in Columbia, SC, for help. Having a trustworthy, experienced lawyer on your side will help ensure your estate is distributed accurately and according to South Carolina law.
As one of the most trusted estate planning law offices in South Carolina, we encounter clients all the time who question whether having a will is really necessary. They think that because their will is small or modest, having one is a waste of money. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Why? Think about what would happen if you didn't have a will. When you pass away without a will, you're dying "intestate." In this scenario, intestate succession laws in South Carolina determine where your assets go. You do not get to choose.
If you have a cherished family heirloom that you want to pass to your niece or a valuable car you want your brother to have, you may be out of luck without a will in place. Intestate succession laws in South Carolina dictate who gets what in your family. If you don't want the State to decide who will inherit your assets, forming a will with the help of an estate planning lawyer in Columbia, SC, is necessary.
Another reason to have a will is to help care for and protect your family if you pass away suddenly. This is true even if you consider yourself to be "too young" to have a will. If you're the parent of a minor and you die intestate, they will inherit your estate according to South Carolina law. However, this often means your child owns an interest in your home. That opens them up to intrusion from probate court. It also means a Guardian Ad Litem will be involved in your affairs to question the choices of your surviving family members, whether you like it or not.
By having a last will and testament in place, you have the chance to nominate a guardian for your child in the event that you pass.
You've probably seen ads for easy or "fill-in-the-blank" legal forms across the internet, promising low costs and easy will creation. Unfortunately, using these boilerplate forms is highly risky and may end up hurting your loved ones more than helping them. That's because when an estate planning attorney in Columbia, SC, is not present to prepare your will, you may receive a document that is inadequate, ambiguous, or even invalid by law.
At Lauren Taylor Law, we have found many issues with "DIY" wills, including the following:
Conflicting Verbiage: When using a "DIY" will, you've got to make choices on the form that often conflict, which can lead to ambiguity in your will.
Ambiguous Language: The language found within "fill-in-the-blank" wills typically includes less-than-clear verbiage. When a judge is unable to decipher the instructions in your will, it can lead to long, costly probate problems.
Outdated Info: South Carolina laws change often. Changes in the law can have a dramatic effect on the terms of your will, especially because online forms are often outdated from the very beginning.
Not Specific to South Carolina: As is the case with any state, local laws must be taken into account when creating your will, because state law governs several facets of estate planning. Many "DIY" wills are thrown out in probate court because they are generic and not specific to South Carolina estate laws.
Insufficient Instructions: Many people using boilerplate legal documents are uninformed about estate and probate laws. When it comes to preparing legal documents like wills, there is no substitute for the guidance you receive from a lawyer. Only a certified lawyer has the knowledge and experience to provide you with reliable advice and instructions. The instructions included with "DIY" wills lack true advice from a lawyer, rendering them nearly useless.
In life, there are no guarantees as to how long we'll be around to enjoy time with our families. That's why planning your estate is so important: to provide for those who mean the most to you. As your estate planning attorneys, our job is to ensure your family and assets are protected under South Carolina law. We take that job very seriously.
If you're looking for experienced, professional help drafting your last will and testament - one that truly reflects your wishes - look no further than Lauren Taylor Law. Our team is dedicated to the best interests of you and your family and is committed to providing sound legal advice, no matter the value of your estate.
COLUMBIA, SC – No. 4/4 South Carolina opens play in the NCAA Tournament on Sat., March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks will play the winner of the First Four game between Southern and Samford in a 1 p.m. tipoff on ABC. vs. Gamecock NotablesBy the Numbers7 – Multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status for the seventh-straight season.9 – South Carolina has posted at least 30 wins in nine of the last 12 season...
COLUMBIA, SC – No. 4/4 South Carolina opens play in the NCAA Tournament on Sat., March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks will play the winner of the First Four game between Southern and Samford in a 1 p.m. tipoff on ABC.
vs.
Gamecock Notables
By the Numbers7 – Multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status for the seventh-straight season.
9 – South Carolina has posted at least 30 wins in nine of the last 12 seasons, including each of the last five.
12 – Senior Raven Johnson needs 12 points to reach 1,000 in her career.
Gamecocks Against the FieldThis season, South Carolina has faced 13 of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament field, four of which are also in the Sacramento 4 Region, including both of its potential second-round opponents. The Gamecocks went 13-3 against those 13 teams.
In addition to their nine league rivals in the field – Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt – South Carolina played non-conference games against Clemson, vs. Southern Cal, vs. Duke and at Louisville.
The 13 teams include a No. 1 seed, two No. 2 seeds, two No. 3 seeds, a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds, a No. 6 seed, a No. 7 seed, a No. 8 seed, a No. 9 seed and a No. 11 seed.
Home Sweet HomeThe Gamecocks are 562-168 (.770) in home games (some records prior to 1976-77 did not include location of games). Current head coach Dawn Staley is 250-35 at home for a program-best .877 winning percentage.
Playing in its 24th season at Colonial Life Arena, South Carolina boasts a 313-68 (.822) record in the building, including four undefeated seasons since 2013-14. Staley’s share of that record is 247-35 (.876).
South Carolina is 28-5 (.848) in postseason play at home, including a 20-8 (.714) mark at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks are 21-2 (.913) in NCAA Tournament games at home.
Tournament TalkSouth Carolina is in its 22nd NCAA Tournament and its 14th straight under head coach Dawn Staley. The Gamecocks are 55-18 overall in the event with 15 Sweet 16 appearances, nine Elite Eight seasons, seven Final Four showings and three National Championships.
The Gamecocks have been a regional No. 1 seed 10 times, including three seasons as the overall No. 1 seed (2022, 2023, 2024). They are 39-5 as a No. 1 seed.
In her 26th season as a head coach, Staley has taken a team to the NCAA Tournament 20 times. She is 49-16 at the event, including a 47-10 mark at South Carolina and a 21-2 mark over the last four tournaments.
All-American GirlsA trio of Gamecocks have received All-America honors this season, led by forward Joyce Edwards who has been on every list’s second team. She is just the eighth Gamecock sophomore all-time to earn All-America status, most recently joining Staley-era greats Aliyah Boston (2021), A’ja Wilson (2016) and Tiffany Mitchell (2014).
Senior Raven Johnson earned third-team honors from the Associated Press and honorable mention nods from USA Today and the USBWA. It is the first season she has received the label.
Senior Ta’Niya Latson claimed All-America recognition for the fourth straight season as she drew honorable mention honors from the Associated Press.
This season marks the seventh-straight that multiple Gamecocks have earned All-America status.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill regulating hemp products in South Carolina cleared its hurdle inside the state Senate after weeks of discussion and debate.Wednesday night, Senators failed to pass the hemp regulation bill, leaving it’s future uncertain, but then revived it on Thursday evening.Senators then passed an amended bill on Thursday under a deal that would allow low-potency, canned THC beverages to be sold at retail stores that have beer and wine licenses. Those beverages could include up to five milligrams of THC in...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill regulating hemp products in South Carolina cleared its hurdle inside the state Senate after weeks of discussion and debate.
Wednesday night, Senators failed to pass the hemp regulation bill, leaving it’s future uncertain, but then revived it on Thursday evening.
Senators then passed an amended bill on Thursday under a deal that would allow low-potency, canned THC beverages to be sold at retail stores that have beer and wine licenses. Those beverages could include up to five milligrams of THC in a 12 oz. can and would need to be kept behind a counter.
Under the bill, higher-potency drinks like 12 oz. cans with up to 10 milligrams of THC, and 750 milliliter bottles would be allowed to be sold at liquor stores alongside gummies. The gummies, restricted to packs of four that are 10 milligrams each of THC, 40 milligrams total in a pack, would also need to be kept behind the counter at liquor stores.
“That’s the number one thing,” said Sen. Michael Johnson (R-York). “We want to regulate this product, make sure those who shouldn’t be around it aren’t and so that was the entire intent of today.”
“We are going to force alcoholics into liquor stores to get gummies,” said Sen. Ed Sutton (D-Charleston). “I think that is a very bad mistake.”
The measure would still need to formally pass the Senate through a third reading on Tuesday. The amended bill would then need to pass the South Carolina House of Representatives, which struggled to pass its own hemp regulations earlier this year.
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The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the opening of the first vertical farm inside a U.S. prison, launching a new agricultural training initiative at the Camille Graham Correctional Institute in Columbia.The four-container vertical farm, developed through a partnership with nonprofits Impact Justice and farm equipment manufacturer AmplifiedAg, is expected to produce more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. The harvest will be used to supply the prison, as well as low-income communities, with crops grown and...
The South Carolina Department of Corrections announced the opening of the first vertical farm inside a U.S. prison, launching a new agricultural training initiative at the Camille Graham Correctional Institute in Columbia.
The four-container vertical farm, developed through a partnership with nonprofits Impact Justice and farm equipment manufacturer AmplifiedAg, is expected to produce more than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. The harvest will be used to supply the prison, as well as low-income communities, with crops grown and maintained by incarcerated women.
The workforce development project aims to bring modern agricultural practices into rehabilitation programs inside prisons. Program participants will get classroom instruction and hands-on training, officials said at the project’s unveiling March 19.
Leaders said the initiative is designed to increase access to nutritional foods within the facility and give prisoners a chance to learn employable skills, including operating and maintaining advanced farming systems.
Impact Justice CEO Alex Busansky hopes the vertical farm will be a catalyst for “a national movement” to prove that these farms work, create opportunities and improve lives.
The organization will also work with S.C. agribusiness partners to help connect inmates with job opportunities upon release. The goal is to create a pipeline to employment.
The opening was attended by S.C. Department of Corrections Director Joel Anderson, S.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and AmplifiedAg CEO Dave Flynn.
The farm is built out of retrofitted shipping containers and outfitted with LED grow lights, climate control systems and vertical growing racks. Crops such as leafy greens and herbs can be grown in the controlled environment. Vertical farming is the process of growing groups in vertical layers within an enclosed environment, using soilless systems like hydroponics. Vertical farms enable year-round high crop yield with up to 95 percent less water and significantly less land.
The greens grown in the vertical farms mature within a 36-day period, as opposed to the average 55 days in a traditional field.
Two other farms in Oakland and Chowchilla, California, are poised to receive a similar system. A third farm will be opened at the Impact Justice office in Oakland, as well.
Officials emphasized that programs like this play a role in reducing recidivism rates — or someone returning to prison after release — by providing practical skills and a sense of purpose. They hope the initiative will serve as a model for programs nationwide.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with an Immersive Business Conference for Women Authors and Publishing Professionals — March 26–28, 2026 • Columbia, SCCOLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Women in Publishing Summit announces the inaugural in-person WIP LIVE: #WIPCON conference, March 26–28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC—a deliberate choice to honor Women’s History Month! Founded to amplify women’s voices, Women i...
Celebrating Women’s History Month with an Immersive Business Conference for Women Authors and Publishing Professionals — March 26–28, 2026 • Columbia, SC
COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Women in Publishing Summit announces the inaugural in-person WIP LIVE: #WIPCON conference, March 26–28, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC—a deliberate choice to honor Women’s History Month! Founded to amplify women’s voices, Women in Publishing Summit was built on the belief that women who have a story to tell deserve every resource, connection, and strategy necessary to bring that work into the world at full volume. With 35,000+ email subscribers, 8,000+ Facebook group members, 1,000+ annual virtual summit attendees, and 200,000+ podcast downloads, WIP has become one of the most engaged communities in independent publishing. WIPCON is its fullest in-person expression.
“WIPCON was built differently. You leave with work done—content created, collaborations identified, a revenue strategy mapped. Not plans. Results.” —Alexa Bigwarfe, Founder A Working Conference — Not a Passive One WIPCON is not a traditional writing or publishing conference. Over 2.5 days, women authors and publishing professionals stop consuming and start building — leaving with real content, a mapped revenue strategy, identified collaboration partners, and a 90-day action plan.
Thursday, March 26: Welcome Happy Hour and networking mixer (6:00–8:00 PM)
Friday, March 27: LEARN: Expert-led sessions on storytelling, social media strategy, visibility, and revenue — closing with the Genius Games, an interactive experience to identify strengths and collaboration partners.
Saturday, March 28 — BUILD: Small-group implementation labs with the same experts: Social Media and; Content, Sales and Collaboration, and Visibility and Speaking. Closes with a 90-Day Collaborative Action Plan.
Sunday, March 29 — VIP Day (capped at 15): 1:1 strategy sessions, mentorship, and content filming.
Featured Speakers: Alexa Bigwarfe • Porsché Mysticque • Julie Lokun • April Pertuis • Tayler Simon • Annette Flavel • Cayce LaCorte • Raewyn Sangari • Jennifer Wilkov • Tara Abbott • Parchelle and; Portia Michele Osumaré.
Event Details: Dates: March 26–28, 2026 • Location: Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC, 630 Assembly St, Columbia, SC 29201
Tickets: $347 General Admission • Register: writepublishsell.thrivecart.com/wincon-26/ Info: womeninpublishingsummit.com/columbia • Media: support@womeninpublishingsummit.com
About Women in Publishing Summit: Founded by Alexa Bigwarfe, Women in Publishing Summit exists to amplify women’s voices, elevate women’s stories, and build a community where women in publishing are better together. WIP hosts an annual virtual summit with 40+ workshops, monthly programming, and a growing ecosystem of resources for authors and publishing professionals at every stage.
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NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.LEXINGTON 3Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.The district says there will be no work for students to do on Mo...
NOTE: The above video is a livestream of WIS featuring current newscasts, Soda City Living and Gray Media’s Local News Live.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Several Midlands school districts have announced school closures and eLearning days for Monday due to potential severe weather across the region.
LEXINGTON 3
Lexington County School District Three announced it will shift to an eLearning Day due to potential severe weather on Monday.
The district says there will be no work for students to do on Monday. Instead, students will receive their make-up eLearning assignments on Tuesday, March 17th. Students will have the option to complete their eLearning assignments on their own time. All assignments will be due by no later than Thursday, April 2nd.
All after-school events, including sports practices, sports games, meetings, adult education classes, etc., scheduled for Monday, March 16th, are cancelled.
LEXINGTON ONE
Lexington One is switching to eLearning on Monday, March 16, 2026
All after-school events and activities are canceled, and campuses are also closed for the day.
You can click here to review the district’s eLearning guidelines and directions.
LEXINGTON TWO
Lexington Two is closing all offices and schools on Monday, March 16.
All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled on Monday, including athletic events, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, and adult education classes.
DISTRICT 5 OF LEXINGTON AND RICHLAND COUNTIES
LR5 will not have school due to previous scheduling.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Orangeburg County School District will observe an eLearning Day. All after-school programs, extracurricular activities, athletic practices, and games scheduled for tomorrow are canceled due to the expected weather conditions.
LEE COUNTY
Lee County School District has designated Monday, March 16, 2026, as an eLearning Day.
KERSHAW COUNTY
Kershaw County School District is shifting to an e-Learning Day for Monday. All Monday after-school activities and sporting events are also cancelled.
WIS will update this article with more school changes once announced.
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