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 Authority and Duties Do Personal Representatives Have in South Carolina?
When a person dies in South Carolina, someone must take responsibility for managing his or her final affairs. That person is the deceased’s “personal representative.” A personal representative may be designated in the deceased’s will; [...]
What Do You Need to Know About Special Referees in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, certain types of circuit court cases are not decided by a judge. Instead, these cases are referred to a master-in-equity, who “is entitled to all the benefits and subject to all the [...]
Testate vs. Intestate Estates: Why You Need a Will in South Carolina
While there are numerous reasons to prepare an estate plan, one of the simplest and most-important reasons is to make sure that you do not leave behind an “intestate estate.” To die intestate means to [...]
Contact
Address
133 East 1st North Street,
Suite 6, Summerville,
South Carolina 29483
Phone
Fax
843-851-7059
Contact
Address
Address
133 East 1st North Street,Suite 6, Summerville,
South Carolina 29483
Call
Contact Numbers
Phone 843-851-7050Fax 843-851-7059