Estate planning and business law shape stability for families and continuity for enterprises. In Wilmington, comprehensive planning offers asset protection, tax efficiency, and orderly transitions. Early planning reduces disputes, saves costs, and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
A holistic approach covers personal wishes, healthcare decisions, business governance, and succession planning. This reduces gaps between documents and practical execution, promoting smoother transitions and clearer expectations for heirs and colleagues.
Hatcher Legal brings practical experience in both estate planning and business law tailored to North Carolina. We emphasize clear explanations, collaborative planning, and accurate document drafting to support long‑term stability for families and enterprises.
We offer periodic reviews, updates after major life events, and continued access to the team for questions, changes, or new needs that arise over time.
Estate planning coordinates how your assets are managed and distributed, including healthcare decisions if you are unable to communicate. In Wilmington, NC, having a plan reduces uncertainty for heirs and helps individuals protect wealth while honoring personal values. A well-structured plan also supports continuity for your business and family.
Essential documents for business owners include a well-drafted operating agreement or shareholder agreement, entity formation papers, and a governance framework. These tools clarify ownership, roles, and dispute resolution, while ensuring ongoing operations and succession can proceed smoothly during transition or growth.
A trust can offer control, tax advantages, and probate avoidance not always available with a will. Trusts are useful for managing assets for heirs over time, protecting beneficiaries, and facilitating orderly distributions, especially in blended families or complex family businesses.
A will directs asset distribution after death, while a living will (advance directive) communicates your healthcare preferences. A living will guides medical decisions when you cannot speak for yourself, and it often works alongside a healthcare proxy to protect your treatment preferences.
Power of attorney grants someone authority to act on your behalf, while a medical directive outlines healthcare decisions. In North Carolina, durable powers of attorney and living wills are recommended to address incapacity, ensure your wishes are followed, and reduce court involvement.
Life changes, tax laws, and family dynamics make periodic reviews essential. We recommend revisiting plans every few years or after major events such as marriage, divorce, birth, death, or business changes to keep documents current and enforceable.
Bring identifying documents, an outline of goals, lists of assets and liabilities, current estate and business documents, and any questions about beneficiaries or leadership. This helps our team tailor a plan that fits your needs and streamlines the drafting process.
Billing varies by project scope and complexity. We provide transparent, upfront estimates, followed by detailed invoices. You can expect charges for consultations, drafting, reviews, and any required filings or trustee or executor tasks. We strive for clarity and predictable costs.
Yes. We assist with entity formation, governance documents, and strategic planning for mergers or acquisitions. Our team coordinates with financial and tax professionals to align corporate and estate goals, ensuring compliant structures that support growth and smooth transitions.
To begin, contact our Wilmington office to schedule a consultation. We will discuss objectives, gather relevant information, and outline a tailored plan. You will receive guidance on documents, timelines, and next steps, with clear answers to any questions you may have.
