You work hard to build a career, possibly a business, and maybe even raise kids. Estate plans protect everything you work for by putting plans in place that dictate the wishes you have for your estate – and not allow the state to make decisions on your behalf. As Fuquay-Varina, NC estate planning attorneys, we help you have a say in:
- Your distribution of assets after you die
- Who becomes the guardian of minor children you leave behind
- Business ventures and what happens to them
- Healthcare decisions if you are incapacitated
- How you’ll pay for long-term care
- So much more
Only 32% of Americans have a will – a key component of any estate plan – and even fewer have a comprehensive plan in place for their estate.
Call us today to learn how we can help you protect your estate.
Estate Planning Illustration
Amber and Carlos are both in their 40s, and Amber had two children prior to marrying Carlos. One day, she is walking along Kenneth Creek when she has a heart attack and dies. Due to their circumstances and love for each other at the time, her will named Carlos as the sole heir of her estate and he would receive everything.
Carlos and Amber agreed that if either of them died, her children would be included in the remaining spouse’s estate plan.
Sadly, Carlos remarries in the future and signs a new will that leaves everything to his new child if he dies.
With proper estate planning, Amber could have:
- Provided for Carlos
- Left an inheritance for her children
Our attorneys could have helped Amber leave a legacy for her children via a trust, for example, as part of her comprehensive estate plan.
Securing Your Legacy
You have one opportunity to secure your legacy. As your Fuquay-Varina, NC estate planning attorneys, we use the law in your favor to help you provide for your heirs, have your healthcare wishes followed, avoid court processes, and even save your estate taxes.
We can add multiple parts to an estate plan, depending on your circumstances, to create a highly individualized plan to protect your estate.
An attorney asks the questions that a do-it-yourself approach doesn’t offer, such as:
- Do you have a business? What are your wishes for your business when you die? Do you have a succession plan?
- Who would you like to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you can’t make your own decisions? What medical procedures do you want and not want to be performed?
- Do you have children? What do you want to leave them? Who will care for them? When do you want them to inherit their share of your estate?
As your attorney, we’ll work tirelessly to protect your estate with a comprehensive plan that protects you, your estate, and your heirs.
Parts of an Effective Estate Plan
At NC Planning, we start with a basic estate plan and can transition into a comprehensive plan, depending on your life circumstances. A basic plan will include:
- Will: A will is a must-have estate planning document that allows you to list your wishes for your estate’s assets, minor children you have, and more.
- Living Will: A living will is revocable, and it contains all of your wishes for medical treatment if you become incapacitated.
- Power of Attorney: A power of attorney is an authorization to allow someone you name to act on your behalf under certain circumstances, such as incapacitation.
- Healthcare Proxy: Your plan can include listing a healthcare proxy who will make healthcare decisions for you if you’re medically unable to do so.
A comprehensive estate plan can include the following components:
- Trust(s): Trusts can protect your assets against creditors, allow you to distribute your assets as you see fit, and achieve other goals.
- Family LLPs: Allow family members to make contributions and profit from these contributions and their proportion of shares.
- Charitable Planning: Through charitable planning vehicles, you can leave money to causes that you’re passionate about after your death. We can also help you plan for charitable giving while you’re alive.
- Insurance Planning: The right insurance policies can protect against risk, safeguard your assets, and ensure your family is prepared for unexpected life events.
- LTC Planning: Proper planning can help you prepare for long-term care costs, protect your assets, and qualify for Medicaid assistance.
- Final Expenses: To give your family peace of mind, ensure your funeral expenses and other final costs are paid.
- Retirement Account Planning: Plan for your future and maximize the SECURE Act’s beneficial provisions.
- Succession Planning for Businesses: Decide who will inherit your business and whether you want to sell it to an employee or another party.
How To Choose The Best Estate Planning Attorney To Secure Your Legacy
Whether you need a basic estate plan or something more comprehensive to protect your assets or business, it’s in your best interest to work with an experienced attorney. An attorney will ensure that your plan carries out your wishes.
When comparing Fuquay-Varina, NC estate planning attorneys, consider the following:
- Estate planning experience: Does the attorney focus on estate planning? Specifically, do they know how to build a comprehensive estate plan that will meet your goals? You want an attorney with extensive knowledge of all available estate planning tools to ensure that your last wishes are carried out.
- Client-first approach: Does the attorney focus on building relationships, or do they take a cookie-cutter approach to estate planning? At NC Planning, we get to know our clients and their goals before making any recommendations. Our aim is to deliver the highest level of care and build lasting relationships with every client.
- Responsive: If you have a question or concern, how quickly will the attorney respond? At NC Planning, client communication is a top priority. We respond within the same business day to schedule an appointment for the next available call.
Consider the attorney’s track record and reviews along with all these points. What do clients have to say about their experience? An attorney with a positive reputation may be more likely to meet your expectations and needs.
How NC Planning Will Help You Plan For The Road Ahead
An estate plan ensures your assets are distributed in the manner of your choosing. Comprehensive planning can also offer asset protection, tax benefits, and other advantage that will benefit you both in life and after death.
At NC Planning, we take a client-first, personalized approach to estate planning and have experience with complex planning involving businesses, significant assets, and other complicated scenarios.
Contact us or call our Cary office today to schedule a consultation with one of our Fuquay-Varina, NC estate planning attorneys.
