ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

As part of estate planning, individuals should consider what property they own and how they want their hard-earned assets distributed to their surviving family members and others.

The most common ways that people express these final wishes are by creating a valid will or setting up a living revocable trust. Determining whether a will or trust is right for you can be complicated, with many legal and financial ramifications. It pays to enlist the services of a qualified North Carolina wills lawyer to analyze the best strategy for your situation.

• You make these decisions, not the state; who gets your property and in what proportions, rather than the State deciding
• You make these decisions, not the state; guardians for your minor children rather than the State deciding
• You make these decisions, not the state; an executor to administer your estate rather than the State deciding
• You make these decisions, not the state; save money by reducing legal fees, accounting and court costs, bond fees and confusion over who gets the property

Living Wills & Advance Directives

Good estate planning should include a living will or advance directive. A living will is a legal document that expresses your wishes about how your medical care should be handled in the event you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself.

An advance directive is a living will combined with a durable power of attorney for healthcare that designates a trusted relative or friend to act as your healthcare agent and make healthcare decisions on your behalf.