Charlotte Estate Planning Lawyers
Estate Planning Services in Charlotte, NC & Surrounding Areas
At Blood Law, PLLC, we believe planning for your future is a very important decision. It is because of this that we offer comprehensive estate planning services you can tailor to reflect your needs. Our Charlotte estate planning attorneys will support you as you determine what kind of legacy you want to leave behind.
Our Charlotte estate planning lawyers can help you create a will as well as walk you through every step of the estate planning process. Do you know the last time you updated your will? Is your will up to date? Our estate planning law firm in Charlotte is here to make estate planning an easy process so you can have peace of mind.
Why Hire an Attorney for Estate Planning?
Estate planning is important for ensuring your assets will be distributed according to your wishes in the event something should happen to you. Protect your family’s future by reaching out to a qualified lawyer on our team to start the estate planning process. We are here to ensure your loved ones are taken care of.
When it comes time to ensure all your affairs are in order, it is best to consult with a Charlotte estate planning lawyer who will make sure your documents are valid and enforceable to protect your assets for the future. We are happy to get you started.
Our estate planning services include:
Contact us online today or give us a call at (704) 286-0570 to book an appointment.
How Can We Help?
The Estate Planning Process
The typical estate planning process will go accordingly:
- Appoint a health care agent: A health care agent is responsible for communicating your medical needs should you be unable to make medical decisions for yourself. This is typically your spouse or a close family member. You may also want to establish a Health Care Power of Attorney (POA), which outlines what a health care agent can and cannot do when making medical decisions on your behalf.
- Appoint a financial agent: This is established by creating a durable financial POA, which enables a designated agent to manage an individual’s financial matters.
- Compile a list of assets: Assets include property, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, motor vehicles, trademarks, household inventory, and business entities.
- Decide who will become a beneficiary: A beneficiary is an individual who will inherit a portion of the estate after the principal’s death.
- Execute a living will: A last will and testament is a legal document executed by the principal that names who will be an executor. The will provides details about beneficiaries and how the estate will be distributed after the principal dies. After the principal’s death, the will needs to be reviewed by the probate court to ensure it is valid.
It is helpful to consult with an experienced attorney for support if you have questions and concerns. Additionally, you may not be familiar with how the law impacts your estate. Our Charlotte estate planning attorney can provide you with that information.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
A will is a legal document that establishes how someone’s assets will be distributed after death. An executor of the estate will be chosen to ensure these wishes are upheld. A trust allows an individual to establish a will and appoint someone to manage their assets if he/she becomes incapacitated or dies.
Can Estate Planning Help You Avoid Probate?
Yes, estate planning can help you avoid probate in North Carolina. Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is administered and distributed. It can be time-consuming, costly, and public. Through careful estate planning, you can take several steps to minimize or avoid the probate process.
One effective method is creating a living trust. By transferring your assets into a trust, you retain control over them during your lifetime and designate a successor trustee to manage and distribute the assets upon your death, bypassing probate. Additionally, you can designate beneficiaries for certain assets, such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death bank accounts, allowing these assets to transfer directly to the beneficiaries without going through probate.
Joint ownership with the right of survivorship is another strategy. By holding property jointly with another person, such as a spouse, the property automatically passes to the surviving joint owner upon your death, avoiding probate.
Furthermore, small estates in North Carolina may qualify for simplified probate procedures, which are quicker and less costly. If your estate meets certain criteria, such as being below a specific value threshold, your heirs might be able to use an affidavit process to transfer assets without formal probate.
Properly executing and regularly updating your will, ensuring all documents are in order, and consulting with an estate planning attorney can help ensure your estate plan is effective in avoiding probate. This proactive approach not only saves your loved ones time and money but also ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Have questions? Contact our firm today to schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation and a member of our team.
Our Promise To Our Clients
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Convenient Locations
With 7 offices across North Carolina & South Carolina, we make it easier for families to find quality legal counsel.
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Children Come FirstWith the complexities of family law, we put the well-being and safety of your children at the forefront of your case.
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Team-Driven EnvironmentWhen you work with Blood Law, PLLC, you work with our entire team. Everyone is here to support you through each step.
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Honest GuidanceWe create personalized plans for each client while setting realistic expectations on the possible outcomes of the case.
Our Clients Tell Their Stories
These Stories Are What Keep Us Going
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"Cares about you as a friend."Blood Law, PLLC provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to detail in preparing a separation agreement. They guided me through the process and answered all questions quickly. Highly recommend!- Debra K.
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"I’m extremely grateful for Anna's help in my time of need."Wonderful boutique law firm! Great service along with great communication. I’m extremely grateful for Anna's help in my time of need.- Olivia L.
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"Caring, dedicated attorneys at Blood Law."I owe so much gratitude to Blood Law, PLLC for their assistance in my divorce. They are very knowledgeable about the law, local courts, and judges. I'm excited they opened an office in Charlotte, closer to Mecklenburg County! Definitely contact Blood Law if you need a caring, dedicated attorney.- Penny N.
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"From the first interaction to the last, you will be in great hands the entire way."Blood Law welcomes each client and prospective client with warmth and great understanding. From the first interaction to the last, you will be in great hands the entire way. They keep you informed throughout the entire process, and lead with experience. The staff at Blood Law will exceed your expectations!- Former Client
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"They fought for me and my children in and outside of the courtroom."Anna Blood and her team and phenomenal. They fought for me and my children in and outside of the courtroom. I would highly recommend Blood Law for your any family law issues!!- Liz D.
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"Trustworthy and understanding."Blood Law, PLLC is extremely trustworthy and understanding, perfect for any family law situation you may encounter. Their team is attentive and focused on quick and easy resolutions and doesn’t drag things out just to make more money.- Sean F.
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"Down to earth and understanding."Blood Law, PLLC is a joy to work with! Extremely talented, down to earth, and understanding, they provide the best professional guidance and protect your legal interests.- Jennifer W.
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"A phenomenal, understanding and dedicated attorney, but yet an even better person."Anna really helped me out during a situation that wasn't necessarily easy to get through. A phenomenal, understanding and dedicated attorney, but yet an even better person. I would truly recommend her to anyone that has to deal with any situation similar dealing with family law to mine!- Former Client