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South Carolina Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law for South Carolina on
Q: I inherited my Dad's home when he passed away in 2002. His spouse was given a "Life Estate," with no Life Estate Deed.

I was notified in 2023 that his spouse had deceased. I sold the house in 2023. Do I have to pay capital gains from the fair value of the house in 2002 when my Dad died or when I was able to sell the house last year after his spouse with the Life estate passed?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

In the United States, the basis for calculating capital gains on inherited property is typically the fair market value of the property at the time of the original owner's death. In your case, this would be the value of the home in 2002 when your father passed away. This is known as the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for South Carolina on
Q: If given a phone by an individual that passes away before credit balance was paid in full, what happens to the phone?

The credit card is only in the name of the deceased.

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answered on Jan 25, 2024

In the situation you've described, where a phone was given to you by someone who has since passed away, and the phone's credit balance is unpaid, there are a few considerations under South Carolina law. First, the responsibility for the unpaid balance typically falls to the estate of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for South Carolina on
Q: Employer Limiting Freedom of Speech

I just left a team meeting where my Director told us that we would get corrective action/fired if we engaged in personal conversations (on personal cell phone) with our co-workers complaining/venting about them ( Director & Manager) or about the company? Also, insinuated that younger people are... View More

Jeremy R. Summerlin
Jeremy R. Summerlin
answered on Jan 23, 2024

Interfering with an employee’s right to discuss the terms and conditions of the workplace with coworkers likely violates the National Labor Relations Act and could be reported to the National Labor Relations Board through a filed complaint. And if an employee is fired for engaging in protected... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for South Carolina on
Q: I recently got my car stuck in flood waters yet the cops still towed it to the impound should I have to pay to get out
Carole Jean Hayes
Carole Jean Hayes
answered on Jan 23, 2024

You will have to pay to get it out and you should also be mindful that there may storage cost involved so I would do this sooner than later. The logic behind it is it was a safety hazard and had to be removed for public safety and you are the owner and are responsible for securing the vehicle.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for South Carolina on
Q: I recently got my car stuck in flood waters yet the cops still towed it to the impound should I have to pay to get out
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

In South Carolina, if your car is towed to an impound lot, regardless of the circumstances, you are generally responsible for the costs associated with towing and storage. This applies even if your car was stuck in flood waters. The decision to tow is often made for safety reasons or to clear the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for South Carolina on
Q: If I wreck a vehicle that is not paid off in full but am the registered owner, what are my obligations as to returning

The license plate and registration ?

Carole Jean Hayes
Carole Jean Hayes
answered on Jan 22, 2024

You should take care of both the license plate and the registration. You need to go to the DMV and return the tag and registration and you need to let the lien holder know as well if car is not paid off as they are going to continue to expect payments. If it’s totaled, they should be able to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can my employer cancel my insurance benefits immediately when I resign if they have already taken payment from my check
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 19, 2024

In South Carolina, if you resign from your job and your employer has already deducted payments for insurance benefits from your paycheck, it is generally not permissible for them to immediately cancel your insurance benefits. The continuation of insurance coverage is often subject to the terms... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for South Carolina on
Q: Can I Sue I received a concussion and 10 stitches in my face because a hazardously mounted road sign on the sidewalk

I've taken pictures of the sign and my injuries I went to the emergency room immediately. The sign is an obvious hazard

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answered on Jan 18, 2024

If you have sustained injuries, including a concussion and facial stitches, due to a hazardously mounted road sign on the sidewalk, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Documenting the incident with pictures and seeking immediate medical attention strengthens your case by... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for South Carolina on
Q: I want to title a short story "The Kool-aid Pact," but I know that would pose a trademark issue.

Is there a different way I could title this so it wouldn't be an issue?

Simone Nisbett
Simone Nisbett
answered on Jan 16, 2024

There would typically be a process one could inquire about for rights clearance or limited licensing with the owner of the trademark. This is typically something an attorney would handle, but the information about the owner/their representative may be found online with the TEAS trademark lookup... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property for South Carolina on
Q: I want to title a short story "The Kool-aid Pact," but I know that would pose a trademark issue.

Is there a different way I could title this so it wouldn't be an issue?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 13, 2024

To avoid potential trademark issues with your story's title, consider using a more generic term instead of a specific brand name. For example, you could title it "The Flavored Drink Pact" or "The Sweetened Beverage Agreement." These alternatives convey a similar idea... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for South Carolina on
Q: How does inheritance work? Probate closed and haven't received anything

My dad passed away a year ago. We recieved a letter for being listed in the will. My brother got a copy of the will were were listed a certain dollar amount ..probate has closed and we have recieved nothing. I don't know how it works or what we should do.

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answered on Jan 12, 2024

In South Carolina, the probate process involves the administration of a deceased person's estate, ensuring the distribution of assets according to their will or intestate succession laws if there's no will. If probate has been closed, it suggests that the assets were distributed as per... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law for South Carolina on
Q: Someone sent an inappropriate picture via text to a group chat, is there any liability for recipients?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In the scenario where someone sends an inappropriate picture to a group chat, the primary legal focus is usually on the person who sent the image. Their action of sending such content could potentially expose them to liability, especially if the image is obscene or constitutes harassment.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for South Carolina on
Q: Does my ex have a claim to personal property after signed close sent agreement and finalized divorce?

Does my ex have a claim to personal property after signed close sent agreement and finalized divorce?

Section of the consent agreement in question:

20. Other Property. Father shall pay directly to Mother, One Hundred Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Four Dollars and Fifty... View More

Christopher Biering
Christopher Biering
answered on Jan 11, 2024

For a comprehensive answer to your question, a review of the entire agreement would be required. The clause presented alone suggests that personal property is still subject to being divided. It would also be important to know the time that has elapsed since the divorce, and whether previous... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: I have been locked up for 2 years and out on bond for 8 months and I have not met with or spoken to my public defender.

Now I have a plea hearing schedule for next Thursday and my PD doesn't even know my side of the story. I ask him to see if we could get a continuance and he said they declined. Can this happen, what can I do? I don't feel like I'm being treated fairly.

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answered on Jan 4, 2024

It is concerning that you have not had an opportunity to discuss your case with your public defender, especially as you approach a plea hearing. Communication between a defendant and their attorney is crucial for a fair legal process. It is unusual for a plea hearing to proceed without adequate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for South Carolina on
Q: I was arrested for DUS and requested medical. I kept asking the officer and medical staff for water and was refused.

I became irate and given no medical care and put back in cruiser. While waiting to leave I kept asking for water and slipped cuffs to my front and began beating on window asking again for water. The officer yanked opened door and jerked me out by my elbow while in cuffs and slammed me to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 3, 2024

Your experience raises concerns about potential excessive force and denial of medical care, both of which are serious issues. In situations where an individual in custody is injured, law enforcement officers are typically required to provide access to medical care. Refusal to do so can be a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Contracts for South Carolina on
Q: When should I file a motion to compel arbitration in South Carolina?

I am being sued by a junk debt buyer in commons plea court in South Carolina. I plan on filing an answer to the summons. When should I file a motion to compel arbitration? Should I put it in my answer? Or file just the motion in place of the answer?

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answered on Jan 3, 2024

In South Carolina, when you're faced with a lawsuit by a junk debt buyer and you believe arbitration is the correct venue for the dispute, the timing of filing a motion to compel arbitration is crucial. Typically, this motion should be filed early in the case, ideally at the same time as or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law for South Carolina on
Q: I was falsely accuse of shoplifting and got arrested. Went to court and won
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

Winning your court case for a false shoplifting accusation is a significant victory. This outcome not only clears your name but also confirms your innocence in a legal context. However, the experience of being falsely accused and arrested can have lasting impacts.

You might consider...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for South Carolina on
Q: I was falsely accused of shoplifting
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2024

Being falsely accused of shoplifting can be a distressing and confusing experience. It's important to understand your rights and the steps you can take to address this situation.

Firstly, remain calm and cooperative if approached by store security or law enforcement, but be mindful not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina on
Q: Somebody else was driving my car and got arrested. Cops did not call now we have to pay impound fees.

So let somebody use car to go to store. It went through a roadblock and got arrested. Now we have to pay for four days because it was on New Year’s weekend. Cops never called register owner. How did they know the car wasn’t stolen why should we have to pay

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answered on Jan 2, 2024

Typically, law enforcement should notify the registered owner in such situations. To address this issue, you may want to gather relevant details, such as proof of ownership and the circumstances surrounding the incident, and contact the impound lot or local law enforcement. In some cases, there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for South Carolina on
Q: Can a third party monitoring service change the daily and bi-weekly rate at each scheduled appointment?

When enrolled in the program my partner was given a daily fee of $7.55 or $52.85 weekly or $105.70 bi-weekly. And he's in a program that is for Greenville and Spartanburg county residents only. But he's a Berkeley county resident. He's now paying up to $200 bi-weekly. They do not... View More

Roy Willey
Roy Willey
answered on Jan 2, 2024

This would be dependent upon the actual agreement or contract he signed. Some contracts allow for variations in pricing due to market conditions, etc. Some do not. So it just depends what he signed and agreed to at the time of initiation of the relationship. He may also have a cancellation... View More

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