Summerville Attorney for Probate Litigation & Estate Planning
Since 1975, Patrick R. Watts has been working as an attorney in Summerville, South Carolina helping people with estate planning, probate court litigation, business litigation, and real estate litigation.
Over the years, Patrick has served as a JAG officer in the United States Air Force, as a trust officer with a major South Carolina bank, and as an equity court judge.
In addition to working as a lawyer and judge, he devotes his time to civic organizations such as the United Way Agency, Rotary Club, the YMCA, and the Center for Heirs Property Preservation.
Mr. Watts provides his clients with thorough and friendly service and the personal attention you deserve.
Experience
Former Captain in the US Air Force
From 1976 to 1980 Mr. Watts served in the United States Air Force as a JAG officer with the rank of Captain. He prosecuted courts martial, adjudicated small claims against the Air Force, counseled commanders on federal law and Air Force regulations, advised individual members on personal legal matters, and prepared and reviewed environmental impact assessments of base activities.
Former Bank Trust Officer
From 1981 to 1984 Mr. Watts worked as a trust officer for Citizens and Southern National Bank of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. He administered decedent estates, managed trust assets for individual beneficiaries and promoted pension and profit sharing plans to business owners. He completed Cannon Trust School.
Real Estate Closing Attorney
From 1984 to the present Mr. Watts has worked as an attorney at law in Summerville, South Carolina. He has closed residential and commercial real property loans and purchases. He has organized and represented business entities, such as partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies and non-profits. He has planned estates, including drawing wills, trusts and powers of attorney. He has represented decedent estates in probate court.
Former Dorchester County Master-In-Equity
From 1994 to 2010 Mr. Watts served as Dorchester County Equity Court Judge. He conducted non-jury civil trials, especially those involving real property and business matters. In connection with those cases, he deliberated and ruled upon factual and legal issues, conducted legal research and wrote orders.
Practice Areas
Estate Planning, Probate Administration & Litigation
Business Organizations, Contract Matters & Litigation
Residential & Commercial Real Estate Transactions & Litigation
Blog
What are the Rights and Obligations of Trustees in South Carolina?
When a person leaves behind a trust as part of his or her estate plan, the person who is responsible for managing the trust is referred to as the “trustee.” While the person who creates [...]
How Can an Heir Challenge the Enforceability of a Will in South Carolina?
If you have lost a loved one and believe you are being denied your rights as an heir, there are a number of potential ways to ensure that you receive the inheritance to which you [...]
How Do You Clear Title to Heir’s Property in South Carolina?
Heir’s property (or “heir property”) is a unique concept that can create unique challenges for property owners and prospective buyers. As explained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): “Heir property refers to land that [...]
Contact
Address
133 East 1st North Street,
Suite 6, Summerville,
South Carolina 29483
Phone
Fax
843-851-7059