Attorney for Estate Planning in North Carolina
Estate Planning Lawyers
Perhaps the best gift we can leave our family is a well-considered estate plan. The documents you execute remove the uncertainty of how to proceed when sad and difficult events arise. At Cecil & Cecil, P.A. our estate planning lawyers recommend that our clients begin with living documents called “Powers of Attorney”.
A Health Care Power of Attorney enables you to authorize a person you trust to make medical decisions for you in North Carolina if you are alive but unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself. A Financial Power of Attorney works similarly with regard to spending and investment decisions.
Learn more about Estate Planning with the legal definitions below. Complete the quick form to the right and we will be in touch.
Health Care Power of Attornies in North Carolina
An estate attorney can preparea a Health Care Power of Attorney enables you to authorize a person you trust to make medical decisions for you in North Carolina if you are alive but unable to make or communicate those decisions for yourself. A Financial Power of Attorney works similarly with regard to spending and investment decisions.
The Power of Attorney becomes void at death, but a will (with or without a trust) allows you to appoint a trusted friend or relative as executor to wind up your affairs after you pass and to nominate a guardian to look after the children. A will also allows you to direct the distribution of assets, to family, charities, and other beneficiaries as you see fit.
The estate planning lawyer at Cecil & Cecil, PA can help with your Estate Planning needs in High Point and Greensboro NC. Complete the CLIENT REVIEW or GIVE US A CALL to set up a estate planning consultation
Provide for your family’s future
Our will and estate attorneys an prepare your will and estate plans that offer several benefits to your family by allowing an individual member of the family to oversee the dispersion of an estate (aka an executor). By avoiding probate court, your family’s executor can ensure the proper family and friends receive what they should quickly and easily. Wills also can ensure the care of your pets after your passing, and disinherit anyone who may have a claim to your assets.
Our estate planning attorney will specifically deal with your residuary estate (the number of assets and finances you have left after all debtors are paid), and we’re happy to help you draft a comprehensive will that ensures your final wishes are respected. Connect with us today for more information on estate planning and will preparation.
Power of attorney, living wills, and more
By giving the “power of attorney” to a living relative, you allow them to relegate or oversee the disbursement of your will or, in the case of a “healthcare power of attorney”, you will enable them to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.
North Carolina Estate Planning Legal Definitions
Understanding these terms can make the process of estate planning easier and ensure that your wishes are clearly communicated and effectively executed.
It’s always advisable to consult with a professional attorney specializing in estate planning to navigate the complexities of the law and ensure that your estate is managed according to your wishes.
Administrator: A person appointed by the court to manage and distribute the estate of someone who died without a will.
Beneficiary: A person or entity who receives assets from an estate upon the owner’s death.
Durable Power of Attorney: A legal document that appoints someone to make financial and legal decisions on behalf of another person in the event that they become incapacitated.
Estate: The assets and liabilities left behind by a person after their death.
Executor: A person appointed by the deceased to manage their estate and distribute assets according to their will.
Guardian: A person who is legally responsible for taking care of and making decisions for a minor or an incapacitated adult.
Heir: A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person’s death.
Irrevocable trust: Is a trust where the grantor cannot change or end the trust after its creation. Grantors may choose a trust with such limitations to limit estate taxes or to shield assets from creditors.
Living Trust: A trust created during the lifetime of a person to hold and manage their assets, and distribute them after their death.
Personal Representative: A general term for executors, administrators, or anyone else appointed to handle an estate.
Probate: The legal process of validating a will, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries
Probate: The legal process of validating a will, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries
Trustee: A person or entity appointed to manage and distribute assets in a trust according to the terms set by the owner.
Trust: The person or institution that manages the property put into trust.
The legal definitions provided on this page are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney for specific guidance and advice regarding your individual situation.
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