This blog is intended to highlight certain aspects of the South Carolina Uniform Gift to Minors Act (the "SCUGMA"), which is found in Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 63 (the Children's Code) of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
In general, the SCUGMA allows a donor to make a gift of assets, such as securities, to be held in a custodian's name for the benefit of a minor without the legal expense of setting up a trust. Under the SCUGMA, the custodian must deliver or pay over the assets to the minor on his attaining the age of twenty-one (21) years. Notwithstanding this requirement, the SCUGMA also ...
Is a revocable trust for you? There are a number of factors for you and your attorney to consider. One considerations is the most efficient and cost-effective way to transfer assets at death to your beneficiaries. In many cases, the revocable trust is the most efficient path. A well-drafted revocable trust agreement should provide greater flexibility in carrying out the wishes of the decedent and protecting the interests of the beneficiaries.
The transfer of assets owned by someone at his death occurs through a court-supervised process generally referred to as "probate" or "estate ...
One of the issues attorneys assess in evaluating an appropriate estate plan for a client is whether a revocable trust, also known as a living trust, is the best vehicle for implementing the client's wishes. The revocable trust is frequently used with a Last Will and Testament to direct assets to intended beneficiaries but may also minimize the expense and delays of the probate process. A revocable trust does not change the disposition of the estate, but in many cases the trust is a more efficient path to achieve the transfer of assets.
As with all legal issues, many factors play a role in this ...