Parents may understandably worry about the impact that a divorce can have on their children. However, there are several things that parents can do to give their children some reassurance during a time that feels full of uncertainty. Minimizing the disruptive effect of...
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What are the pros and cons of payable on death accounts?
The time and expense associated with processing your estate through probate is likely why you are exploring different options to pass your assets to anyone you want to inherit from you. To bypass probate, many people look for mechanisms to convey assets to heirs...
How should you talk to your children about your divorce?
Finding a time to address a major life change may frighten a lot of parents. Children could react poorly or even refuse to discuss the topic at all. However, knowing a few methods for approaching this subject can help you stay focused and calm. Expect the unexpected...
What is a springing power of attorney?
Powers of attorney are legal instruments that allow other people to act on your behalf. There are many different types, and each could have a unique function in your estate plan. You might also note that laws vary from state to state, and that the United States has...
What to address in a living will
Even if you consider yourself to be of optimal health, creating a living will gives you an opportunity to state what you want to happen in the event that a serious health emergency or issue arises. A type of advance directive, the living will gives doctors – and your...
Understanding spousal support in North Carolina
When couples go through a divorce, there is often some misunderstanding regarding spousal support, also known as alimony. This is an amount of money that one spouse pays to the other after finalization of the divorce. Some people think that alimony is a given, but...
What steps do you take to avoid probate?
To ensure you take care of your loved ones after your death, you cultivate a sound estate plan. Did you take steps to avoid probate? Forbes describes how not avoiding probate sometimes becomes a misstep when securing your legacy. Learn how to make sure your assets...
How long a divorce may take in North Carolina
Divorce is often an expensive, contentious and difficult process; like many others, your goal is probably to try to get through it quickly. Frequently, people become frustrated when their divorce starts “taking too long.” How long your divorce ends up taking depends...
Deathbed last wishes and handwritten wills
Whether planning a Last Will and Testament in North Carolina, helping a loved one through the will process or facing probate, two common concerns are whether courts admit handwritten wills with no witnesses or deathbed last wishes. It comes as no surprise that states...
What happens to your retirement during a divorce?
Getting divorced in North Carolina may create doubt about your financial security. Even more concerning is the impact that your split will have on your retirement savings. Understanding the factors that impact the outcome of your retirement can help you determine...