Real Estate
Murray Law Offices is committed to excellent client service and has built its reputation in the area by providing clients with fast, friendly and affordable real estate closings, realistic contract negotiations, and quick resolution to the occasional, but inevitable settlement problems. Over the years the real estate market has drastically changed and new laws, regulations and title problems soon emerged to further complicate the settlement process. Murray Law’s dedicated staff changed with the market to better assist both buyers and sellers through the new regulatory requirements, foreclosures and short sales. Even in the best of times, clients may feel anxious about the settlement process. Our staff is eager to assist you and answer your questions. If you are in need of a real estate attorney, please do not hesitate to contact any one of our four convenient locations throughout the Grand Strand. We have assisted thousands of clients through the settlement process and our fees are extremely competitive. Our staff is looking forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs.
Attorneys in this area - Katharine Keaton, Dan Guiney, Nancy Zovnic, Jim Feldman
Business Formation
This area of law allows individuals to form separate legal entities for the operation of a business. Our initial consultation will help you determine which type of business entity (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, or Corporation) will best suit your needs and circumstances. Some entities provide more liability protection than others and some provide a greater tax benefit. Therefore, this decision should always involve input from your accountant. Once a determination is made on the type of entity you wish to form, we then complete and file all necessary documents with the appropriate governmental agencies. Fees begin at $350, plus filing fees and binder costs. Most businesses will require Operating Agreements or Bylaws to be effective and we also provide those for the operation of your company for an additional fee.
Attorneys in this area - Katharine Keaton, Dan Guiney, Nancy Zovnic, Jim Feldman
Immigration Law
This branch of law covers the gaining or losing of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. It also regulates the admission and removal of aliens, both legal and illegal. While South Carolina may not have the flow of immigration traffic like California, Texas, Florida or New York, we do deal with many issues under immigration law. Murray Law Offices is one of the few law firms in the Horry County area that have attorneys who are experienced in immigration law. So you can come to us with confidence to help you sort through all issues ranging from visas to green cards to citizenship. Immigration Law is unique in that it is Federal law that is enforced uniformly over all 50 states, with the U.S. Citizenship and Services (USCIS) organized within the Department of Homeland Security. Therefore, in addition to our South Carolina residents, we can, and have, assisted clients from California to Virginia and various states in between. In this area we charge an initial consultation fee of $75 for which we will evaluate your circumstances and advise you of the cost of proceeding if you so elect.
Attorneys in this area - John Y. Ahn
Social Security Disability
The Social Security Act established this government program that provides monthly income-maintenance payments. This Act establishes two programs, Social Security Disability for the disabled, their spouses and dependants and Social Security Income for retirees, spouses, and dependent children. These programs will pay monthly benefits to persons who are disabled and unable to work as a result of an injury, illness, or medical condition. Social Security law is a large and complex body of law that governs eligibility for benefits under the Act and are subject to administrative proceedings and judicial review. Murray Law is equipped to bring your claim through this process on your behalf. The initial consultation is free. Our fees are contingent and based upon one-third of the amount awarded to you.
Contract Disputes/Litigation
Although this area of practice includes the potential of litigation, in actual practice the majority of times equitable solutions can be negotiated without the necessity of actually bringing the matter to court. Our practice in this area is typically limited to real estate transaction contracts (i.e. sales and leases) including tenant evictions. We also handle disputes and other matters that involve homeowner or property owner associations. Our fee is based on circumstances, so please contact our office.
Attorneys in this area - John Y. Ahn, Dan Guiney
Probate
This court proceeding takes place in Probate Court in the county of legal residence of the deceased at the time of his or her death. The proceeding finalizes and settles all debts of the deceased and passes the legal title to any property owned by the deceased person to his or her heirs. Most probate proceedings are uncontested and fairly straightforward but nonetheless will usually take a minimum of eight months and if any matters are contested by potential heirs or creditors, the process may take even longer. In the event a person dies without a will (intestate) state law governs the distribution of their property. Our fees vary based on circumstances, so please call to discuss your specific circumstances with our staff.
Attorney in this area - Lauren Hill Vinson
Estate Planning
Estate Planning concerns taking control of what happens to your property and assets after your death, as well as making decisions about your future healthcare. No matter your age or current state of health, you should make sure your estate plan is up to date and valid. All estate plans should include at least four important documents:
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Last Will and Testament - allows you to specify where you want each of your assets to go upon your death. If you do not have a valid Will at the time of your death, the court will direct the distribution of the estate in accordance with state law. A Will may also specify the guardian of minor children upon the death of both parents. Contrary to popular belief, family members do not automatically get custody of children.
Living Will - determination by you before you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious on how you want your health care professionals to treat you.
Healthcare Power of Attorney - allows you to appoint a health care agent to make necessary health care decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.
Springing Durable Power of Attorney - allows you to appoint an agent, your attorney-in-fact, to act on your behalf to manage your affairs and assets, in the event you are unable to manage them yourself. This type of Power of Attorney remains valid in the event you become disabled or incompetent.
To learn more about your estate planning options, please call or email our office to schedule an appointment.
Attorneys in this area - Katharine Keaton, Dan Guiney, Nancy Zovnic, Jim Feldman
Family Law
Family Law is a diverse field that has exclusive jurisdiction over the legal relationships that arise out of marriages, as well as all issues that relate to children. Typical family court cases include Adoptions, Divorces/Legal Separations, Custody, Visitation Rights, Child Support, establishment of Paternity, Pre-nuptial Agreements, and Legal Name Changes, just to list a few examples. Fees are based on the type of case and whether that case is Contested or Uncontested. Murray Law Offices can provide competent legal services that cover all areas of Family Law. If you need help to determine what type of case you have and what your rights are within Family Law, we would recommend you come in for a consultation. At the consultation, you will be able to explain in detail all the facts related to your situation so that we can have a complete picture of your case. We can then inform you of what your options are, what are the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and give you advice as to the best way to proceed. We do charge a $100.00 consultation fee, but if at the end of the consultation you wish to retain our services, then we will credit the cost of your consultation fee.
Attorneys in this area - John Y. Ahn, Lauren Hill Vinson
Personal Injury
This is the area of tort law covering damage done to a person or their property or reputation. Such injuries are usually a result of a traffic accident, a faulty product, because of a medical mistake in treatment, or even just because you slipped and fell on a wet floor or pavement. However, in order for an injury to be actionable, it must be as a result of the negligence of a responsible party that owed you a duty of ordinary care. Examples of personal injury cases can include liable, slander, medical or professional malpractice, wrongful death, trespass and nuisance. If you think you have a case for a personal injury settlement, please contact us. Initial consultations are at no charge and our fees, if your matter is accepted, are based on one-third of the award or 40% of the award if the case goes to trial.
Attorneys in this area - John Y. Ahn, Jim Feldman
Worker's Compensation
When an employee suffers a personal injury as a result of an accident at work or in the context of employment, Worker’s Compensation laws provide them with certain benefits. Since most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, all workers are typically covered. Murray Law can assist to insure you obtain all the benefits to which you are entitled. These benefits may include temporary disability benefits while you are unable to work, payment of your medical bills and even permanent partial or total disability benefits. Consultations are free and without obligation. If we accept your matter, our fees are contingent and based on one-third of the award you receive.
Attorneys in this area - Lauren Hill Vinson
DUI/ Traffic Violations
In South Carolina, as in most states, it is against the law to drive a car, boat, or any other motor vehicle while intoxicated. DUI "Driving Under the Influence" is a serious criminal offense related to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Driving erratically or violating traffic laws may provide the police sufficient cause to stop you and ask you to submit to a field sobriety test. Most other traffic violations are considered minor criminal offenses, but even minor traffic or speeding violations can have serious consequences and can even lead to your license being suspended. Fines can be significant and there is also the possibility of increased insurance premiums, causing an additional financial burden. We recommend you contact us prior to going to court so we can assess the severity of your situation and recommend a resolution. If you are not a SC resident, often a mere reduction of points will preclude your home state from giving any consideration to a traffic violation here. Our fees for traffic violations start at $300 and increase for more severe infractions. The initial consultation is free and without obligation.
Attorneys in this area - Jim Feldman, Lauren Hill Vinson
Criminal
Coming soon.
Attorneys in this area - Lauren Hill Vinson
