A will is likely the foundational element of your estate plan. When you created your estate plan, you probably put together a will before moving on to other documents. According to the CDC Foundation, a will is a legal document that lets you designate how you want to...
Estate Planning
How often should you update your will?
It can be a strong proactive decision to write a last will and testament early in life, but estate planning does not stop after drafting a will for the first time. After all, a will you wrote 20 years ago is very unlikely to reflect your desires, interests and...
Which of your children will inherit if you die intestate?
If you do not write out a will, the state of North Carolina will disperse your estate based on intestacy laws. These laws establish a hierarchy of family members who could take possession of your property after your death. You probably worry the most about your...
Why non-parents need estate plans, too
Many people living in North Carolina cite similar reasons for why they have yet to create estate plans. Some feel as if they do not have enough assets to their name to warrant creating one. Others believe doing so is unnecessary because they do not, and do not plan...
What does an executor actually do?
When choosing your executor, you will want to know what they actually have to do before making your final selection. After all, it is not just important to pick someone who resonates with you and who understands you. You also need to pick someone up to the task....
How does the probate process begin?
Probate is the process of closing out an estate after a person dies. It is not an automatic process. A personal representative must start probate by filing the will with the probate court. But prior to this, there are a few other tasks a person may need to do....
Do people change their wills because of divorce?
Many people decide to alter their estate plans when their marital status changes. Similar to the birth of a child, a marriage or the death of a close relative, a divorce could be a time of changing legal statuses and priorities for you and your family. There is no...
Information about probate
When someone dies, probate is the process of distributing the decedent's property as outlined in the will. Not all assets go through probate, but many of them do. The person who has a major role during probate is the personal representative. There are various duties...
3 common misconceptions about wills
Writing a will is a fundamental step toward creating a comprehensive estate plan. Having an estate plan in place ensures your affairs are in order and that your family will remain well cared for if an untimely tragedy should occur. However, there are some common...
Why do new parents need estate planning?
In all likelihood, one of the happiest days in your life is the day you welcome a new child into your family. Whether through birth or adoption, this child will change your life forever. Kiplinger advises that, amidst all the feeding, diapering and everything else a...