The Christmas holidays are one of the few times of the year -- if not the only time -- that parents are together with all of their adult children. That can make it an optimal time to discuss your estate plans with them.Many people balk at doing this over the holidays...
Estate Administration
Don’t forget your estate plan after a divorce
Once your divorce is complete, you likely don't want to look at another legal document (or lawyer) for a while. However, there's one last and essential legal matter you need to deal with -- your estate plan.Your plan needs to reflect: -- Your new marital status-- Your...
We can assist you with your estate plan needs
When you draft your will as part of your estate plan, there are some things to keep in mind about your assets. Namely, not all assets can be included in wills, and even if they are, there is no guarantee that your wishes will be carried out.For instance, if you own...
What should you look for in a Power of Attorney?
When you are planning your estate, designating your power of attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make, so it's prudent to give a great deal of though to whom you will choose.Powers of attorney give another person, or more than one if you choose,...
Don’t make these mistakes with your IRA
When clients begin the process of estate planning, individual retirement accounts are a popular choice. But while IRAs can be a fairly straightforward way to distribute your assets, there are ways that clients can unnecessarily complicate the process for their heirs....
Do I need a heath care proxy or living will?
It's important for adults of all ages to draft advanced directives — sometimes called living wills — to formally declare their preference for end-of-life medical care. These directives form the blueprint for your caregivers and health care providers to...
Who gets my property if I die intestate?
Nobody likes to ponder one's own mortality, but making a will is a necessity to avoid distribution of your assets in a manner in which you never intended. Below are the specifics of North Carolina laws that deal with property distribution of residents who die...
Different types of powers of attorney
One of the primary documents you may want to execute as part of your estate planning is a power of attorney.Under the laws of the state of North Carolina, residents may appoint another individual to act in their stead as their attorney-in-fact or agent. This might be...
What are the duties of an estate administrator?
When administering an estate in North Carolina, the personal representative has certain specific duties to perform. These include all of the following:-- Gather assets of the deceased. -- Pay out claims to legitimate creditors.-- Make the disbursements to settle the...
Probating An Estate In North Carolina
When an individual passes away, his or her estate often needs to go through probate. In North Carolina, there are two probate procedures - one for individuals who die with a will or estate plan, another for those who do not.TestateIndividuals who pass away with a will...