What is a Will?
A will is a legal document which states what a person wants to happen to his or her property upon their death. A will is one of the most important documents in estate planning and should be the result of much deliberation and discussion with your lawyer.
If a person dies with a valid will then the probate court must follow the wishes of the deceased.
If a person dies without a will in North Carolina then his or her estate is distributed by the operation of what are called the intestacy laws.
To make a valid will a person must be competent when they make the will and certain formalities must be followed in the execution of the document.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of evaluating your goals and concerns related to the transfer of your assets upon death and, in come cases, during your lifetime.
Estate planning can include professional advisors such as lawyers, accountants, financial planners and others.
Estate planning usually results in the preparation and signing of certain documents such as a will, advance directives, and trusts to accomplish your estate planning goals.
Get Started Now
Amanda Spence has over twenty-five years of experience assisting clients with Estate Planning, including the preparation of Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney; Estate Administration and Probate; Medicaid Applications and Appeals; Guardianship; Veteran’s Benefits; and Asset Protection, including planning for long-term care.
Call Amanda Spence at (919) 863-4183 or email aspence@allenspence.com to set up an appointment to discuss elder law, estate planning, administration, Medicaid applications and appeals, and related matters.
Blog
Don’t Forget to Update your Will and Power of Attorney if You’re Divorcing
If you’re separated from your spouse and contemplating divorce, updating your estate planning documents is likely the last thing on your mind. However, failing to revise or revoke a Will or Power of Attorney that you signed during your marriage could result in unintended consequences. Unintended...
Is Transferring Assets to Qualify for Medicaid the “Right” Thing to Do?
At a party years ago, another lawyer asked me what an Elder Law attorney does. I explained that, among other things, I helped people qualify for Medicaid to pay for their nursing home care while protecting their house and money for their spouse and children. The lawyer scowled and said, “I don’t...
How to Get a Tax ID Number for an Estate or Trust
How to Get a Tax ID Number for an Estate or Trust When you open an Estate or set up certain kinds of trusts, you’ll need to obtain a Tax Identification Number (also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN) from the IRS. Just like your Social Security number is linked to your bank accounts...
What Clients Are Saying About Amanda
“(The clients I referred to you) said how very pleased they were with your work…. They praised your pro-active approach and problem-solving, and thanked me for referring them to you…”
“I just wanted to say I am so grateful I found you! You have guided me through the most painful period I have ever gone through….You have gone above and beyond in helping me navigate this estate. You were patient and kind when unexpected and difficult things arose. Just wanted you to know you are an awesome lawyer!”
“Amanda I just wanted to say again how much I appreciate what you did for us.… if anyone needs your services that I am aware of I will surely send them your way.”