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What to Know About Michael Johnson PC & Associates for Estate Planning

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Michael Johnson PC & Associates handles wills, trusts, and probate matters in South Carolina

Michael Johnson PC & Associates is a law firm based in South Carolina that works with clients on estate planning, trust administration, and probate proceedings. The firm focuses on helping individuals and families organize their assets, plan for what happens after death, and navigate the court processes that follow. If you are looking for a lawyer to draft a will, set up a trust, or handle a deceased person's estate, this is one option to research in your area.

Like any law firm, Michael Johnson PC & Associates charges for its services. Estate planning and probate work typically involves hourly fees, flat fees for specific documents, or a combination of both. Before you hire any attorney, you should understand what services they offer, what the costs will be, and whether their approach matches what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Michael Johnson PC & Associates is a South Carolina law firm that handles wills, trusts, probate, and related estate matters.
  • You should contact the firm directly to learn about their current services, fee structure, and availability for new clients.
  • Estate planning and probate work can involve hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency arrangements depending on the type of work.
  • Before hiring any attorney, ask about their experience with your specific situation and get a clear explanation of costs in writing.

How to contact the firm

To learn more about Michael Johnson PC & Associates, you can reach out directly by phone, email, or by visiting their office in person. The firm's contact information should be available through a web search, the South Carolina Bar directory, or local business listings. When you call or email, be ready to describe what you need—whether that is help with a will, trust setup, or probate administration—so they can tell you whether they handle that type of work and whether they are taking new clients.

Many law firms offer a brief initial consultation to discuss your situation and answer basic questions about cost and process. Some charge for this conversation; others offer it at no cost. It is worth asking when you call.

What estate planning and probate services typically include

Estate planning generally covers creating or updating a will, establishing a trust, naming beneficiaries, and planning for incapacity through documents like a power of attorney or healthcare directive. A lawyer can help you think through who should inherit what, how to minimize taxes if your estate is large, and how to avoid probate if that is your goal. The specific documents and strategies depend on the size and complexity of your assets and your family situation.

Probate is the court process that happens after someone dies. It involves proving the will is valid, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to the people named in the will or, if there is no will, to the people the law says should inherit. A probate attorney guides the executor or administrator through these steps, handles court filings, and resolves disputes if they arise. Probate in South Carolina can take several months to over a year depending on the estate's size and complexity.

Questions to ask before hiring an attorney

When you speak with Michael Johnson PC & Associates or any estate planning attorney, ask how long they have been practicing in this area, how many cases like yours they have handled, and what their approach is. For example, do they recommend a will, a trust, or both for your situation? What documents do they think you need? How do they charge—hourly, flat fee, or something else—and what is the estimated total cost?

Also ask about timing. How long does it usually take to complete the work? When can they start? What information do you need to bring to your first meeting? The more specific their answers, the better you can plan and budget.

Understanding costs for estate planning and probate work

Estate planning costs vary widely depending on what you need. A simple will might cost a few hundred dollars, while a comprehensive plan with trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives could cost more. Probate fees are often based on the size of the estate or charged hourly for the attorney's time. Some firms charge a percentage of the estate value; others use a flat fee or hourly rate. South Carolina does not set limits on what attorneys can charge, so it is important to ask and compare.

Get any fee agreement in writing before work begins. This should spell out exactly what services are included, what the cost is, when you pay, and what happens if the work takes longer than expected or if additional issues come up.

Finding other estate planning resources in South Carolina

If you want to explore options beyond hiring a private attorney, South Carolina offers some alternatives. The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with attorneys in your area who handle estate planning. Legal aid organizations in your county may offer low-cost or free services if your income is below a certain level. Some people also use online legal document services to create simple wills or powers of attorney, though these work best for straightforward situations without complex assets or family dynamics.

You can also reach out to the South Carolina Bar directly with questions about finding an attorney or understanding the probate process. Their website has information about how the court system works and what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a will, a trust, or both?

That depends on your assets, family situation, and goals. A will is simpler and less expensive but goes through probate. A trust can avoid probate and offer more privacy, but costs more to set up. An attorney can review your situation and recommend what makes sense for you. Many people benefit from both—a will that catches anything not in the trust, plus a trust for major assets.

What happens if I die without a will in South Carolina?

South Carolina law determines who inherits based on a set order: spouse, then children, then parents, then siblings, and so on. This may not match what you would have wanted. Your estate still goes through probate, and the court appoints an administrator to manage it. Having a will lets you decide who gets what and who manages the process.

How long does probate take in South Carolina?

Probate typically takes six months to over a year, depending on the estate's size, whether anyone contests the will, and how quickly assets can be valued and sold. Simple estates with no disputes can move faster. An attorney can give you a better estimate once they know the details of your situation.

Can I change my will or trust after it is signed?

Yes. You can update a will by creating a new one or adding a document called a codicil. Trusts can usually be changed or revoked if you set them up as revocable trusts. The process and cost depend on how much you want to change. An attorney can advise you on the best way to make updates.

What should I bring to my first meeting with an estate planning attorney?

Bring a list of your assets (house, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance), information about your family (spouse, children, grandchildren), and any existing documents like a will, trust, or power of attorney. You do not need everything perfectly organized—the attorney will help you gather what you need—but having a rough picture helps them understand your situation and give you better guidance.