What is Estate Planning? Well, glad you asked… estate planning is simply being prepared for what life throws at us. It isn’t just for the wealthy or people with children. Estate Planning has tremendous benefits for everyone. It can be as simple as a basic will or trust, or a complex estate involving in depth tax planning and comprehensive trusts. It all depends on your situation and desires. The key to get started is to find out what your specific needs are. When most people are asked, “Have you planned”? They mean do you have a will, trust or some type of plan in place? Common excuses often consist of “We’ve been meaning to, but…” or “I just don’t like to think about it.” The truth is there are very serious consequences for not having a proper plan in place affecting your children, your home, and your assets.
Did you know that almost 60% of households do not have a plan in place? You’re not alone, but those are also the ones you hear the nightmare stories about how the courts got involved, how long it took to get financial support to someone and how everyone knew that is not what they would have wanted. There is always a plan for you under North Carolina law, but the key is making your plan the way you want it. That’s why we’ve created our online client services, to allow our clients the convenience to complete the process online from wherever and whenever is convenient for them. Now there are no more excuses.
As your life changes so does your “what-ifs” and how you need to plan for them. This is an ongoing process that estate planning requires.
All estate plans start with the basic foundation and build from there depending on the complexities in your individual life based on family, wealth or other personal aspects. Step one is always the hardest part… getting started.
The worst estate plan is no plan or an outdated plan. Proper updated estate plan documents are the key to a good estate plan to prevent financial loss, court intrusion or disagreements. You should have an estate plan if you want to:
We make it easy and accommodating for you to get your plan in place. Whether you prefer the traditional practice of in-office meetings, secure online communications or other method our process will allow you to see the benefit in planning without the burden. Our estate planning process typically involves:
We will also assist to coordinate beneficiary designations of certain assets with your estate plan to make sure all assets flow line up as desired, answer any follow up questions and discuss personal writings, meetings with fiduciaries, and advisers.
True professionals! I use this firm for my business needs and as a small business owner it’s difficult to find a firm who understands your unique challenges. I so appreciate all they have done for me. I also use them for my personal estate planning and again, top notch! I highly recommend using this firm and let them help you!
-Amanda Haygood,
State Farm Insurance Agent