Anyone who has created a will or estate plan is well ahead of their neighbors. Studies show that fewer than 50% of all people have any estate planning documents in place. If you’ve taken the initiative to create an estate plan, we congratulate you. Nonetheless, estate planning estate planning is not a “one and done” …

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A well-crafted estate plan should be comprehensive. Among other things, an estate plan in North Carolina may include a will, trust, and power of attorney (POA). There are many myths and misconceptions about how a POA actually works in our state. You may want to know: Can you use a Durable power of attorney to …

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Does debt stress you out? You are far from alone. According to data cited by CNBC, nearly three-quarters of Americans cite financial issues as a primary source of stress—and debt is the most common financial problem that people and families are worried about. Debt can raise estate planning questions. You may be wondering: Will a …

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A will is widely considered as the cornerstone of estate planning in North Carolina, and the figures are encouraging in terms of the increase in people preparing one. According to the Caring.com 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Study, the number of individuals who have created a will rose by 3 percent from 2022 and 6 …

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Do you have a will in place? You should. Every adult in North Carolina needs a comprehensive, well-drafted will that is customized to meet their needs, goals, and specific circumstances. Of course, a will is not, by itself, a comprehensive estate plan. You could also benefit from setting up a living trust. If you do …

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Estate planning is essential. Every adult in North Carolina should have a personalized estate plan in place that provides the maximum amount of protection for themselves and their loved ones. Yet, many adults lack an adequate estate plan. The AARP estimates that 6 in 10 American adults do not even have a will—let alone a …

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Many Americans will move to a different state during the course of their life. According to data provided by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, approximately 40 percent of people nationwide live in a state different from the one in which they were born. Nearly half of the current residents of North Carolina were …

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Does your child or close loved one have special needs? If so, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney who understands the special estate planning needs you may have. Leaving money or property directly to the benefit of a special needs individual could undermine their eligibility for important government benefits, including Medicaid. The …

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How Real Estate Passes Without a Will

An all-too-common misconception is “When I die, my house will go to my spouse, I don’t need a will to ensure that happens.” While this belief might be correct, it is better to ensure that your real property transfers the way that you want it to, otherwise your property will be transferred by intestate succession. …

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