Lake Norman Estate Planning Attorneys

Preserving Your Legacy for Future Generations

Contemplating what remains after we depart is never an easy task. While it may be tempting to postpone estate planning, initiating the process early on is essential to safeguarding your legacy and assisting your loved ones in fulfilling your final wishes when you pass away.

At Blood Law, PLLC, our skilled Lake Norman estate planning attorneys are dedicated to helping you create a comprehensive estate plan that safeguards your assets and promotes the well-being of your loved ones.

We are here to answer your questions, and we encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment with a Lake Norman estate planning lawyer.

What Is Estate Planning?

Estate planning refers to the process of creating documents that will direct the distribution of your property and assets after your death. Estate planning covers a wide range of documents and planning options, including:

• Estate administration: After an individual's passing, their estate is distributed to the beneficiaries named in their will and trust. Estate administration involves legally complex procedures such as probate, will and trust management. We can assist you in establishing an effective estate administration process for your estate plan or guide you through matters like probate when a loved one passes away.

• Wills: Your last will and testament play a pivotal role in your estate plan, addressing important aspects such as end-of-life care preferences, guardianship for your children, asset distribution, and more. Our team will assist you in drafting a comprehensive will that protects your legacy.

• Trusts: Trusts can facilitate asset distribution and simplify certain aspects of estate administration, such as probate. Our attorneys will collaborate with you to develop a thorough trust that meets your specific needs.

Our firm works with clients to create customized estate plans that meet their unique needs and goals. We are committed to helping our clients create documents that are cost-effective and that will stand the test of time. We recognize that estate planning is a process, and we encourage our clients to revisit their documents as their needs and goals change over time.

How Does Estate Planning Work in North Carolina?

The estate planning process typically involves the following steps:

1. Appointment of a health care agent: Designating a health care agent ensures that you receive the appropriate medical care if you become medically incapacitated. A Health Care Power of Attorney empowers you to specify the authority and limitations of your chosen agent.

2. Appointment of a financial agent: A financial agent, established through Durable Financial Power of Attorney, can manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

3. Asset and liability inventory: To effectively distribute your estate in an equitable manner, it is crucial to identify your assets and liabilities, such as bank accounts, life insurance policies, vehicles, real estate, businesses, debts, etc.

4. Naming beneficiaries: Your beneficiaries are the individuals who will receive your assets upon your passing.

5. Execution of living will or trust: Working alongside legal professionals and appropriate officials, the drafting and signing of your will and trust make these documents legally binding, thereby completing the estate planning process.

Why Should I Have an Estate Plan?

Estate plans offer numerous benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider developing an estate plan:

• Eases the burden on loved ones: A comprehensive estate plan allows your loved ones to focus on grieving rather than worrying about estate matters. Additionally, if you anticipate a family member may contest your estate, an estate plan can safeguard the interests of your other beneficiaries.

• Streamlines estate administration: Certain processes, such as probate, can be time-consuming. Utilizing an estate plan can help expedite estate administration for your beneficiaries.

• Protects your children: If you have children, you can establish guardianship for them through your will, ensuring they receive proper care in the event of your incapacitation or passing.

• Fulfills your final wishes: A legally sound estate plan provides peace of mind, assuring that your last wishes will be carried out after your passing.

Why Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney in Lake Norman?

An experienced estate planning attorney in Lake Norman can help you to create a customized document that meets your unique needs and goals. We are dedicated to helping our clients create documents that are practical and cost-effective. We understand that estate planning documents can be complicated, and we are here to help our clients understand their options and plan for the future.

Our firm serves the needs of clients throughout the Lake Norman, NC area. Contact us at (704) 387-6090 to learn more about our estate planning services.