Estates and Trusts

Everyone should have a financial plan, regardless of their income level. No one knows what the future holds, and you don’t want yourself or your loved ones to be caught off guard if something unexpected happens. Additionally, you also need an expert who will give you legal and practical suggestions on tax planning, estate planning, financial planning, and more. 

While many people believe that financial planning is complicated, it is not. You can start now with just two steps. But for step one, you might need to dig a bit into your records and do some simple calculations.

The first step is to figure out your current financial situation. This includes your income, debts, and assets. Once you have this information, you can move on to step two.

Step two involves contacting a financial planning attorney in North Carolina. The attorney will help you to create a solid financial plan that is best suited for you. Depending on the specifics, you may be asked to create a business succession plan, open a trust, create a power of attorney, or more. The main goal here is to help you to develop a strategy for reaching and sustaining your financial goals for you and your loved ones so that they may continue to benefit even after your passing.

Who is a Financial Planning Attorney?

A financial planning attorney is a legal professional who helps individuals and businesses plan and manage their financial affairs. This may include estate planning, tax planning, investment advice, and more. Financial planning attorneys can be incredibly helpful in ensuring that your finances are in order and that you are taking advantage of all the legal options available to you. If you are looking for help with your financial planning, consult with a financial planning attorney today.

What Can a Financial Planning Attorney Do for You?

When looking to protect your business and estate, you may be wondering what role a financial planning attorney could play. First and foremost, a primary benefit of working with a financial planning attorney is that they can help you avoid common legal mistakes. For example, if you’re not properly structured as a business, you could be personally liable for any debts or lawsuits filed against your company. Also, by working with a financial planning attorney, you can be sure that all aspects of your estate are taken care of in a legally compliant manner. This includes helping to plan for and manage your assets during your lifetime, as well as arranging for their distribution after your death. 

Second, an experienced financial planning lawyer can help you create a comprehensive plan that covers all aspects of your finances. The lawyer helps you create budgets, investment strategies, and estate plans. From establishing a trust to helping you make smart investments, to reducing tax liability, they can provide invaluable advice and support.

By working with a financial planning attorney, you can ensure that your finances are in order and that you are taking steps to secure your future. 

What To Consider When Choosing a Financial Planning Attorney for Your Business and Estate

When it comes to finding a financial planning attorney for your business and estate, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. It is good to note that some attorneys specialize in estate planning, while others focus on more general financial planning. It’s important to find an attorney who has experience with legal issues related to your industry and estate. This type of attorney will be better suited to help you create a plan that meets both your present and future needs. 

So, first, you should ask if the attorney has experience with estate planning and business law. The attorney’s experience in these areas will be important to ensure that your estate plan is properly executed and that your business is operated in a legal manner. 

Second, you should ask the attorney for references from past clients. This will give you a sense of the quality of the attorney’s work and whether or not he or she was able to meet the needs of past clients.

Finally, you will also want to make sure that the attorney you choose is licensed to practice in your state. For example, in order to practice law in North Carolina, an attorney must be licensed by the North Carolina State Bar. The State Bar is a regulatory agency that oversees the legal profession in North Carolina. It is responsible for ensuring that all attorneys who practice in the state meet minimum standards of competence and professionalism. The Bar also investigates complaints against attorneys and takes disciplinary action against those who violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. Checking the attorney’s licensing status is an important part of doing your due diligence before hiring someone to help you with your legal matters.

Speak to a Financial Planning Attorney

In conclusion, a financial planning attorney can provide invaluable advice and assistance to business owners and their families. They can help with estate planning, tax planning, and asset protection. If you are looking for a financial planning attorney in North Carolina, please contact us for a free consultation.

Probate is a legal process that transfers the assets of a deceased person to his or her heirs. The probate process can be complex, and it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney to ensure that your loved one’s estate is handled properly. 

In North Carolina, the probate process begins with the filing of a petition with the court. The petitioner (the person who initiates the probate process) must provide information about the deceased person and list his or her heirs. The court will then appoint an estate administrator to administer the estate. The estate administrator will be responsible for gathering the deceased person’s assets, paying any debts, and distributing the assets to the heirs.

Since the probate process is often expensive and time-consuming, many people do what is called “estate planning” to help their loved ones avoid probate.

What Is Estate Administration?

Estate administration is the process of managing the property and debts of a person who has died. This includes collecting assets, paying bills, and distributing property to heirs. In North Carolina, an estate administrator is appointed by the probate court to manage the estate. The administrator may be a family member, friend, or professional fiduciary.

If you have an estate plan, depending on the type of estate planning you have done, it is also possible that you have been named an estate administrator. As you appointed the person, and not a court, the legal term for this person changes to “personal representative” or “executor” This “personal representative” is the person who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after you die. 

Avoiding Probate With Estate Planning: The Do’s for Estate Administration

1. Do Choose Someone Who You Trust and Who Knows Your Wishes

The personal representative will be responsible for making sure your wishes are carried out after your death, so it is important to select someone you trust well enough to handle and distribute your assets the way you would want them to.

2. Do Make Sure That the Person Is Capable of Handling the Responsibilities of the Job

It is important to make sure that the individual chosen is capable of handling the complex tasks that come with being an estate personal representative. This includes filing taxes, managing assets, and communicating with beneficiaries. If they are capable, it could lead to problems and delays in the estate settlement process.

3. Do Make Sure That the Personal Representative Is Aware of His or Her Role and Responsibilities

When creating an estate plan, it is important that the personal representative named in the estate plan is aware of his or her role in carrying out the wishes of the deceased. The personal representative is responsible for gathering and managing the assets of the estate, paying any debts and taxes owed, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will. As such, you want this person to be able to familiarize themself with their future responsibilities and to seek legal advice as needed.

Avoiding Probate With Estate Planning: The Don’ts for Estate Administration

1. Don’t Forget To Have a Backup Personal Representative Listed in Your Estate Plan

This is a recommendation that is often overlooked by many people yet it is important to have a backup estate personal representative listed in your estate plan in case something happens to the original personal representative. If something happens to the personal representative, or if the original estate personal representative simply refuses to do their job, the estate plan will need to be carried out by someone else. Having a backup personal representative listed in your estate plan ensures that there is delay and no need to warrant the probate process if something happens to the original personal representative.

2. Don’t Choose a Personal Representative Who Lives Too Far Away

When choosing a personal representative, it is important to consider their proximity to the estate. If the administrator lives too far away, they may be unable to manage the estate in a timely manner. Furthermore, if there are any issues with the estate, the personal representative may need to be able to travel to the estate quickly in order to address them. This may be a little difficult and could delay the estate administration process. Besides, North Carolina has some restrictions on out-of-state personal representatives, such as having an in-state resident accept all legal papers on their behalf.

Speak to an Attorney About Your Estate Plan

In conclusion, following the do’s and don’ts of estate administration can help your loved ones avoid probate. Failing to do so can result in costly and time-consuming mistakes. Taking the time to plan ahead can help ensure a smooth process for everyone involved. If you have any questions about estate administration or estate planning in North Carolina, please contact an attorney at our law firm.

The legal climate is often changing, and it is important to keep up with the latest updates. However, regardless of the changes that are made, one thing remains the same: estate planning is vital. No matter what state you live in, having a will and other estate planning documents in place can help ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone.

In North Carolina, for example, there have been a few changes to the law in recent years. The state now has a spousal elective share, which allows spouses to inherit a portion of their deceased spouse’s estate even if they are not named in the will. Additionally, North Carolina has adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which streamlines the probate process and makes it easier for heirs to receive their inheritance.

The Need for Estate Planning

When it comes to estate planning, many people put it off until it’s too late. Oftentimes they think that they’re too young to need it or that they don’t have enough assets to warrant estate planning. The truth is, everyone needs an estate plan regardless of their age or net worth.

One of the biggest reasons for having an estate plan is to avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s assets after they die. If you don’t have a will or other estate planning documents in place, your assets will go through probate, and even with the Uniform Probate Code mentioned earlier, it could still take months or even years for your loved ones to receive them.

Another of the biggest benefits of estate planning is that it can help reduce or even eliminate estate taxes. Even if you live in a state like North Carolina that has eliminated estate tax, having an estate plan in place can save your loved ones a significant amount of money on federal estate taxes that are still in place.

Types of Estate Planning Tools

There are a variety of estate planning tools that can be used to help ensure your assets are passed on to your loved ones in the way you want. Some of the most common estate planning tools include wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

A will is a document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after you die. They also name an executor who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. Wills can be simple or complex and should be tailored to fit your individual needs.

Trusts are another popular estate planning tool. A trust allows you to designate someone to manage your assets after you die. This can be a great option if you want to make sure your assets are distributed in a specific way or if you want to avoid probate.

Another important estate planning tool is the power of attorney. This can be used to appoint someone as your fiduciary and give them the power to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.

Remember, however, that whichever option you go for, every estate plan needs to be reviewed and updated periodically. A lawyer can help you get the most out of your estate planning documents, whether they’re simple or complex. 

How To Choose an Estate Planning Tool

There are many different types of estate plans. The most common options are wills, trusts, or powers of attorney. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right tool for your particular situation.

Wills are the simplest type of estate plan. They are easy to create and relatively inexpensive. However, wills can be challenged in court and may not be effective if the person making the will does not have it properly prepared, planned, and recorded.

Trusts are more complex than wills, but they offer more protection from challenges and can be set up to avoid probate. 

Powers of attorney allow you to designate someone to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated. They are relatively inexpensive and can be tailored to your specific needs. However, they do not provide as much protection as trusts or wills.

So, what can you do? The best way to choose an estate planning type is to speak with an attorney who can help you decide which plan is best for your specific needs. The attorney may even suggest that you go with a combination of estate planning tools to get just what works best.

Contact Our Raleigh Estate Planning Law Firm

In conclusion, it is important to take steps to protect your estate in today’s legal climate. By using a trust or other estate planning tools, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you need help creating an estate plan, give our North Carolina estate planning attorneys at Wilson Ratledge a call today to schedule a consultation.

The succession planning process is an important step at some point in the development of any business. It can help ensure the continuity of a business and protect its assets. Succession planning should be a part of every business’s plan, regardless of size or industry. Here are some tips to help you develop a successful succession plan.

1. Have a Plan

One of the most important aspects of successful business succession planning is simply creating and having a plan. A plan provides a road map for the transition process, outlining who will take on which roles and responsibilities and when specific tasks need to be accomplished.

Having a plan also helps ensure that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities during the transition and that everyone is working towards the same goal. Additionally, a plan can help manage expectations and avoid conflict among stakeholders.

2. Choose the Right Successor

The selection of a successor is important in business succession planning because the wrong decision can have disastrous consequences for the company. The successor needs to be someone who is capable of taking over the company and continuing its operations.

They also need to be someone who is compatible with the company’s culture and values. If the successor is not a good fit, it can lead to tension within the company and decreased productivity.

3. Train Your Successor

The purpose of training your successor is twofold. First, it ensures that the transition of power is as smooth as possible, minimizing any disruption to the business. Second, it allows the successor to learn and understand the business inside and out, so that they can continue to operate it effectively after you retire or die. This is especially important in family businesses, where the successor may not have previous experience working in a business setting.

4. Get Professional Help

There are a few reasons why getting professional help is important in business succession planning. One reason is that it can be difficult to know how to start the process or what to do next. A professional can help you navigate these waters and ensure that everything is done correctly. Additionally, a professional can help you develop a plan that takes into account all of the relevant factors, such as tax implications and stakeholder preferences.

5. Create a Possible Timeline

Creating a possible timeline for the succession planning process is important because it allows for a smooth and organized transfer of power from the current owner or CEO to the designated successor.

By mapping out the steps that will need to be taken and the timeframe in which they will need to be completed, both the current owner/CEO and the potential successor can have a clear picture of what needs to happen and when. This can help to minimize confusion and disruption during what can be a potentially tumultuous time.

6. Document Your Plan

Documenting your plan and reviewing with your leadership team is important in business succession planning because it provides a road map for transferring ownership and operations of the business to the next generation of leaders. Without a documented plan, it can be difficult to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and operations. A documented plan can also help to ensure that the business is able to continue operating in the event that something happens to the current owner or leaders.

7. Review and Update Your Plan Periodically

The process of reviewing and updating your plan on a consistent basis is important in order to ensure that your succession plan remains effective. By periodically revisiting your plan, you can identify any changes that may have occurred in your business or personal life that could impact your succession plan. You can also make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your plan still meets your needs.

8. Don’t Forget To Update Your Estate Plan As Well

One’s estate plan should include a succession plan, which details who will take over management of the individual’s assets and affairs, as well as business, in the event of incapacity or death. The two documents should be coordinated to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved. For example, if one wishes to leave specific assets, or business(es) to some individual(s), those individuals need to be named in both the estate plan and the succession plan.

Contact Our Raleigh Business Succession Law Firm

Most importantly, in business succession planning, it is important to work with a skilled attorney because they can help ensure that the process is smooth and that all of the necessary steps are taken in order to transfer ownership of the business to the desired party. An attorney can also help create a will or trust to help direct the succession process. Without an attorney, it can be difficult to ensure that everything is done correctly and that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

If you are in need of assistance with succession planning, contact our North Carolina succession planning attorneys at Wilson Ratledge today to schedule a consultation and help reduce the stress and uncertainty of creating a business succession plan.

Have you ever asked yourself what will happen to your family and assets after you die? There’s a common misconception that only the wealthy need to prepare a Will. The truth is, almost everyone needs a Will. Just like you took care of your family and estate while you were alive, you can continue doing so even in death through a properly structured Will.

Putting together a Will can be a hassle on your own, and it’s important to have an experienced estate planning attorney on your side to guide you through the intricacies of Will planning. We understand our clients’ needs vary, and that’s why we custom craft your estate plan according to your unique needs.

What Is A Will?

A Will is a legal document where you specify clear guidelines and instructions on how your estate will be managed in the event of your death.

Why A Will Is Important?

1. Peace of mind

While alive, you have to take care of your family and oversee your assets. Unfortunately, this can change in the blink of an eye. Your death can leave your family unprepared if you don’t have a plan. Knowing that you have clearly outlined and explained how your family and estate should be taken care of and managed will give you much-needed peace of mind.

2. To Provide Legal Clarity

There are no restrictions on how long your Will should be. Therefore, you can include as much detailed information as possible. If any of your wishes are unclear or disputed after your death, referring back to the Will can remove any ambiguity. To fulfil your Will, you – the testator – have to name a trustee or executor who oversees the execution of the Will. Additionally, your Will clearly outlines the distribution of your estate.

3. To Avoid Potential Disputes

Dividing your assets after you die comes with its challenges and heightened emotions. Your will clearly defines your assets’ divisions and the direction your family is to take, which can avoid any disputes or misunderstandings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I Co-own Property, What Now?

Co-owned property is usually held in joint tenancy with survivorship rights, which means the surviving co-owner will automatically own any assets you jointly owned in the event of your death, and they will not be handled in the probate process.

2. Can I Change My Will?

The law allows you to make amendments as much as you wish. However, the law will only recognize the one in existence at the time of your passing as the relevant and valid one. When editing your will, consider essential and life-changing events such as marriage, divorce, death of a beneficiary or trustee, to mention a few. For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to review your will every two or three years.

3. When Will My Children Receive Their Inheritance?

Any children under the age of 18 cannot receive any assets. A trustee is mandated to manage the children’s inheritance till they reach 18, after which they can receive their share of the estate. However, there are unique situations which can apply that may allow them to directly receive assets before reaching 18.

You can also specify that funds be held in a trust and distributed to your children as they hit certain ages, or other milestones.

4. Should I Include Everything in My Will?

No. Certain assets are better off excluded. Some of them include:

• Jointly owned assets
• Assets in a trust
• Property with already named beneficiaries such as bank accounts and life insurance policies
• Personal wishes and desires such as funeral arrangements
• Any gifts such as to your spouse

5. Should I Have Witnesses and a Lawyer Present?

In North Carolina, for an attested written Will, you are required to sign your will in front of at least two witnesses, and they must sign in your presence according to NC General Statute § 31-3.3. There are also less common wills such as handwritten Wills, oral Wills and joint Wills, which each have their own requirements.

Challenges Surrounding A Will

A Will can be challenged in a number of different ways. Some of the most common are:

• Lack of testamentary/mental capacity
• Forgery and fraud
• Disagreements either between beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and the executors
• Sideways disinheritance
• The absence of a date, purpose, and signature from the testator
• Jurisdictional conflicts like when you move to another state that has varied statutes from your previous state.

Such issues commonly arise when a Will is prepared in the absence of legal counsel. To reduce the likelihood of such contention, it’s important to have your Will created by an experienced North Carolina estate planning attorney.

Contact Our North Carolina Estate Planning Attorneys

Preparing is a Will can be challenging, but our estate planning attorneys have the know-how and experience to guide you every step of the way in preparing a Will and planning for the future. When you’re ready to get started with protecting your family’s future, reach out to us to schedule a consultation!