Merline & Meacham, P.A.

Merline & Meacham, P.A. Merline & Meacham, PA, a Greenville, SC law firm, focuses on tax, estate planning/probate & business. Merline & Meacham, P.A. Attorneys at Law. and Susan Smith.

has been proudly serving upstate Greenville and the surrounding areas since 1970. At Merline & Meacham, P.A., we are able to provide legal services to our clients in a variety of practices areas including tax, estate planning, trusts and estates, corporate and business transactional law. We have attorneys who are leaders in their fields in each of these areas. Our attorneys are dedicated to using

their knowledge, experience and integrity to developing legal solutions to complex matters. DISCLAIMER:
This page contains information of general interest about Merline & Meacham, P.A. The contents on this page and all links to our website is made available by a lawyer/law firm or legal publisher and are not intended to be legal advice. The reader understands that using the information provided both our page and our website does not constitute an attorney client relationship between the reader and the attorneys or law firm. Your review of these materials, therefore, is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney client relationship. Internet subscribers and on-line readers should not act upon the information contained in this website without seeking professional counsel in their jurisdiction. assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this page or our website. Please do not send us confidential information via e-mail without first obtaining permission to do so from one of our attorneys. Please do not post any confidential information on Facebook. Photography contributors:
Thomas Dye
Susan Smith
©2015 Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Merline & Meacham, P.A. and Thomas Dye or Merline & Meacham, P.A. All Rights Reserved.

Understanding how probate works — and implementing strategies to minimize or avoid it — can help you protect your assets...
08/03/2026

Understanding how probate works — and implementing strategies to minimize or avoid it — can help you protect your assets and simplify matters for your family after your death. Probate is a legal procedure in which a court establishes the validity of your will, determines the value of your estate, resolves creditors’ claims, provides for the payment of taxes and other debts, and transfers assets to your heirs. A living trust (sometimes called a revocable trust) is generally the most effective tool for avoiding probate. It involves setup costs but allows you to manage the disposition of your wealth in a single document while retaining control and reserving the right to modify the trust’s terms.

https://merlineandmeacham.com/2026/06/29/proper-planning-can-ease-the-pain-of-the-probate-process/

Do you operate a side gig in addition to your regular job? The way the IRS classifies that activity can have a significa...
08/01/2026

Do you operate a side gig in addition to your regular job? The way the IRS classifies that activity can have a significant impact on your taxes.

If the IRS treats the activity as a hobby, you’re required to report the income but can’t deduct most related expenses. If it’s treated as a business, you can generally deduct ordinary and necessary expenses — even if that results in a net tax loss. The IRS considers several factors when evaluating profit motive, including how you operate the activity, the time you invest, and your history of profits and losses.

If your side business isn’t yet profitable, contact us to discuss your situation. We can suggest strategies to help strengthen your position.

https://merlineandmeacham.com/2026/06/29/dont-let-the-irs-treat-your-sideline-as-a-hobby/

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is pleased to announce that our firm is Top Ranked in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for...
07/31/2026

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is pleased to announce that our firm is Top Ranked in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law. Established in 1970, we are a premier boutique law firm that focuses on providing sophisticated trust & estate, merger & acquisition, business, succession, tax, and wealth-transfer planning. At Merline & Meacham, P.A., our foundation is rooted in deep legal expertise, academic excellence, and a longstanding reputation for delivering trusted legal counsel to individuals, families, and businesses with diligence and distinction across South Carolina. We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition!

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Robert E. August has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High...
07/31/2026

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Robert E. August has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law.

Bob is widely recognized for his profound mastery of complex mergers and acquisitions, intricate estate planning and administration, and specialized taxation matters involving LLCs, partnerships, family limited partnerships, and corporations. A Certified Specialist in both Taxation Law and Estate Planning and Probate Law as recognized by the South Carolina Supreme Court, Bob adeptly guides clients through sophisticated business transactions, strategic entity formation, comprehensive succession planning, and innovative tax strategies. He combines deep technical knowledge with practical insight to develop proactive planning solutions designed to minimize tax liabilities and optimize financial outcomes while ensuring full compliance within the legal framework. Congratulations Bob on this well-deserved honor!

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Douglas O'Neal has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High N...
07/31/2026

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Douglas O'Neal has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law.

Doug is renowned for guiding individuals and businesses through complex estate planning and sophisticated business entity matters. With a unique blend of creative problem-solving and deep empathy, honed by personal experience with early loss, he ensures clients feel understood and empowered throughout their legal journeys. Doug's philosophy centers on prioritizing client understanding, offering practical advice such as "Taxes should never take precedence over parenting." He encourages those nearing retirement to focus on life experiences beyond just legacies, offering a holistic perspective to wealth and succession planning. Doug's expertise encompasses comprehensive estate planning, including wills, trusts, asset protection, and trust modification, alongside a variety of business entity work, from formations and tax matters to mergers, acquisitions, and business succession planning. Congratulations Doug on this well-deserved honor!

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Keith G. Meacham has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High...
07/31/2026

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that Keith G. Meacham has earned a Band 2 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law.

As a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law and Estate Planning and Probate Law, Keith provides customized estate planning, probate law, complex estate and trust administration, non-profit/charities law and taxation law services in the Upstate and the surrounding counties. By meeting clients where they are in life, Keith guides them toward a secure future for themselves, their families, and their businesses. He leverages his deep knowledge and experience to effectively and efficiently counsel clients to achieve their personal goals and long term security. Congratulations Keith on this well-deserved honor!

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that David A. Merline has earned a Band 1 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High...
07/31/2026

Merline & Meacham, P.A. is proud to announce that David A. Merline has earned a Band 1 Ranking in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide for South Carolina in Private Wealth Law.

David's practice masterfully navigates a comprehensive array of legal disciplines including intricate Mergers and Acquisitions, astute Business and Transactional Law, strategic Succession Planning, complex Estate Planning and Estate Administration, sophisticated Taxation matters, and the formation and guidance of LLCs, Partnerships, Family Limited Partnerships and Corporations, and Asset Protection Planning, alongside profound knowledge in ERISA. He is renowned for cultivating enduring client relationships, often spanning decades, with clients consistently valuing his trusted counsel across a diverse spectrum of legal needs. Congratulations David on this well-deserved honor!

At Merline & Meacham, P.A., we believe the best legal relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Muc...
07/30/2026

At Merline & Meacham, P.A., we believe the best legal relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Much like a lifelong friendship, a great attorney-client relationship requires open communication, loyalty, and unwavering support through critical moments.

On this International Day of Friendship, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our clients, partners, and community. Thank you for placing your trust in our team to advocate for you and guide you.

We also celebrate our incredible team of attorneys and staff, whose daily collaboration allows us to deliver the highest level of service to those we represent.

Estate planning is intended to help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. But circumstances ...
07/29/2026

Estate planning is intended to help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. But circumstances can change in ways that are difficult to predict. A qualified disclaimer allows disclaimed assets to pass from a primary beneficiary to a contingent beneficiary without negative tax consequences. Among other things, to be considered “qualified,” the disclaimer must be in writing and be delivered to your estate’s representative within nine months after the transfer is made and before the primary beneficiary accepts the property or any of its benefits. Contact us to learn more.

https://merlineandmeacham.com/2026/06/29/qualified-disclaimers-help-your-estate-plan-change-with-the-times/

Are you thinking about selling your commercial or investment real estate? If the property has appreciated significantly,...
07/27/2026

Are you thinking about selling your commercial or investment real estate? If the property has appreciated significantly, a Sec. 1031 like-kind exchange may allow you to defer tax on some or all of the gain. With this transaction, you exchange the property for another qualifying property, generally deferring tax until the replacement property is sold.

But common misconceptions about Sec. 1031 exchanges can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. For example, the property types don’t have to be identical, and receiving cash or debt relief (“boot”) may trigger taxable gain.

We can help demystify this tax strategy and determine whether it’s right for your situation. Contact us to learn more.
https://merlineandmeacham.com/2026/06/29/demystifying-like-kind-exchanges/

Address

Greenville, SC

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18642424080

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Merline & Meacham, P.A. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Merline & Meacham, P.A.:

Shortcuts

Share

Category