Wilmington Estate Planning Lawyer
Experienced Estate Planning Attorney in Wilmington, NC
No matter your age, wealth status, or health, it is never too early to begin planning for the future. Whether you are just starting a family in Glen Meade or you own extensive property near the Oleander Memorial Gardens, protecting what matters most doesn’t need to wait until age or for when an emergency strikes. With the help and guidance of a Wilmington estate planning lawyer, you can begin creating a comprehensive estate plan today to protect your legacy tomorrow.
Protect Your Legacy With Christina Rivenbark & Associates
With over 30 years of experience, the legal team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates is here to serve you. We use plain language when answering your questions so that you can grasp a full understanding of all your options and any potential consequences when it comes to estate planning. We see how hard you have worked to get to where you are today and want to help protect the stability of your estate, as well as the financial future of you and your loved ones.
Understanding Estate Planning in Wilmington, NC
Across the country, only around 24% of Americans have an estate plan, and 62% of millennials do not know whether their parents have an estate plan at all. No matter the size of your estate or the number of assets you own, everyone should have an estate plan in North Carolina. Without one, you can face serious risks, such as threats by creditors, estate taxes, and passing on debt. In fact, 46% of Americans expect to pass on debt after their death.
At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we know how sensitive planning for the future can be. No one wants to think of what the world might look like after they are no longer in it, but protecting your family should be the number one priority. Our team can review your estate and help determine what estate planning tools firmly address your needs. In North Carolina, these tools typically include:
- Wills. Also referred to as a “testament”, a will is a legal document that allows you to specify your wishes as to how your assets will be divided and distributed following your death and who will be in charge of the care of any minor children you leave behind.
- Trusts. In North Carolina, a trust is a legal entity that arranges the distribution of trust assets from you and your estate to the beneficiaries of your choosing. In Wilmington, North Carolina, the most common kind of trust is known as a revocable trust, which allows you to modify or even revoke the trust at any time. An irrevocable trust cannot be changed or terminated, and typically only starts asset distribution after your death.
- Durable power of attorney. In an estate plan, a durable power of attorney document allows you to appoint a trusted person to act as your agent who can manage a large portion of your affairs—typically financial and property-related—when you are unable to do so on your own. At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we can help you choose the right agent and help them better understand their duties and authority.
- Healthcare power of attorney. This form works to allow you to appoint an agent who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Your attorney can help make your agent aware of the powers you are granting them and any limitations that might be involved.
- Living will. A living will, when created in the proper manner, can work in tandem with your healthcare power of attorney. In a living will, instead of appointing a specific person to make your medical decisions when you become incapacitated, you can state your end-of-life care wishes, and your agent will work to make certain these wishes are followed by your healthcare team.
- Asset protection. This estate planning tool works to shield your hard-earned assets from any kind of legal claims, creditor claims, or claims made by an ex-spouse. There are some specific tools that can help you reach this level of protection, including insurance policies, irrevocable trusts, the formation of a Limited Liability Company, or the formation of a Family Limited Partnership.
At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we can put our three decades of knowledge and experience to work for you and help you protect what matters most.
FAQs
Why Is Estate Planning So Important in NC?
In North Carolina and across the U.S., many individuals make the assumption that estate planning is only for the wealthy elite. This could not be further from the actual truth. Everyone, no matter their life circumstances, can benefit from having an estate plan. Estate planning is so important because it allows you to protect your loved ones and provide financial security for generations.
What Are the Advantages of Creating a Thorough Estate Plan?
There are several key advantages to creating a thorough estate plan in North Carolina. Having a comprehensive and legally valid estate plan can help your loved ones avoid probate delays following your death. It can also help you provide for all your dependents, even once you are no longer here.
What Can an Estate Planning Lawyer Help With?
Apart from helping you create your official estate plan and the documents and entities held within, an estate planning lawyer can also help with estate administration and probate. Administering an estate following the death of a loved one is complicated. When assets are required to pass through the probate process following the death, an attorney is here to help guide you.
Will I Need to Change or Update My Will in North Carolina?
Yes, in North Carolina, there may come a time when you will need to change or update a will. This can occur if there is any change in marital status, either yours or your heirs. If your family grows, such as in cases where you have new children or grandchildren, there is a major change in your assets, such as the selling of a vacation home, and when you need to remove a named individual.
Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer in Wilmington Today
When the time comes to hire an estate planning lawyer in Wilmington, look no further than the team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates. Contact our offices today to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation.
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Our Locations Leland And Wilmington
location
4009 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
location
403 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451
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