There is a very good likelihood that you will have a need to know what the duties and responsibilities of an Executor are at some point in your life. That need may spring up because you are notified that you are the Executor of the estate of someone who recently died. If not then, you will still have a need to know so that you are sure to appoint the right person to the position of … read more
Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me in Probate Court?
Although we have one of the best legal systems in the world in the United States, it can be challenging to navigate for someone who is unfamiliar with it. It can be particularly difficult to try and learn the ins and outs of the legal system if your involvement in the system is related to the probate of an estate. If you are involved in the probate of an estate, that typically means that … read more
What Is Guardianship?
No matter how old we get, we don’t seem to want to accept the fact that our parents are even older. More accurately, we don’t want to accept the fact that our parents might be suffering the physical and mental symptoms of old age. As a result, we often overlook some of those signs for as long as possible. While this may be understandable, it can also be dangerous. Ignoring the fact that … read more
Who Can Help You to Probate a Will?
The loss of a family member or close loved one is usually followed by a period of grief and often confusion. The emotional impact of the decedent’s death may not be all you have to worry about if you recently lost someone close to you. There is also a practical, or legal, aspect to a death that must also be addressed. Specifically, the estate will likely be required to go through the … read more
How Do I Petition for Guardianship in North Carolina?
As we age, so do our parents, grandparents, and other older loved ones. At some point, you may start to become concerned that one of these older loved ones has reached the point where a legal guardian is needed. It is rarely easy to make the decision to pursue guardianship over an elderly loved one because it often feels as though you are taking away the individual’s independence. Keep … read more
Do I Qualify for Emergency Medicaid?
As part of our practice, we help North Carolina clients qualify for Medicaid and Emergency/Crisis Medicaid. If you qualify (now or in the foreseeable future) for assisted living, memory care, or skilled care, or you’ve already been admitted to a nursing home or expect to go to a nursing home in the foreseeable future, we may be able to help protect your family’s hard earned wealth from … read more
Basic Questions About Estate Planning – I’ve Been Asked to Serve as Executor. What Should I say?
When someone asks you to serve as executor of their estate, you need to understand that the job comes with specific responsibilities and duties. While it might be an honor to be trusted enough to serve as an estate executor, administrator, or the trustee of a trust, you should only accept the position if you are prepared to carry out the job's tasks. To determine whether you should … read more
Steps Involved in Inheritance Planning
Most people understand the importance of inheritance planning; however, over half of all Americans do not have an inheritance plan in place despite knowing they need one. There are a number of reasons people give for their lack of an inheritance, or estate, plan, but one of the most common is that they simply don’t know where to start. Unless you have some experience with it, inheritance … read more
Tax and Estate Planning for Parents with Minor Children
Creating a comprehensive and well thought out estate plan is something everyone should make a priority. If you are the parent of a minor child, however, the need to have an estate plan in place is heightened for several reasons, starting with the fact that your child is, of course, is your most valuable asset. Because your minor child cannot inherit directly from your estate, you must … read more
The Benefits of Trusts for Estate Planning
When most people think about estate planning they focus on creating a Last Will and Testament. While your Will can accomplish much in your estate plan, it may not be the best tool for accomplishing all of your estate planning goals and objectives. One of the most common additions to a well thought out estate plan is a trust. One reason trusts are so popular is the flexibility a trust … read more
