
CHRISTOPHER AUSTIN

AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Estate Planning - Wills, Trusts
- Probate
- Tax
- Asset Protection
- Family Limited Partnerships
- Residential Real Estate
- Corporate Formation & Business Planning
BAR ADMISSION
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Tennessee
EDUCATION
- Charlotte School of Law-JD
- University of South Carolina-Political Science Minor Business Administration
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Started law firm after law school
- Attorney for the City of New Ellenton
- Attorney for the City of Wagener
- SC Bar Probate & Estate Planning
- Guardian ad Litem
Chris Austin leads Austin & Pethick’s Estate Planning, Probate and Tax Practice.
Chris began his own law practice straight out of law school. Being a first-generation college graduate, Chris prides himself on being diligent, self-motivated and determined. These qualities are reflected in his dedication to his clients and each matter he encounters. Throughout his career, he has focused largely on Estate Planning and Probate Law. He has a diverse background in estate planning from helping young families with simple wills to advanced estate planning techniques, including issues pertaining to estate taxation, administration of small estates, and planning for large estates (over $10 million). Along with estate planning, Chris has also walked with many families through the probate process, serving as Guardian ad Litem for minors and incapacitated clients, and probate actions including general estate and trust disputes, spousal elective share cases, breach of fiduciary duties, and various other matters. Chris receives extreme satisfaction from assisting his clients in creating family security, wealth preservation, and legacy plans.
Chris believes that practicing law is a privilege he was granted.
In this field, he has the ability to help people in a unique way. He takes extreme pride in serving his clients and providing them with top-notch service. In this area of law, matters can be complex and can become very emotional. Chris strives to provide each client with a different, modern and engaging experience that is unique to our firm. He hopes that each client who engages our firm feels like they've just grown their family.
In the community,
As a Christian and a lawyer, Chris believes he is tasked with giving back to the community by setting positive examples and being involved in community organizations. Chris is an active member of Cedar Creek Church. He serves on several boards including; the Boys & Girls Club of Aiken Advisory Board, SRP Federal Credit Union Advisory Board, and the Steeple Chase Association Board of Directors.
In his free time,
Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah and their two dogs, Justice and Linus. Chris’s hobbies are hunting, fishing, collecting and watching movies. His faith, family, friends, community and serving others are of utmost importance to Chris.