CityVettedCityvetted
Independent. Never pay-to-play.
Estate Planning Lawyer · Charleston, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Charleston, SC

Secure your family's future with the best estate planning lawyers in Charleston. Our top picks ensure expert guidance and personalized service.

Editorially independent8 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceEvan Guthrie Law Firm
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 8 Charleston-metro estate planning lawyer businesses evaluated, top 8 ranked by Vetted Score.

Estate planning is a critical aspect of securing your family's future and managing your assets. In Charleston, SC, expert legal assistance is essential for navigating the complexities of wills, trusts, and estate taxes. The right estate planning lawyer can help you create a tailored plan that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones.

We evaluated eight estate planning lawyers in the Charleston metro area based on their Vetted Scores, customer reviews, and overall reputation. The result is a curated list of top professionals who can assist you in making informed decisions for your estate planning needs.

8estate planning lawyers evaluated in Charleston
4.72average rating across the field
457customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does estate planning lawyer cost in Charleston? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Evan Guthrie Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(137 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 137 reviews, Evan Guthrie Law Firm stands out for its personalized approach and thorough explanations of legal processes.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

Law Office of Seth A. Levy

★★★★★4.9(68 reviews)

The Law Office of Seth A.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
93Score

Charleston Estate Planning Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(48 reviews)

Charleston Estate Planning Law Firm holds an impressive perfect rating of 5 from 48 reviews.

Read full review

All 8, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Evan Guthrie Law Firm
Evan Guthrie Law Firm
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
137Personalized estate planning services
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
68Affordable estate planning solutions
3
93Score
5.0★★★★★
48Customized estate planning
4
89Score
4.7★★★★★
52Compassionate estate planning
5
88Score
4.7★★★★★
48Straightforward estate planning
6
82Score
5.0★★★★★
13Personalized attention
7
80Score
4.3★★★★★
79Friendly and approachable service
8
78Score
4.3★★★★★
12Basic estate planning needs
Methodology

How we evaluated all 8 estate planning lawyers.

Our evaluation process involved analyzing customer feedback, ratings, and the number of reviews each lawyer received. We ensured that no business paid for placement on our list, guaranteeing an unbiased selection of estate planning lawyers. This ranking is refreshed monthly to reflect the latest data and reviews.

Each lawyer was assessed on their service quality, client satisfaction, and overall expertise in estate planning. This rigorous analysis allows us to present you with the most reliable options available in Charleston.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Evan Guthrie Law Firm

★★★★★4.9(137 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 137 reviews, Evan Guthrie Law Firm stands out for its personalized approach and thorough explanations of legal processes. Clients appreciate the firm’s attention to detail and responsive communication. It’s best for those seeking a comprehensive estate plan tailored to their unique needs. However, its high demand may lead to longer wait times for appointments.

Pros

  • Highly rated for personalized service
  • Extensive experience in estate planning
  • Clear communication with clients

Cons

  • May have longer wait times for appointments
  • Higher fees for complex cases
Best forPersonalized estate planning services
Service areaCharleston, SC and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$300 to $3,000
2
Best Value

Law Office of Seth A. Levy

★★★★★4.9(68 reviews)
94Score

The Law Office of Seth A. Levy boasts a 4.9 rating from 68 reviews, with clients praising its affordability and effectiveness. This firm is particularly noted for providing clear guidance through the estate planning process. While its smaller review base may be promising, it remains somewhat unproven compared to larger firms.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing options
  • Effective and clear guidance
  • Responsive to client needs

Cons

  • Smaller review base than competitors
  • Limited range of services offered
Best forAffordable estate planning solutions
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$250 to $1,500
3
Most Reviewed

Charleston Estate Planning Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(48 reviews)
93Score

Charleston Estate Planning Law Firm holds an impressive perfect rating of 5 from 48 reviews. Clients frequently commend the firm for its thoroughness and commitment to understanding their needs. This firm excels in creating customized estate plans, but its limited review count suggests a need for further validation of its services.

Pros

  • Perfect rating from clients
  • Highly customized estate plans
  • Thorough understanding of client needs

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • May lack diverse case experience
Best forCustomized estate planning
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$500 to $2,500
4

Law Office of Kathryn M. Cockrill

★★★★★4.7(52 reviews)
89Score

The Law Office of Kathryn M. Cockrill has a solid rating of 4.7 based on 52 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s compassionate approach and detailed planning strategies. This office is particularly well-suited for individuals looking for a lawyer who understands the emotional aspects of estate planning. However, some clients have noted that the office can be difficult to reach at times.

Pros

  • Compassionate and understanding service
  • Detailed planning strategies
  • Good client rapport

Cons

  • Difficult to reach at times
  • Limited availability for consultations
Best forCompassionate estate planning
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$400 to $1,800
5

LaFond Law Group, PA

★★★★★4.7(48 reviews)
88Score

LaFond Law Group, PA has earned a 4.7 rating from 48 reviews, with clients praising its knowledgeable staff and efficient processes. This firm is ideal for those seeking straightforward estate planning without unnecessary complications. A potential downside is that some clients reported a lack of follow-up after initial consultations. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is straightforward estate planning. It serves Charleston, SC, with $300 to $1,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited follow-up with clients and may lack depth for complex cases.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable and efficient staff
  • Straightforward processes
  • Good for basic estate planning

Cons

  • Limited follow-up with clients
  • May lack depth for complex cases
Best forStraightforward estate planning
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$300 to $1,500
6

Rutledge and Coxe, LLC

★★★★★5.0(13 reviews)
82Score

Rutledge and Coxe, LLC impresses with a perfect rating of 5 from 13 reviews, indicating strong client satisfaction. Clients highlight the firm’s personal touch and dedication to their cases. While it shows great promise, its small review base may limit insights into its overall reliability. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized attention. It serves Charleston, SC, with $400 to $1,800 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and limited visibility in the market.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Strong client satisfaction
  • Dedicated to individual cases

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Limited visibility in the market
Best forPersonalized attention
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$400 to $1,800
7

Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm

★★★★★4.3(79 reviews)
80Score

Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm has a rating of 4.3 from 79 reviews, with clients noting its approachable staff and willingness to answer questions. This firm is a good option for those seeking a friendly environment for estate planning. However, some clients feel that the office could improve in terms of efficiency and responsiveness.

Pros

  • Approachable and friendly staff
  • Willingness to answer questions
  • Good for first-time estate planners

Cons

  • Could improve efficiency
  • Some complaints about responsiveness
Best forFriendly and approachable service
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$250 to $1,200
8

Duggan Wynn Law Firm, LLC

★★★★★4.3(12 reviews)
78Score

Duggan Wynn Law Firm, LLC holds a rating of 4.3 from 12 reviews, with clients appreciating its straightforward approach to estate planning. While the firm is noted for its clarity and transparency, its limited review base leaves it somewhat unproven in the competitive Charleston market. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is basic estate planning needs. It serves Charleston, SC, with $200 to $1,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very small review base and limited range of services.

Pros

  • Straightforward and clear communication
  • Transparent pricing
  • Helpful for basic estate planning

Cons

  • Very small review base
  • Limited range of services
Best forBasic estate planning needs
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $1,000
Before you book

How to choose an estate planning lawyer in Charleston

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer is vital for ensuring your wishes are honored and your family is protected. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.

Experience and Specialization

Look for a lawyer who specializes in estate planning and has substantial experience in the field.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

Read reviews from past clients to gauge the lawyer's effectiveness and communication style.

Availability and Responsiveness

Choose a lawyer who is accessible and responsive to your questions and concerns throughout the process.

Fee Structure

Understand the lawyer's fee structure upfront to avoid unexpected costs during your estate planning.

What it costs

What estate planning lawyers cost in Charleston

The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer in Charleston can vary widely based on the complexity of your needs and the lawyer's experience. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.

Basic Will Preparation$300 to $600 for straightforward will drafting.
Comprehensive Estate Planning$1,000 to $3,000 for more complex plans including trusts and tax strategies.
Hourly Rates$150 to $400 per hour depending on the lawyer's experience and reputation.
Flat Fees for Specific ServicesMany lawyers offer flat fees for specific services, making costs predictable.

Frequently asked questions

How much does estate planning cost in Charleston?

Costs for estate planning lawyers in Charleston typically range from $200 to $3,000 depending on the complexity of your needs.

What should I look for in an estate planning lawyer?

Look for experience, client reviews, responsiveness, and a clear fee structure to ensure a good fit for your needs.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Charleston families: Editor's Choice Evan Guthrie Law Firm

For those in search of reliable estate planning, Evan Guthrie Law Firm stands out as our Editor's Choice due to its exceptional service and client satisfaction. Following closely are Law Office of Seth A. Levy for its value and affordability, and Charleston Estate Planning Law Firm for its perfect client rating and tailored solutions.