Leland Estate Planning Attorney

Planning for the future may not always feel urgent, but it can make a lasting difference for the people you care about most. Whether you are raising a family, serving in the military, or planning for retirement, a Leland estate planning attorney can help ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Why Estate Planning Matters in North Carolina

Estate planning allows you to decide what happens to your property, who manages your affairs, and how your medical care will be handled if you cannot make decisions yourself. Without a plan, North Carolina’s inheritance laws determine who receives your property. This process may not reflect your wishes and can create confusion for your family.

According to a 2023 study by Caring.com, more than 67% of Americans do not have a will. That means most families may face added court involvement, higher costs, and unnecessary disputes. Having a plan in place brings peace of mind and clarity when it matters most.

Wills and Trusts

A will is the most common estate planning document. It lets you decide how your assets are divided, name guardians for minor children, and choose who should serve as executor of your estate.

Trusts can offer additional benefits. They may allow your loved ones to avoid probate, reduce tax burdens, and manage how and when inheritances are distributed. For example, trusts can protect inheritances for children until they reach a certain age or distribute funds over time.

Powers of Attorney

Life can change quickly. If you become incapacitated or are unable to handle your affairs, a power of attorney ensures someone you trust can step in.

• Durable general power of attorney: Gives authority over financial matters, such as paying bills or managing accounts.
• Health care power of attorney: Names a trusted person to make medical decisions if you cannot.

These documents help keep your personal and financial matters in order during unexpected situations.

Living Wills and Advance Directives

A living will, also known as an advance directive, allows you to state your medical wishes for end-of-life care. Combined with a health care power of attorney, it provides clear instructions for your family and physicians so they are not left guessing about your wishes.

Trust Planning for Families

Trusts can be structured to meet specific needs, such as:

• Minimizing estate taxes
• Controlling when and how inheritances are distributed
• Creating supplemental needs trusts for disabled family members, so they can receive inheritances without losing eligibility for government benefits

Families in Leland, a growing community just outside Wilmington, often use trusts to protect property, pass down family-owned businesses, or manage inheritances responsibly.

Probate and Estate Administration

Probate is the court process of administering a person’s estate after death. It includes identifying property, paying debts, and distributing assets. The process can take months, or longer if disputes arise.

Common probate issues include:

• Handling estate debts and taxes
• Selling property or securities
• Filing paperwork with the court
• Disputes between heirs over inheritances
• Litigation if someone feels left out of the will

Proper planning can reduce probate complications, making the process smoother for your family.

Guardianships

In some cases, guardianship is necessary to protect the interests of a child or adult who cannot manage their own affairs. Courts may appoint a guardian to handle money, property, or personal needs.

• Minor child guardianship: Required when a child under 18 inherits money or property.
• Incompetence guardianship: Needed when an adult is declared unable to handle their own medical or financial decisions.

By making your wishes clear in an estate plan, you can help guide who should serve as a guardian if the need arises.

Speak With Our Estate Planning Lawyer in Leland Today

When it comes to planning for the future, it’s never too early to take the first step. At Salines-Mondello Law Firm, our estate planning lawyer in Leland is ready to help you create a personalized plan that protects your loved ones and your assets. Whether you’re drafting a will, setting up a trust, or making critical healthcare decisions, we provide clear guidance every step of the way. Call us today at (910) 777-5734 and take control of your legacy with confidence.

Areas We Serve

• Carolina Beach
• Hampstead
• Jacksonville
• Kure Beach
• Leland
• Southport
• Wilmington