A well crafted will provides control, reduces uncertainty, and helps your family avoid unnecessary probate challenges. It offers guidance on asset distribution, guardianship for minor children, and appointment of an executor, helping you achieve a smoother transition during a difficult time.
This benefit ensures assets pass to intended recipients with minimal confusion, reducing disputes, speeding settlement, and lowering costs, while giving heirs clear guidance on expectations and timelines for closure.
Our team takes time to listen, understand your goals, and tailor a plan that fits your family and finances. We offer straightforward explanations and practical steps to move your planning forward with confidence.
Storing copies securely and scheduling periodic reviews helps ensure your will remains accurate and accessible when needed.
A will directs asset distribution after death and becomes part of the probate process. A trust places assets under a trustee’s management during life and after death, potentially avoiding probate altogether. Both tools can be integral to your plan depending on assets and goals. Trusts can offer tax planning and privacy advantages, though they require ongoing administration. The right choice depends on assets, family dynamics, and goals.
A living trust can reduce probate for assets it holds; however, most people still need a will for certain items and to name guardians. We evaluate your situation to determine whether a pour-over will or other documents are appropriate. In many cases, a simple estate plan benefits from both tools.
You should review your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, relocation, or significant changes in assets. Regular checks every few years help ensure the plan reflects current circumstances and complies with evolving state laws.
Choose someone you trust who is organized and capable of managing finances and paperwork. Alternatives or co-executors can provide continuity. We discuss practical considerations and help you select the best person for the role.
Yes, you can amend or revoke a will as life changes. Amendments, called codicils, or a complete rewrite may be appropriate depending on the extent of changes. We guide you through proper execution to keep documents valid.
If you die without a will, North Carolina intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets. This outcome may not reflect your wishes. A will helps protect your preferences and reduce delays for your heirs.
Bring any current estate documents, lists of assets and debts, real estate records, retirement accounts, and beneficiary designations. Also include guardianship preferences, power of attorney, and any questions you want to review with us.
Probate duration varies with complexity, asset types, and court backlog. Smaller estates may resolve in a few months, while larger, contested matters can take longer. We work to prepare complete petitions and streamline the process where possible.
Yes. You can designate guardians for minor children in your will and appoint alternates. It’s wise to discuss plans with potential guardians and document preferences clearly to reduce uncertainty for your family.
Fees vary by complexity, asset value, and documents needed. We provide transparent estimates up front and discuss the value of a comprehensive plan that coordinates wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to safeguard your legacy.
