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Five reasons why I don't have a last will and testament

One: I hate my children and want them to never speak to each other again after the battle over my estate.

Two: I hate my spouse and want him or her to suffer the agony of attempting to probate my estate without a last will.

Three: I think foster care is great and I want my minor children placed there while a court decides which greedy relative will get custody.

Four: My family doesn't need the money so I want the government to take as much of my estate for taxes as possible.

Five: I have reliable information that I am never going to die.

Of course the above is written tongue in cheek. However the tragedy of the Twin Towers in New York, the battle over freezing Ted Williams’ body, the terrorist shootings in Orlando and San Bernardino and now the Coronavirus are bringing to more Americans a deeper realization of their own mortality and that of their loved ones. The American Bar Association estimates that 70% of Americans do not have a last will. The median age of those killed in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center was 39 and over two thirds of those killed were men. This is the age group least likely to have a will and the court battles will last for many years after the physical scars are erased.

A case in point is the story of a young lady from Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents divorced when she was a baby and her mother died several years later. Her aunt took in the child and worked two jobs so the niece could graduate from college. The young lady was ambitious and bright. After college she excelled in her job and which allowed her to buy a house and a new car. Eventually the aunt became disabled and was taken in and cared for by her niece. One foggy morning a crash on an Atlanta freeway ended the young lady's life. Without a last will and testament, her entire estate; home, car and bank account; was awarded by the court to two half-sisters that she had met only briefly at her father's funeral. The aunt was forced to enter a nursing home. Unfortunately what is fair is not always what is legal.

It is not unusual for a family member to confiscate or destroy your last will and refuse to provide any information, often in defiance of a court order. You can avoid much of your loved ones emotional stress and legal bills if an attorney drafts your will and has a copy of it in their files. It is not unusual for the son/daughter/next wife that has been left out to search the house and destroy your last will. While only an original is acceptable in probate court, your attorney may be able to overcome the presumption that you destroyed the will. Greed changes people so be sure that your will is kept in a safe place.

Unless you have a last will, your estate will be divided in accordance with the South Carolina Law on Intestacy.

Review the five reasons not to have a will and ask yourself which one applies to you. Don't leave your final arrangements to the whim of a judge.

Requirements for a valid last will and testament

Age: You must be at least 18 years old to execute a last will and testament.

Capacity: You must be of sound mind (capable of reasoning and making decisions).

Signature: A South Carolina last will and testament must be signed you, or by some other person under your direction in the your presence.

Witnesses: At least 2 witnesses (who are not beneficiaries) are required for a valid South Carolina will by subscribing their names to the will, or by signing an affidavit, while in your presence and at your direction or request. If a witness is a beneficiary, his or her interest in your estate is void unless he or she would have received the interest anyway in the absence of the will. To be self proving, the will must also be notarized.

Writing: A South Carolina last will and testament must be in writing to be valid and a handwritten will is acceptable if it meets all of the other requirements.

Beneficiaries: A South Carolina last will and testament may make a disposition of property to any person. You can disinherit a child but a spouse has a right to always claim a portion of your estate and in South Carolina a court can marry you even after you have died.

South Carolina Common Law Marriage

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