Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting time filled with joy and anticipation. As new parents, you likely spend countless hours preparing for your child's arrival, from setting up the nursery to choosing the perfect name. Amidst the excitement, it can be...
Estate Planning
The pros and cons of probate
Probate is court-supervised process which sees the administration of a North Carolina resident’s will or estate after they pass. All wills must go through probate. However, depending on your estate plan and how you want your assets distributed, you may want to know...
Why clarity matters in drafting your will
Writing a will is a crucial aspect of estate planning. It ensures that, when you pass away, your assets are distributed according to your wishes. However, a will's effectiveness largely depends on its clarity. When a will is vague, it can lead to misunderstandings and...
4 trusts to incorporate into an estate plan
While a will is one of the most basic documents included in an estate plan that helps instruct asset distribution, people can benefit from creating a trust. A trust is a legal document that allows a grantor to make an arrangement with a trustee. The trustee is...
Know these critical estate plan components
Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures an individual's assets and healthcare preferences are handled according to their wishes upon their passing or if they become incapacitated. This process involves several key components, each serving distinct functions...
What should you do about an estate plan after divorce?
Creating a new estate plan after a divorce is a critical step that often gets overlooked in the whirlwind of changes that divorce brings. An estate plan crafted during a marriage typically includes the former spouse in various roles and benefits, which may no longer...
The fundamental elements of guardianship provisions
One of the most important elements of a comprehensive estate plan is the guardianship provision for your children. Appointing someone to care for your children after your death is a big decision. When you finally make a choice, you need to draft a guardianship...
Choosing the right trustee
A living trust is an effective estate planning instrument that combines your property and assets into one secure entity. It allows you to maintain control over your assets while alive and distribute them to your named beneficiaries when you are gone. You must assign a...
What does a special needs trustee do?
It can be worrisome to have a child who has a serious disability. After all, your son or daughter might not be able to work as an adult. Luckily, there are probably some public benefits available, provided your child has limited assets and income. As you probably...
What are your long-term care options?
Whether you are a child of elderly parents or anticipate needing care in the near future, it is important to understand your options. Making a long-term care plan ahead of time, with those options in mind, may help avoid unwanted communication problems with your...