After the “I Do’s” are said, the beginning of an exciting new journey of life together starts. While most newlyweds may not have estate planning on the top of their to-do list, having a carefully drafted estate plan in place for your new life together is one of the best gifts a newly wedded couple…

In North Carolina, a surviving spouse has the right to receive a certain portion of their deceased spouse’s estate. This is referred to as an elective share because a surviving spouse may “elect” to receive their statutory share of the net assets that they would not have otherwise received under their deceased spouse’s will. The…

If you are unable to communicate your wishes regarding medical care and treatment options it is important that you have documents in place to convey those wishes to your loved ones and medical providers. This is done through documents called Advance Healthcare Directives. Advance Directive for a Natural Death An advance directive for a natural…

As the year draws to a close, it’s an ideal time to evaluate your estate plan and financial strategies to ensure they align with your goals. Regular reviews can confirm that your objectives are met and that you’re maximizing tax-saving opportunities. Here’s a structured approach to year-end estate planning considerations. Maximizing Gift Giving Opportunities The…

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants another person the authority to act as your agent on your behalf. It is commonly used in estate planning and situations where an individual is unable to make decisions or take actions independently. Types of Powers of Attorney There are different types of powers…

Estate planning is a challenging task for most people. It can be intimidating, not just from the perspective of confronting the idea of your own death, but also from concern over making the right decisions now for the future. Because there are many tools available to protect your legacy, we commonly help answer questions for…

For most individuals, taking the time to put an estate plan in place may seem like a daunting task. Not realizing the importance of having an estate plan is another common reason why it is often why it is put off until later. Most individuals don’t know if or why an estate plan is needed,…

When it comes to estate planning, the smallest mistake can cause the biggest problems. Money and property can quickly become tied up in the court system and be extremely costly for heirs to access. Or in other situations, assets can be unintentionally distributed to undesired parties. If you have made the commitment to make an…