Estate Planning Attorneys in North Carolina | DWLS Law

An estate plan is a group of legal documents that spell out your wishes. It tells people what should happen to your money and property after you die. It also says who gets to make medical and financial decisions for you if you cannot do it yourself. Without these documents, North Carolina law decides for you — and that may not be what you would have wanted.

Our attorneys help people from all walks of life put a plan together that fits their family and their goals. Whether you have a lot of assets or just want to make sure your kids are taken care of, we can help. If you have questions before getting started, our estate planning FAQ for NC families covers the most common concerns we hear.

We help clients with a wide range of estate planning needs, including:

• Drafting a will so your property goes to the right people
• Setting up a trust to manage money for your children or loved ones
• Creating a power of attorney so someone you trust can handle your finances
• Drafting a healthcare directive so doctors know your wishes
• Guardianship planning for minor children or adults who need care
• Probate and estate administration after a loved one passes
• Estate planning for business owners in Johnston and Sampson Counties
• Elder law matters, including Medicaid planning and long-term care

If you die without a will in North Carolina, the state uses something called intestate succession laws to decide who gets your property. That means a judge — not you — decides what happens to your home, your savings, and your belongings. These rules are spelled out in North Carolina’s intestate succession law — and the outcome may not be what you would have wanted.

A simple will can prevent a lot of confusion and conflict for your family. It does not have to be complicated. Our attorneys can walk you through the process in plain language and make sure everything is done correctly under North Carolina law.

A will is a document that goes through probate court after you die. Probate is a legal process that can take months and cost money. A trust, on the other hand, lets your assets pass directly to the people you choose without going through probate. Both tools have their place, and many people use a combination of the two.

Not sure which one is right for you? Our wills and trusts attorneys in Smithfield and Clinton can explain the pros and cons of each option and help you decide what makes sense for your family. Keep in mind that family law matters that affect your estate — such as divorce, remarriage, or guardianship of minor children — can also change what documents you need, so it is worth reviewing your plan any time your family situation changes.

Sometimes family members do not agree on what a will or trust says. These disagreements can get heated fast. If you are dealing with a contested will, a disputed trust, or a conflict over how an estate is being managed, our attorneys are ready to step in. We have handled these disputes throughout North Carolina and will explain your rights in plain terms and fight for your interests — in and out of the courtroom.

Our firm has served families in Johnston County, Sampson County, and across eastern North Carolina for decades. We know the local courts, the local communities, and the legal landscape in this part of the state. When you work with us, you get attorneys who are easy to talk to and who actually care about your outcome.

We have offices in Smithfield and Clinton, and we welcome clients from the surrounding areas. Consultations are available at either location.

Our Smithfield office serves clients throughout Johnston County and the surrounding areas. Whether you are just starting to think about a will or need help with a complex trust, our attorneys are close by and ready to help.

Our Clinton office serves families throughout Sampson County and neighboring communities. We welcome walk-ins and scheduled consultations at either location — whatever works best for you.

Ready to get started? Contact Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence, & Starling to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Smithfield at (919) 934-5012 and Clinton at (910) 299-5087 or schedule a free estate planning consultation online.