How Taxes Affect the Estate Planning Process

Two things are promised in life: death and taxes. So when death occurs, you can be sure that taxes follow suit. The amount of taxation depends on the amount of the estate and location. Federal and state taxes can reach a staggering 40%. Luckily, the State of North Carolina does not have a state inheritance tax.…

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Six Important Documents to Include in Your Estate Plan

Your estate plan should include six critical components. While most people think an estate plan only affects financial matters, three of the six essential documents involve medical issues rather than financial concerns. A thorough estate plan protects multiple aspects of your life. If you are missing one of these documents, your loved ones may have…

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Why You Need a Durable Power of Attorney

An injury or health condition can render you unable to communicate your healthcare wishes or take care of your financial affairs. When this happens, you need someone who can direct your medical care and finances on your behalf and in a manner that promotes your interests. With a durable power of attorney, you can provide…

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Three Estate Planning Factors to Ponder Before 2022

The current economic and political climate points to tax changes that could affect your estate planning strategy. Recognizing these factors can help you make the right decisions in protecting your assets and help to make the most of the legacy you leave for your loved ones.  A Good Time to Consider Additional Gifts With the…

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Will vs. Living Trust: Which One Should I Choose?

Estate planning is about protecting your loved ones and executing your wishes after you die. Many people assume the best way to do this is through a will. However, a living trust achieves many of the same purposes with some unique advantages. Let’s review the difference. The Difference Between and Will and a Living Trust…

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What Happens to Debt When You Die in North Carolina?

When approaching estate planning in North Carolina, many people ask what happens to debt when they pass away. The short answer to this question is “it depends.” Your debt might pass on to your loved ones, creditors might come after your estate, or creditors could be out of luck. Let’s review the different scenarios. The…

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What is a Will and Why Do I Need One in North Carolina?

Estate planning attorneys in North Carolina run across a lot of misconceptions when it comes to wills. To help set the record straight, we offer some examples of what a will can do for you and why it is a good idea for everyone to establish a will. Understanding the Power of a Will At…

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Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs Children in North Carolina

In many ways, estate planning for special needs children is a balancing game. Too much annual income and principal, or too much monthly income, could negatively impact your child’s future eligibility for benefits. That is why estate planning and taking your time to understand the different ways you can provide for your child will help…

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9 Major Life Events That Should Encourage You to Update Your Estate Plan

An estate plan is not necessarily something you can fix in place and then forget. When your life undergoes a significant change, you will probably want to make some adjustments to ensure that your plan still functions accordingly. Let’s review a few major life events that provide good reasons to update your estate plan. 1.…

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