Collins Family & Elder Law Group

06/17/2026

Moving to Fort Mill can offer retirees a lower cost of living and a great quality of life, but crossing state lines also brings important legal considerations.

Estate planning, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, and long-term care strategies are governed by South Carolina law and may require updates to documents created in North Carolina.

Our latest blog explains the key steps retirees should take to protect their assets, healthcare wishes, and loved ones after making the move to South Carolina.

Fort Mill is a good place to land. A few legal steps in the early months of your move means you can settle in knowing your family, your assets, and your wishes are protected under South Carolina law.

06/15/2026

Many people assume that leaving everything to a spouse automatically ensures their children will inherit those assets one day. Unfortunately, life changes such as remarriage, updated estate plans, or unexpected circumstances can lead to unintentional disinheritance.

In our latest blog, we discuss how thoughtful estate planning strategies, including QTIP trusts, can help protect your spouse while preserving your intended legacy for future generations. Read more to learn how the right plan can provide clarity, control, and peace of mind.

If you want to ensure that your plan provides for your spouse and also protects your intended beneficiaries, it is worth taking the time to review your options and put the appropriate structure in place.

06/11/2026

Your pets are family, and their future care deserves the same thoughtful planning as any other part of your estate.

Our latest blog explores how South Carolina pet owners can use estate planning tools, including pet trusts and powers of attorney, to ensure their beloved companions are cared for if the unexpected happens.

Learn how to protect your pets, provide for their ongoing needs, and gain peace of mind knowing they’ll be in trusted hands for years to come.

If you would like to include your pets in your estate plan, an experienced estate planning attorney can help you create the right legal structure, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that comply with South Carolina law.

06/05/2026

We are incredibly honored to be named the 2026 Lowcountry Parent Mom's Choice Award Winner in the Family Law category! This recognition reflects the trust that families throughout the Lowcountry place in our firm during some of life's most important and challenging moments. The Mom's Choice Awards celebrate businesses and professionals that local families rely on and recommend.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us and continues to support our team—we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community each day.

04/29/2026

We’re proud to share that two of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 South Carolina Rising Stars selections. This distinction highlights their outstanding legal work, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to client advocacy.

Please join us in congratulating Chelsea Josey and Lauren Riedy on this well-deserved honor.

Their dedication, skill, and passion for serving others continue to make a meaningful impact both within our firm and across communities throughout South Carolina.

We’re grateful to have them on our team and look forward to their continued success.

04/17/2026

📣⚖️🌟EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!🌟⚖️📣

We are excited to share two pieces of great news. Ali Miller has been promoted to Managing Attorney, and also, as of April 1st, we now have a permanent Cornelius office location.

Ali has been an incredible asset to the firm, and this promotion reflects her dedication, leadership, and the tremendous value she brings to our clients and our team. We are confident she will excel in this expanded role.

As part of this growth, Ali will be supporting our Cornelius office, while still keeping ties with the Dilworth location, in her new capacity as Managing Attorney. We are fortunate to have her leadership available across our locations as we continue to grow and serve our clients.

Please join us in congratulating Ali on this well-deserved promotion and in celebrating this exciting next chapter for the firm.

04/13/2026

Welcoming a child changes everything—including how you think about the future. Our latest blog outlines the essential estate planning steps every young South Carolina family should take, from naming guardians to creating a will and powers of attorney.

Without a plan in place, state law—not you—decides what happens to your children and your assets. Read the full guide to learn how a thoughtful estate plan can help protect your family’s future.

Your children depend on you not just for their daily care, but for ensuring their future is secure, no matter what happens. Give yourself and them the gift of a solid estate plan.

04/13/2026

Medical emergencies happen fast—and when they do, having clear health care documents can make all the difference.

Our latest blog explains why Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Advance Directives aren’t just paperwork—they’re tools that protect your wishes, give authority to the right people, and prevent confusion or conflict during critical moments.

Whether you live across the state from loved ones or are managing care for aging parents, proper documentation ensures your values and choices are honored. Read the full guide to learn how to take control of your health care decisions today.

Estate planning, especially keeping the health care documents current, is like routine maintenance: updating them now may spare your loved ones from panic and guesswork, without simply defaulting to hospital rules. Planning now saves money later.

04/07/2026

If you’re caring for aging parents while raising children, you’re part of the “sandwich generation”—and estate planning is more important than ever.

Our latest blog explores how caregivers can protect their children, coordinate with their parents’ plans, and safeguard their own financial future. From naming guardians to creating powers of attorney, the right plan can reduce stress and prevent complications later.

Read the full guide to learn how thoughtful planning can support every generation of your family.

The Collins Family & Elder Law Group works with sandwich generation families in South Carolina. We understand the competing pressures you're managing, and we've helped many families work through exactly this kind of planning.

04/04/2026

Dying without a will means South Carolina—not you—decides who inherits your estate. Our latest blog explains how intestacy laws determine who receives your assets, from spouses and children to more distant relatives. While these laws provide a default plan, they often lead to delays, unexpected outcomes, and family disputes.

Learn why creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your wishes and your loved ones.

Collins Family & Elder Law Group provides comprehensive estate planning services throughout South Carolina. Our attorneys understand intestacy consequences families face and design customized plans reflecting individual goals, family structures, a...