Protect Your Family's Future with Expert Estate Planning
Estate Planning Attorney in Lancaster, SC
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 Lancaster, 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?
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- Estate Planning Difference
- The Importance of Estate Planning in South Carolina
- Our Estate Planning
- Estate Planning Tips in South Carolina
- Selecting the Executor of Your Will in South Carolina
- Is a Will Really Necessary in South Carolina?
- Risk The Risks of Using "DIY" Wills
- Rely on Lauren Taylor Law to Protect Your Family and Estate
If 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:
- How much will estate planning cost me?
- What will the results of this process be?
- How long will it take me to plan my estate and put a will in place?
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.
The Lauren Taylor Law Estate Planning Difference
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:
- Will Packages
- Last Wills and Testaments
- Living Wills
- Power of Attorney
- Asset Protection
- Much More
The Importance of Estate Planning in South Carolina
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:
- Automobiles
- Real Estate
- Bank Accounts
- Valuable Possessions
- Businesses
- More
And that, in a nutshell, is what estate planning is all about - working with an estate planning attorney in Lancaster, 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:
- Specific instructions that identify beneficiary designations
- Who will be the guardian of any minor children you may have
- Instructions as to what happens if you're incapacitated prior to death
- The type of long-term care insurance you have
- Strategies to help your family avoid or minimize Probate fees and taxes
- Instructions regarding the transfer of your business after death, disability, or retirement
- Help for family members who struggle with money management
- Medicaid payment planning
- Instructions on how to help family members with special needs
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.
Our Estate Planning
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:
Last Will and Testament
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 Lancaster, SC, ensures you get the outcomes both you and your loved ones prefer.
Power of Attorney
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.
Living Wills
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:
- Healthcare Power of Attorneys
- Power Over Wills
- Durable Power of Attorneys
- Deed Preparation
- Full Estate Planning Packages
Estate Planning Tips in South Carolina
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.
Maximizing Your Estate
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 Lancaster, SC, by your side, you'll learn about the pros and cons of your choices while minimizing court fees and taxes.
Selecting the Executor of Your Will in South Carolina
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:
- Paying Outstanding Debts and Bills
- Collecting Assets
- Distributing Assets
- Completing and Submitting Tax Returns
- Petitioning the Court if Necessary
To ensure your executor upholds your instructions and wishes, ask that they use an estate planning attorney in Lancaster, 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.
Is a Will Really Necessary in South Carolina?
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 Lancaster, 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.
RiskThe Risks of Using "DIY" Wills
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 Lancaster, 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.
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Rely on Lauren Taylor Law to Protect Your Family and Estate
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.
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Latest News in Lancaster, SC
Lancaster County gets confirmed measles case, health providers encourage vaccine
Rachel Richardsonhttps://www.wbtv.com/2026/02/11/lancaster-county-gets-confirmed-measles-case-health-providers-encourage-vaccine/
LANCASTER, S.C. (WBTV) - The measles outbreak that started in South Carolina’s Upstate continues and now a case has been confirmed in Lancaster County.Health care providers in the area want the community to be as prepared as possible.Lancaster County Schools recently shared a letter with the community updating them on the measles and district protocols, ahead of the confirmed case. The school district told WBTV that there were no school exposures.Read --> On Tuesday, Feb. 10 the South Carolina&rsqu...
LANCASTER, S.C. (WBTV) - The measles outbreak that started in South Carolina’s Upstate continues and now a case has been confirmed in Lancaster County.
Health care providers in the area want the community to be as prepared as possible.
Lancaster County Schools recently shared a letter with the community updating them on the measles and district protocols, ahead of the confirmed case. The school district told WBTV that there were no school exposures.
Read -->
On Tuesday, Feb. 10 the South Carolina’s Department of Public Health confirmed a case of the measles in Lancaster County that they say they are continuing to investigate.
Brandy Sinclair is a nurse practitioner with Morphis Pediatrics in Lancaster and wants people to consider getting themselves and their kids vaccinated.
“You know heard immunity has really kept the measles from us, but now that it’s here, there’s still a chance that we can get the measles even with the vaccine,” Sinclair said. “But, with the vaccine, the severity of the symptoms should not be as severe.”
The South Carolina Department of Public Health recommends kids get their first and second doses between around 1 year and 17 years old.
It recommends adults get vaccinated based on age, need, and profession. The health department has also shared that vaccination rates increased 72% last month, compared to the same time in 2025.
Sinclair also wants people to realize what the long-term impacts of measles can be.
“One and 20 kids that gets the measles they’re gonna get pneumonia, one and 20 kids. The other big side effect is those high fevers causing something called in encephalitis which is a neurological disorder and it causes swelling in the brain,” Sinclair said.
Sinclair wants people to know that it can make a difference in health outcomes.
“I think just people understanding that the risk versus benefit of getting the vaccine. It’s safer to get the vaccine than it is to get the measles,” Sinclair said.
The latest update on confirmed cases from the South Carolina Department of Public Health can be found here.
First Case of Measles Confirmed in Lancaster County as S.C. Outbreak Reaches 933
Tom Hysliphttps://www.wrhi.com/2026/02/first-case-of-measles-confirmed-in-lancaster-county-as-s-c-outbreak-reaches-933-209877
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that the ongoing Upstate measles outbreak has officially reached Lancaster County. In a Tuesday update, officials reported 13 new cases across the state, pushing the total number of infections to 933.This latest expansion marks a significant milestone in what has become one of the largest measles outbreaks in the United States in over three decades.First Case Confirmed in Lancaster CountyFor the first time since the out...
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed that the ongoing Upstate measles outbreak has officially reached Lancaster County. In a Tuesday update, officials reported 13 new cases across the state, pushing the total number of infections to 933.
This latest expansion marks a significant milestone in what has become one of the largest measles outbreaks in the United States in over three decades.
First Case Confirmed in Lancaster County
For the first time since the outbreak began, DPH has confirmed a case in a Lancaster County resident. While the virus has been largely concentrated in the Upstate—specifically Spartanburg County—this new case signals the geographical spread of the disease.
Key details regarding the Lancaster case include:
School Exposures and Quarantine Data
The rise in cases has led to new public exposure concerns at local educational institutions. DPH has identified the following schools with active quarantines:
Statewide, there are currently 235 people in quarantine and six in isolation. Health officials noted that the current quarantine period for these individuals is expected to last until at least March 5.
Outbreak by the Numbers
The data continues to show that the virus is primarily affecting school-aged children and those without prior immunization.
| Category | Data Point |
| Total Cases | 933 |
| Unvaccinated Cases | 859 |
| Cases in Ages 5–17 | 594 |
| Cases in Ages Under 5 | 245 |
Free Vaccination Opportunities
In an effort to curb the spread, DPH is deploying its Mobile Health Unit to provide no-cost Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccines to the public.
DPH continues to emphasize that vaccination is the most effective tool for ending the outbreak. Residents can also secure vaccines through local pharmacies, primary care doctors, and county health departments.
Growing South Carolina measles outbreak reaches Lancaster County: What to know
Brandy Beardhttps://www.wbtv.com/2026/02/10/measles-virus-reaches-lancaster-county-latest-news-south-carolina-outbreak/
The video above is a live stream of WBTV and affiliated programming, and may not be directly related to the article below.COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTV) - The first confirmed measles case in Lancaster County was confirmed by South Carolina Department of Public Health officials.The confirmation came on Tuesday, Feb. 10, during the state’s bi-weekly measles update. Officials said one person in Lancaster County was infected, but the source of exposure was still under investigation. No public exposures were identified related t...
The video above is a live stream of WBTV and affiliated programming, and may not be directly related to the article below.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTV) - The first confirmed measles case in Lancaster County was confirmed by South Carolina Department of Public Health officials.
The confirmation came on Tuesday, Feb. 10, during the state’s bi-weekly measles update. Officials said one person in Lancaster County was infected, but the source of exposure was still under investigation. No public exposures were identified related to that case.
To date, about 933 people were confirmed to have been infected by the measles in South Carolina alone. Only 13 new cases were confirmed, a sharp drop in recent weeks.
Though cases were spreading to North Carolina, the bulk of the cases across both states came from the Upstate region, or the northwestern most counties of South Carolina.
Read also:
Free vaccines offered
The SC DPH Mobile Health Unit was scheduled to hold two free measles-mumps-rubella vaccines:
Measles is a highly contagious virus and is spread through the air and by person-to-person contact. It can remain airborne for up to two hours.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, and can result in serious complications affecting the brain, blood cells, complications in pregnancy, and long-term neurologic effects,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist and Health Programs Branch director, in an issued statement.
It can lead to hospitalization and/or death. Symptoms include:
See also:
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective against measles and 86% effective against mumps if both doses of the vaccine are given.
The MMR vaccine is a common part of routine vaccination for children. The first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months old, and the second between ages 4 and 6. Earlier doses may be given to children traveling internationally.
See also:
People who have already been exposed to measles can still get the vaccine.
For more information about measles, visit the .
Lancaster man sentenced to 18 years in prison for 2023 kidnapping, assault
Hank Leehttps://www.wcnc.com/article/news/crime/lancaster-south-carolina-man-sentenced-2023-kidnapping-assault-investigation/275-96bac867-347c-463a-ad36-69434be7c6f0
Michael Charles Johnson waited at the victim's home and threatened to kill her dog if she didn't go with him. Investigators say he assaulted her for several hours.LANCASTER, S.C. — A Lancaster County man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and assault charges stemming from a September 2023 attack.Michael Charles Johnson, 34, was found guilty on all charges after a one-day trial in Lancaster County.According to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, officers responded to a call re...
Michael Charles Johnson waited at the victim's home and threatened to kill her dog if she didn't go with him. Investigators say he assaulted her for several hours.
LANCASTER, S.C. — A Lancaster County man was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and assault charges stemming from a September 2023 attack.
Michael Charles Johnson, 34, was found guilty on all charges after a one-day trial in Lancaster County.
According to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, officers responded to a call reporting an assault and stolen vehicle in the early morning hours of Sept. 26, 2023. The victim, a former romantic partner of Johnson, told officers that Johnson had waited for her at her home and threatened to kill her dog if she did not go with him in her car.
Once inside the vehicle, Johnson drove around the Buford and Tradesville areas of Lancaster County for several hours while assaulting the victim, according to the report. The victim escaped when Johnson stopped at a gas station to refuel the car.
Johnson was initially charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and was taken into custody on Nov. 27, 2023. After reviewing the case, the Solicitor's Office directly indicted Johnson on an additional charge of kidnapping.
Testimony in the trial began on Wednesday, and the jury received the case around 3 p.m. The jury returned a guilty verdict on all charges shortly before 5 p.m.
Judge Brian M. Gibbons sentenced Johnson to 18 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections on each charge. The sentences will run concurrently.
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