Over the years, we’ve seen many well-designed estate plans have major issues after a client passes. This wasn’t because the documents were flawed, but because no suitable person or institution was available to carry them out.
This has often been due to unexpected issues such as family members declining to serve because they were overwhelmed, had moved out of state, or were understandably uncomfortable taking on the responsibility due to tensions between heirs. In addition, we have seen banks and trust companies decline to serve because their minimum asset requirements had increased since the plan was originally established.
To help solve these issues and provide a better service for our clients, we are pleased to announce our expanded Trust & Estate Administration service to give families a local, professional option—one that combines fiduciary expertise, personal attention, and transparent fees. Our goal is to make sure your plan works in practice, not just on paper.
Why name a company?
The person or firm you name as trustee, executor, or fiduciary plays a major role in how smoothly your plan works in real life. We’ve seen how the right choice can bring clarity and calm during difficult times—and how the wrong one can create delays, confusion, or unnecessary stress for families.
For many families, naming a professional fiduciary simply makes sense. A neutral third party can help preserve family harmony. In addition, family members may live out of state, lack the time or expertise to manage complex financial and legal responsibilities, or feel uncomfortable taking on the role. We also work with clients whose plans require long-term trust management or involve beneficiaries who need special care and help navigating complex government benefits programs.
Some people turn to banks or trust companies, only to learn that those institutions often require estates worth millions of dollars before they will serve. Others feel stuck choosing between burdening a loved one and leaving the role unfilled.
Our firm offers another option.
You may name Stratton & Reynolds to serve as your trustee, successor trustee, personal representative (executor), agent under your financial power of attorney, or conservator. We provide professional fiduciary services without institutional minimums, while remaining local, accessible, and personally involved.
When we serve in a fiduciary role, our responsibility is to administer your plan—not complicate it. We handle asset preservation and administration, required notices and court filings, beneficiary communications, compliance with South Carolina probate and fiduciary law, and accurate accounting and distributions. We also work closely with beneficiaries, financial advisors, and CPAs to keep the process organized and efficient.
Because we are South Carolina–based and regularly practice in courts across the state, we understand local procedures, expectations, and timelines. Just as importantly, our local staff is available to meet with heirs face-to-face, answer questions, and guide families through complex issues with clarity and compassion.
Naming a professional fiduciary in advance can help avoid delays, disputes, and uncertainty during already difficult times. It’s one more way to protect your loved ones and ensure your plan works exactly as intended.
If you think this may be a good fit for your family, please give us a call so we can discuss whether this might be a fit for you.
