This service helps families decide who inherits, who manages finances, and how medical decisions are made when you cannot decide for yourself. A well crafted plan can minimize court involvement, reduce costs, protect beneficiaries, and provide clear instructions that reflect your wishes and values.
A well integrated plan minimizes probate complexity by ensuring trusts fund the handling of assets, bypassing the legacy court process where appropriate, and providing a clear path for asset management after your passing.
Our team at Hatcher Legal, PLLC brings a practical, client centered approach to wills, trusts, and probate matters. We prioritize clarity, accessibility, and measurable steps that help families implement plans confidently and efficiently within North Carolina’s legal framework.
We establish a maintenance schedule, advise on annual reviews, and set reminders to keep your plan current with family changes and statutory updates.
A will directs asset distribution after death and can appoint guardians for minor children. A living trust holds assets during your lifetime and continues after death, often avoiding probate. Both tools serve complementary roles, and a well structured plan may use both to achieve efficiency and clarity.
In North Carolina, a trust can reduce probate involvement, but some assets may still pass through the court. Whether probate is needed depends on asset ownership and the presence of a trust. Our firm reviews your situation and offers tailored options to streamline transfers and minimize delays.
Estate plans should be reviewed after major life events and at least every few years. Changes such as marriage, divorce, births, or significant changes in assets may require updates to documents and beneficiary designations to reflect current intentions.
If there is no will, North Carolina intestacy laws determine asset distribution, which may not align with your wishes. A probate proceeding can be required to settle the estate and appoint a personal representative. An attorney can guide you through steps to establish a plan for the future.
Guardianship is typically designated in a will or a trust for minor children. This ensures that trusted individuals are named to care for them. It is important to discuss and document these choices clearly to avoid family disputes and ensure consistent care.
Digital assets include online accounts, digital currencies, and important data. An estate plan can designate who has access and how accounts are managed. We help you compile a digital asset inventory and integrate access provisions into your documents.
Costs vary based on complexity and documents needed. We strive for transparent pricing and provide a clear scope before work begins. Long term savings can arise from reduced probate costs and more efficient asset transfer through properly funded trusts.
Essential documents include a will, a durable power of attorney, a living will, and, where appropriate, trusts and beneficiary designations. In North Carolina, specific formalities apply to each document, which is why professional guidance helps ensure validity and enforceability.
Guardianship is established through a will or court process if there is no prior designation. An appointing document guides decisions about care and upbringing. Our team can help you select guardians, outline powers, and prepare for future contingencies.
Plans can be amended anytime. It is wise to update your documents after life changes or when laws change. We support revisions, including updating guardians, beneficiaries, and asset ownership to keep your plan aligned with current needs.
