Revocable living trusts allow you to control assets during life, avoid probate for many transfers, preserve privacy, and grant trusted agents the ability to manage affairs if you become unable to act. They are adaptable for changing family needs and can be coordinated with wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to create a cohesive plan.
A comprehensive plan provides clear instructions, appoints trusted fiduciaries, and outlines how assets are managed and distributed, giving you confidence that your wishes will be followed even if circumstances change.
Our firm specializes in estate planning and probate in North Carolina and surrounding communities. We listen carefully, explain complexities clearly, and help you design a revocable trust that aligns with your goals, provides flexibility, and reduces anxiety for your family.
We help transfer ownership and update beneficiary designations across accounts to complete funding.
A revocable living trust is a plan you design during life that you can modify or revoke at any time. It holds assets you place into the trust and lets you name a trustee to manage them while you are living. Funding the trust correctly and coordinating it with wills and powers of attorney helps avoid probate for many assets and provides a clear framework for how your wishes will be carried out.
Costs vary based on asset complexity and whether related documents are drafted. A typical session includes consultation, drafting the trust, funding guidance, and signing support. Many clients find that the long-term probate savings and peace of mind justify the upfront investment. We offer transparent pricing and flexible options to fit different budgets.
You should fund assets such as real estate, bank accounts, investments, and business interests into the trust when possible. Proper funding ensures the trust controls property and can help avoid probate for those assets. Keep beneficiary designations and joint ownership coordinated with the trust to reflect your goals and prevent conflicts during administration.
Revocable living trusts generally do not provide tax savings by themselves because you retain control of the assets and report income on your personal return. They primarily offer probate avoidance and management advantages. If tax planning is important, our team can incorporate strategies through gifts, trusts, and coordinated documents to harmonize with your overall plan while staying within state and federal law.
If you move out of North Carolina, your trust should be reviewed to confirm compliance with the new state’s laws and to ensure funding still operates if assets are relocated. Our team coordinates updates or creates supporting documents to align with the new jurisdiction while preserving your original goals and beneficiaries as life circumstances continue.
Yes. You can name a family member, a trusted friend, or an institution as trustee. The person or entity should have financial experience, good communication, and a willingness to manage ongoing duties responsibly. We help evaluate candidates, discuss potential conflicts, and prepare formal appointment documents to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes for future generations.
Probate avoidance means that assets placed in a funded revocable trust pass directly to beneficiaries without going through court supervision. While some assets outside the trust may still require probate, funding the trust reduces the number of probate proceedings. If you have questions about your particular asset mix, our team can assess your plan and suggest funding steps to maximize efficiency and privacy.
Revocable trusts do not provide protection from creditors, because you retain ownership and control over assets. They primarily address probate avoidance, privacy, and management during incapacity. We can discuss additional planning tools, such as irrevocable trusts or exemptions, if asset protection is a priority in line with NC law.
You should review your trust after major life events—marriage, divorce, birth, death, relocation, or changes in assets or beneficiaries. A periodic check with your attorney every few years helps ensure your plan remains current and aligned with your goals. We tailor reminders and update services to fit your needs, so you stay protected as laws and circumstances evolve.
Yes. A revocable living trust is designed so you can continue to manage trust assets as long as you are competent. You also appoint a successor trustee to step in if needed for continuity. The appointed trustee, healthcare agent, and attorney-in-fact work together to carry out your instructions while you focus on your wellbeing and support your family.
