Will vs Trust: Which Is Better for Your Family in South Carolina?
The Mistake That Could Cost Your Family Thousands
When it comes to estate planning, few decisions are more important than choosing between a will and a trust. Unfortunately, many families in South Carolina don’t realize that picking the wrong one can cost them thousands of dollars in court fees and months of probate delays.
That’s why Charleston estate planning attorney JP Rankin created this quick video explaining exactly what makes a will and a trust different — and how to choose the right one for your situation.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
Will vs Trust in 8 Minutes on YouTube
What a Will Does (and What It Doesn’t)
A last will and testament is a public legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death. It can also name guardians for minor children and appoint a personal representative (called an “executor” in some states).
However, in South Carolina, every will must go through probate court — a process that can take eight months or longer due to the state’s creditor claims period. During this time, your estate is public record, and your family may face court costs, filing fees, and attorney expenses.
JP Rankin explains it clearly:
“If you have only a will, your family will go through probate court. It’s public, it’s slow, and it can be expensive.”
Why Many Families Prefer a Revocable Living Trust
A revocable living trust is a private contract that lets you control your assets during your lifetime and automatically transfer them to your beneficiaries when you pass away — without going through probate.
Your trust can hold your home, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. When properly funded, your successor trustee can step in immediately to manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes.
The key benefits include:
Privacy: No public court filings or probate proceedings
Speed: Assets can be distributed almost immediately after death
Flexibility: You can change or update the trust at any time
Control: You decide exactly how and when your heirs receive their inheritance
Will vs Trust: Which One Is Right for You?
A will may be sufficient for simple estates or families who are comfortable with probate oversight. But for most Charleston families who want to avoid court involvement, protect their privacy, and save money, a revocable living trust offers more protection and peace of mind.
JP Rankin often helps families compare both options in a free consultation, explaining which tool fits best based on assets, family structure, and long-term goals.
Talk to an Estate Planning Attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
Whether you’re starting your first estate plan or updating an old one, it’s important to make the right choice for your family’s future.
📅 Schedule your consultation with Rankin Law Firm today:
https://www.rankinestatelaw.com/book-a-consultation
📘 Free Download: 6 Mistakes Families Make With Estate Planning
About JP Rankin
JP Rankin, founder of Rankin Law Firm in Charleston, South Carolina, is licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, and California. He’s helped hundreds of families avoid probate, protect their assets, and build estate plans that truly reflect their values.
His background in both law and finance allows him to craft estate plans that are both practical and personal — giving families the confidence that their legacies will be handled exactly as they intend.
Disclaimer
This article and video are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing or interacting with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship.