Effective estate planning and business law protect families, preserve wealth, and support continued operations during transitions. By coordinating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and corporate documents, Hazelwood clients minimize disputes, reduce taxes, and ensure governance aligns with values. The right planning also provides peace of mind, knowing trusted successors can manage asset and enterprise responsibilities.
A unified strategy manages financial, legal, and operational risks together. This reduces gaps between documents, improves enforcement, and helps families and businesses respond promptly to changes in health, wealth, or ownership structures without duplicating efforts.
We offer accessible, practical guidance that translates complex law into actionable steps. Our approach combines clear communication, transparent pricing, and a collaborative workflow designed for busy families and entrepreneurs who value reliable, hands on support.
Plans require regular reviews to stay aligned with life events, law changes, and market conditions. We offer scheduled check ins and updates to keep your strategy current and effective over time.
Estate planning combines wills, trusts, and directives to prepare for future needs, protect family wealth, and guide asset transfer. We tailor plans to individuals, families, and business owners, ensuring clarity and alignment with long term goals. Our team explains options in plain language and supports informed decisions. The process emphasizes practical results and personalized care.
Even when a living trust exists, a will can address residual assets, guardianship, and specific bequests. Wills provide continuity for distributions not covered by trusts, while trusts manage ongoing wealth and reduce probate exposure. We help clients assess whether both instruments are appropriate and coordinate their terms.
A revocable trust allows you to control assets during life and switch terms as circumstances change. It can simplify transfer at death and provide privacy. However, it may not replace all estate planning tools, so our team reviews how a revocable trust fits with wills and beneficiary designations.
Estate taxes in North Carolina depend on the size of the estate and applicable exemptions. We help structure strategies that minimize taxes through proper gifting, trust planning, and valuation techniques while remaining compliant with federal and state rules. Regular reviews ensure continued efficiency as laws evolve.
A power of attorney should name a trusted, capable individual who can handle finances or healthcare decisions if you become unable. We discuss potential agents, contingency plans, and limitations to ensure your preferences are respected and decisions are made smoothly when needed.
When an owner passes, the business may need a succession plan, buy-sell arrangements, and updated governance. Our guidance helps preserve enterprise value, assigns leadership, and coordinates with estate plans to minimize disruption and protect employees, clients, and ongoing commitments.
Yes. Integrating estate planning with business succession ensures alignment between personal wishes and corporate continuity. We map ownership transitions, tax implications, and governance structures to support seamless leadership changes while protecting family interests and business objectives.
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. In some cases it can be avoided or minimized with proper planning, such as living trusts. We explain options, timelines, and costs to help clients decide the best approach.
Yes. We offer mediation services to resolve disputes related to family business transitions or estate matters. Mediation can preserve relationships, reduce costs, and produce flexible agreements that a court may not offer, preserving business operations and family harmony.
To begin, contact our Hazelwood team for an initial consultation. We listen to your goals, explain options, and outline a plan. From there, we prepare draft documents, coordinate reviews, and guide you through signing and implementation with clear next steps.
