Estate Planning

Protect your wishes and your loved ones

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants clarity about their future. At Cox, Klugh & Company, we help families create practical estate plans that reflect their values, minimize confusion, and make life easier for the people they care about most.

Planning today for peace of mind tomorrow

Clarity, coordination, and compassion

Estate planning is about more than dividing assets — it’s about providing direction and comfort to your loved ones. We guide clients through every step, helping define goals, review assets, and coordinate with legal professionals who draft the necessary documents. Our role is to make sure your financial and estate strategies work together seamlessly.


We also help organize your accounts, identify beneficiaries, and coordinate with your attorney to create wills or trusts that align with your financial picture. Talking about the future can feel emotional, but thoughtful planning today prevents confusion and stress later.


Every family dynamic is different, and so is every estate plan. Whether you’re managing a family business, caring for aging parents, or ensuring support for a child with special needs, our team works with you to address both the numbers and the human side of your legacy.

Adapting your plan as life changes

Staying aligned through every season

Life doesn’t stand still — your estate plan shouldn’t either. We prompt regular reviews when laws change or life events occur, such as marriages, new grandchildren, or significant financial shifts. Keeping your plan up to date helps ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.


We also help simplify and organize your estate records — maintaining a clear inventory of accounts, confirming ownership titling, and ensuring your heirs know where to find important information when the time comes.


Our goal is to make estate planning an ongoing part of your financial wellness, not a one-time project. With regular communication and structured reviews, your plan will evolve as your life and goals evolve.

The essentials that keep your plan complete

Comprehensive strategies, clearly coordinated

Wills & Trusts

Work with your attorney to establish clear legal documents outlining how your assets should be distributed. Trusts can help avoid probate, provide privacy, and manage complex family or tax needs.

Powers of Attorney

Ensure someone you trust can make financial or healthcare decisions if you can’t. We discuss who is best suited for these roles and coordinate with your attorney to formalize them.

A sound estate plan includes several moving parts that work together to protect your family and your intentions. We help you integrate all of the following:

Beneficiary Reviews

We review designations on accounts and insurance policies to ensure they match your broader plan. Because beneficiary forms often override a will, this step helps avoid costly and emotional mistakes.

Tax & Gifting Strategies

Even if you don’t face federal estate tax, we help identify opportunities to reduce future tax burdens through Roth conversions, charitable giving, or 529 contributions for grandchildren.

Estate Planning FAQs

Guidance for every stage of life

  • Do I really need an estate plan if I’m not wealthy?

    Yes — estate planning is for everyone. It ensures your property and savings go where you want, designates guardians for children, and provides instructions if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. Even simple plans can make a world of difference for your family and reduce unnecessary stress later on.

  • What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

    A will specifies who receives your assets and who handles your estate through probate. A trust holds assets separately and can distribute them privately and efficiently, often avoiding probate altogether. Whether you need one or both depends on your goals, and we help you and your attorney decide which structure makes sense.

  • How can I make things easier for my family?

    Organization and communication are key. We help you create a clear list of accounts and contacts, make sure beneficiary forms are current, and, if you wish, facilitate family discussions so everyone understands your plan. Taking these steps now can spare your loved ones confusion and conflict later.

  • How often should I update my estate plan?

    We recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or after any major life change — marriage, new family members, property purchases, or law updates. Keeping your documents current ensures they continue to reflect your wishes and comply with evolving regulations.

  • What about estate or inheritance taxes?

    Currently, South Carolina has no state estate or inheritance tax, and federal taxes apply only to very large estates. However, taxes can still come into play through IRAs or investment gains. We’ll help structure your accounts and investments to pass efficiently to heirs while minimizing tax exposure.