Porters Neck Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning is a broad term that may be difficult for many people to wrap their head around. It compels you to think about potential financial issues down the road and the idea of how your loved one’s will survive once you’re no longer here.
Although estate planning may bring up feelings of uncertainty, it is necessary to ensure that you have a trusted healthcare power of attorney, your remaining assets are handled responsibly, and family members of the following generation will inherit property without any problems or contention.
Are you considering starting your estate plan in Porters Neck, NC? It’s time to speak to a Porters Neck estate planning attorney at Johnson Legal, PLLC.
Why You Need a Porters Neck Estate Planning Attorney
DIY enthusiasts want to save time, money, and resources and might consider just drafting wills through an online service. They believe they have a clear idea of what they want in terms of estate planning services and would prefer to accomplish it themselves rather than engaging a professional to try to make it as similar to their concept as feasible. However, the law pertaining to estate administration in the Tar Heel State cannot be modified overnight.
It is better to entrust such delicate matters to a skilled Porters Neck estate planning attorney. Beyond just making plans for after your death, an estate lawyer may help you plan for situations in which you cannot care for yourself, your possessions, or the people you love with tools like living trusts. We are also well-versed in the New Hanover County court system.
What Assets Must Be Probated?
The probate process is required only when a person leaves behind property that is not jointly owned or held in a trust. A local probate attorney can assist in this stressful and often lengthy process.
Here are some examples of assets that may require probate:
- Bank accounts that are in the decedent’s name with no co-owners and beneficiary designation.
- Real estate owned by the decedent alone
- Real estate co-owned as tenants in common
- Stocks and bonds in the person’s name
- Clothing, jewelry, and furniture solely owned
- Motor vehicles registered in the decedent’s name alone.
Dying Without a Plan: North Carolina Intestate Laws
You might ask who gets what in the estate if your loved one passes away intestate. “Intestate” refers to someone who passes away without making a last will and testament. North Carolina intestate succession laws will need to be followed during the estate administration process if there is no will to instruct your loved ones on how to handle your possessions.
After paying the annual allowance, administrative expenses, debts, claims, and taxes, the law of intestate succession determines who receives what. This part can get tricky, as each family structure is unique. Chances are, some legal issues may arise. It is best to schedule an appointment to speak with us.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Near Porters Neck, North Carolina
Our law firm specializes in helping individuals and their families make the best decisions for the future.
We offer clients a range of services, including:
