Local news raises legal questions—a new subdivision, a hurricane forecast, a change in state law, a story about an estate dispute. Jack writes about criminal defense; Tara writes about probate and estate planning. Each article answers the question people are actually asking on Nextdoor, Reddit and Google, and links to the news source so you can read the original.
- Estate planning
Moved to Summerville? Five documents South Carolina wants you to redo
Thousands of families arrive in Nexton, Cane Bay and Carnes Crossroads every year with estate documents from somewhere else. Most of the wills still work. Most of the powers of attorney do not.
- Estate planning
Before the next evacuation order: four documents Dorchester County families should have in the go-bag
When the county issues an evacuation order, the will is the last thing anyone thinks about—and the one document South Carolina law treats harshly if it goes missing.
- Probate
“Who handles guardianship for my aging parent in Summerville?” The Nextdoor question, answered
It is one of the most common legal questions on Summerville's neighborhood forums, and the answers usually miss the first step: whether a guardianship is needed at all.
- Criminal defense
Saw the expungement clinic in the news? Here is who qualifies in Dorchester and Berkeley County
Every few months a Lowcountry outlet covers a free expungement clinic. The lines are long and about half the people in them do not qualify—yet. Here is how to know before you go.
- Criminal defense
Back-to-school traffic enforcement in Summerville: what a ticket really costs
The August press releases promise extra patrols around Dorchester District Two schools. The tickets that follow cost more than the fine on the front.
- Probate
Reddit asks: “Do I really need a probate lawyer in South Carolina?” An honest answer from a former probate judge
Half the replies say “just use the court forms,” the other half say “always hire a lawyer.” Both are right, for different estates. Here is how to tell which one you have.
- Criminal defense
After a domestic violence arrest in Dorchester County: the first 72 hours
The arrest makes the blotter; what happens next does not. A former officer walks through bond, the no-contact order, and the three mistakes that create a second charge.
- Probate
Nexton, Cane Bay and Carnes Crossroads are in Berkeley County. Here is why that matters for your estate—and your speeding ticket
The fastest-growing parts of “Summerville” are not in Dorchester County at all. The county line quietly decides which courthouse your family will deal with.
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