Let’s be honest. Not everyone needs a living will. I know you probably find that strange to read on an estate planning blog, but it’s true. Nobody is putting a gun to your head and telling you that you must have a living will drawn up. I mean, you aren’t going to be held in …
Getting Divorced? Don’t Forget to Update Your Healthcare Power of Attorney
When going through a divorce, the last thing that many people want to think about is reviewing their estate plan, specifically your healthcare power of attorney. But this is one of the best times to do this. When a married couple prepares an estate plan, often they will name each other as the health care …
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How a Spare Tire Is Like Your Estate Plan
Yesterday was the first Monday of 2017, and while many people were home watching football, I was one of the few people in my office building working. But apparently that was a bad decision because when I left the office last night, I found a flat tire waiting for me when I got to my …
North Carolina Estate Planning Do’s and Don’ts
Whether you are newly married, just had your first child, or are creeping up on your retirement, it’s a good idea to start thinking about putting together your estate plan. Creating an estate plan will help you to find peace of mind by knowing that in a moment of crisis, those closest to you would …
A True Gift for Your Family… The Legacy Conversation
I’ve been very open about the fact that my mother died last January. I still remember the last “real” conversation I had with her. I was getting my tires changed and picking my car up from the shop. It was around New Years, and I let her know that I had planned to fly home …
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The Simple Guide to Using Trusts in Estate Planning
I get the sense from talking to many families and a lot of lawyers too, that most people are confused by trusts and aren’t sure whether they need to use trusts in estate planning. Depending on who you ask, you will typically get a different answer. So for purposes of today’s post, I want a …
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What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Understanding what would happen if you die without a will in North Carolina, or any state for that matter, is something that everyone should understand, but many people don’t. What I want to do here today is explain exactly what happens in North Carolina if you die without a will in place, and then underscore …
Life Insurance and Estate Planning… Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
Life Insurance and Estate Planning go together perfectly. You really can’t (or shouldn’t) have one without the other. Just like peanut butter and jelly… and I love me a good PB&J… yum. But until about 6 years ago, I had never given life insurance (or estate planning) much thought. My Wife’s Grandfather was a career …
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