Wills Attorneys in Winston-Salem

Need a Will for Your Estate Plan? We Can Help.

A will is one of the most important legal documents you can create for your estate plan. Whether you need to draft a new will, review an existing one, update it after a life change, or address a dispute involving a loved one’s estate, Blood Law, PLLC is prepared to help. In Winston-Salem and throughout Forsyth County, we guide our clients through every stage of the process with clarity and careful attention to detail. Your wishes deserve to be documented properly and carried out as intended, so please talk with us today about using a will to do just that.

To get to work on a will, you can contact our Winston-Salem wills lawyers at (704) 286-0570 or by using an online form today.

Why Choose Us to Help with Your Will?

Because a will determines how your assets will be distributed and who will carry out your final wishes when you pass away, you should feel confident in the legal team helping you with making or updating one. Estate planning documents must comply with North Carolina law and reflect your personal circumstances accurately. With more than 125 years of combined legal experience, we bring both depth of knowledge and practical insight to every will we prepare or review.

Why should you choose our firm? We think it becomes clear once you know a little more about us, such as:

• We have multiple lawyers recognized by Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars℠.
• We have been seen on NBC News, Newsweek, Scary Mommy, and other reputable sources.
• We often handle complex cases that other law firms might struggle to handle.
• We have an office right here in Winston-Salem.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in North Carolina

North Carolina law sets specific requirements for creating a valid will. Failing to meet these standards can result in confusion or disputes during probate.

To be legally valid in North Carolina, a will generally must:

• Be created by someone who is at least 18 years old
• Be drafted by someone of sound mind
• Be in writing
• Be signed by the person making the will (the testator)
• Be witnessed by at least two competent witnesses
• Be signed by the witnesses in the presence of the testator

Meeting these requirements is essential, but technical compliance alone is not enough. A well-drafted will should also be clear, specific, and thoughtfully structured to minimize ambiguity. We can check that your will not only satisfies statutory requirements but also accurately reflects your wishes.

The Role of a Will in Your Estate Plan

A will is a foundational component of a comprehensive estate plan. It provides legally binding instructions for how your property should be distributed after your passing and allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage the administration of your estate.

A will typically allows you to:

• Name an executor to handle your estate
• Designate beneficiaries for your assets
• Appoint a guardian for minor children
• Direct how specific property should be distributed
• Express final wishes regarding personal matters

While a will is powerful, it is often just one piece of a broader estate strategy. It may work alongside trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney to create a cohesive plan. By viewing your will within the context of your overall estate, we can help you make decisions that support long-term clarity and efficiency.

What Should a Will Include?

Every will is unique, but certain elements are commonly included. A carefully drafted will should anticipate potential questions and provide clear instructions to your executor and beneficiaries.

A typical will may include:

• Identification of the testator
• Appointment of an executor
• Specific gifts of property or assets
• Instructions for distributing remaining assets
• Appointment of guardians for minor children
• Provisions addressing debts and taxes
• Contingency plans if a beneficiary predeceases you

Clarity in these areas reduces the risk of disputes and helps allow your estate to be administered according to your intentions. We can work closely with you, so your will addresses the details that matter most.

Should You Use a Will or a Trust?

Many people ask whether a will is sufficient or if a trust would be more appropriate. The answer depends on your goals, the nature of your assets, and your family circumstances.

A will directs the distribution of assets after your death and generally requires probate. A trust, on the other hand, may allow certain assets to pass outside of probate and can provide ongoing management of property. Trusts can offer flexibility and privacy, particularly in more complex estates.

You may benefit from a trust if:

• You own significant or diverse assets
• You wish to minimize probate involvement
• You want to provide long-term asset management for beneficiaries
• You have minor children or special needs beneficiaries
• You seek greater privacy in estate administration

In many cases, a comprehensive estate plan includes both a will and one or more trusts. We handle trust creation as well as wills, and we can help you determine which structure best aligns with your objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills

Do I need a lawyer to create a will in North Carolina?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer to make a will, working with an attorney can help your will comply with North Carolina law and accurately reflect your wishes. Improperly drafted documents can lead to confusion, delays, or disputes during probate, so it is recommended that you take proactive steps to avoid such problems.

How often should I update my will?
You should review your will periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, significant asset changes, or relocation. Updating your will helps it remain aligned with your current intentions.

Can a will be contested?
Yes. A will may be contested under certain circumstances, such as allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. If you are facing a will dispute, we can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your interests.

Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Wishes – Call Now

Creating or updating a will is a meaningful step toward protecting your family and clarifying your intentions for the future. Whether you are planning ahead or addressing a specific concern right now, having experienced legal guidance can help you feel confident in your decisions. Reach out to Blood Law, PLLC, and see how our Winston-Salem wills attorneys can help you.

We’d like to tell you more during an initial consultation. Please call (704) 286-0570 now to schedule one.