A Clear Plan for Your Family. Guidance You Can Trust.

Wills and trust decisions shape how your family is cared for long after documents are signed.
Rivertown Law helps individuals and families in Conway, South Carolina and Horry County, create clear, practical estate plans—so everything is handled the way you intend.

Estate Planning Built Around People.

Estate planning is not just for complex situations or large estates.
For most individuals and families, it comes down to putting clear decisions in place so the people you care about are protected and supported.

A well-structured plan can:

  • Make your wishes clear
  • Provide direction for your family
  • Reduce uncertainty during difficult moments

At Rivertown Law, the focus is not on overcomplicating the process.
It is on helping you put a plan in place that makes sense for your life.

Do You Need a Will or a Trust?

Family law issues require careful judgment, steady guidance, and an understanding
of how legal decisions play out in real life. Whether a matter involves divorce,
custody, support, or post-judgment modifications, we focus on helping clients make
informed decisions at every stage of the process.

Wills

A will is the foundation of most estate plans.

It allows you to:

  • Decide who receives your assets
  • Name guardians for minor children
  • Provide clear instructions for your estate

For many individuals and families, a will provides the structure and clarity needed to move forward with confidence.

Trust

A trust can provide additional structure in certain situations.

It may be used to:

  • Manage how assets are distributed
  • Provide more control over timing and decisions
  • Simplify the administration process for your family

Not everyone needs a trust—but in the right circumstances, it can be a valuable tool.

Most people begin with a will.
Some benefit from a trust.
We help you determine what fits—nothing more than you need.


What Happens If You Don’t Have a Plan?

​Without a plan, South Carolina law—not your choices—controls who receives property and who may serve in certain roles.

In those situations, the state’s intestacy laws determine how an estate is distributed, following a set legal order rather than your personal preferences. That means the outcome may not reflect your family’s specific needs or circumstances. You can read more about how this process works through the Horry County Probate Court.

For many families, this creates unnecessary uncertainty at a time when clarity matters most.

A plan does not need to be complicated to make a meaningful difference. Putting clear decisions in place helps ensure your wishes are understood and makes things easier for the people you care about.

  • The court determines who manages your estate
  • The process may take longer than expected
  • Guardianship decisions for minor children may require court involvement
  • Family members may be left to navigate uncertainty

What Does the Right Plan Look Like?

We offer clear, structured planning options based on your needs.
During your consultation, we’ll help you determine the approach that fits your situation—nothing more than you need.

BASIC WILL PACKAGE

Best For:
Individuals or couples who want a clear, straightforward plan

Includes:

  • Last Will and Testament
  • Durable Power of Attorney
  • Healthcare Directive

A simple, practical foundation that puts your wishes in place.

FAMILY PROTECTION PACKAGE

Best For:
Families with children or growing responsibilities

Includes:

  • Will with guardianship provisions
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Healthcare Directives
  • Planning considerations for children

Built to provide structure, clarity, and protection for your family.

Revocable Trust Package

Best For:
Individuals or families who want more control and flexibility

Includes:

  • Revocable Living Trust
  • Pour-over Will
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Healthcare Directives

A more structured plan designed for specific needs and long-term clarity.

  • Updates to existing plans
  • Standalone wills
  • Planning for incapacity
  • Guidance for aging-related decisions

Additional Planning Support

Estate planning is not always one-size-fits-all. We also provide additional support for changes in you life.  As your needs change, your plan can evolve with you.

  • Simple trust updates and adjustments
  • Beneficiary and asset coordination
  • Second opinions on existing estate plans
  • Planning after major life changes

Planning for Real Life Situations.

We work with individuals and families at different stages of life who want clear, practical estate planning guidance. If you’re thinking about putting a plan in place, you’re likely in the right place.

  • Parents of minor children planning for guardianship
  • Families who want a clear, reliable plan in place
  • Blended families with more complex needs
  • Individuals who want to avoid uncertainty
  • Retirees planning for the next stage of life
  • Those caring for aging parents

How the Process Works.

We make estate planning straightforward by guiding you through each step with clarity and practical direction.

1 — Start the Conversation

We take the time to understand your situation, your family, and what matters most to you.


2 — Get Clear Guidance

We explain your options and recommend a plan that fits your needs—nothing more than necessary.


3 — Create Your Plan

We prepare your documents clearly and efficiently, so everything is in place.


4 — Move Forward with Confidence

You leave with a plan that provides clarity and support for the future. 


Start Planning with Confidence

Call 843.488.5600

f you’re ready to put a clear plan in place, Rivertown Law can help you take the next step with practical guidance and straightforward solutions.

Whether you’re starting with a simple will or exploring more structured planning options, the process begins with a conversation.

--- Our Firm

This firm was founded on the belief that working with us is more than simply hiring an attorney, it should bring you peace of mind and allow you to continue with your life while we attend to your legal matters. We offer the flexibility of experience that allows us to excel in both aggressively representing your interests or reaching amicable resolutions borne of a collaborative approach, dependent upon your circumstances.

 Our firm is full service. We offer our experience to you in the following practice areas:

  • Family Law
  • Real Estate
  • Personal Injury
  • Estate Planning

The attorneys at Rivertown Law are available to consult with you in a private setting at a time that is convenient for you. Rather than simply churn out documents for you like many other faceless firms do, we prefer to be a trusted adviser you can turn to for help. Rest assured, we will get your paperwork done, but at our firm you are more than a name — you are a person.

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Our Commitment

Since 2005, we have helped thousands of individuals from all walks of life, including LGBT families, United States servicemen and women, business owners, and employees from some of the area's largest companies and organizations.
Every client relationship is treated as unique and special. At the beginning of each client relationship, we develop a unique client service plan. We spend the time necessary to understand each client's communication styles and preferences, which enables us to deliver both successful legal results as well as excellent personal service.

--- Our Philosophy

We meet our clients during some of the most stressful and trying times in their lives. We understand what is at stake and have dedicated ourselves to helping our clients preserve what they value most. Our ultimate goal is ensuring our clients' well-being—both in the confidence gained from an experienced and knowledgeable legal team, and the comfort offered from a compassionate attorney willing to take the time to navigate you through what is often a complicated and emotional process.

Terry Beverly

Lead Trial Attorney

In today’s fast-paced world, Terry’s down-home approach will leave you at ease.  For the last 43 years, clients with Family Law, Wills, Real Estate, and other litigation needs have gone to Terry to get the right answers quickly. As clients struggle to keep up with changing, local, and state laws, Terry provides concise advice and actionable solutions. He has years of experience litigating hotly contested cases. That background enables him to develop clear terms in negotiations and agreements, all with an eye to avoiding future legal strife. This tactical and business-focused approach resolves highly contentious legal claims for a fraction of the cost.  

In his free time, you will find him working on or riding his tractor around the farm with, Scruffie, his dog. 

Brad Smith

Founding Attorney

After traveling the world and the seven seas, Brad came home, founding Rivertown Law in 2005.  Since then, he has guided Family Law, Real Estate, Criminal and Personal injury clients through good and bad times, giving timely advice and actionable solutions.  Over the last 17 plus years he has litigated hotly contested cases in both Federal and State courts. That background has enabled him to develop a clear vision, a vision he uses during negotiations and trial work.  All with an eye towards avoiding future legal trouble. This tactical and focused approach resolves highly contentious legal claims for a fraction of the cost. 

Brad is a master of useless trivia, and in his free time he enjoys watching SCFI with his dogs Roxie and Daisy.       

John Zilinsky

Lead Real Estate & Probate Attorney

Born in Washington DC John developed a love of paperwork at a young age.  And as they say, “do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”.  Well John has done just that over the last 33 years.  Over the last three decades John has helped several local governments develop zoning laws, ordinances and landowners fight those same laws. When not fighting zoning laws he helps home buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing housing market.  Over the last 20 years John has supported families through all areas of life, and death, helping with Wills and Probate issues.

John and his dog, Atlas are lifelong Cubs Fans. And Atlas assures John that next year will be the year the Cubs win the World Series.      

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