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Last Modified on May 15, 2026
Estate planning allows you to make decisions about how your assets are distributed after you have passed. Having an estate plan safeguards your wishes. When do you need an estate plan in NC? Simply put, you always need an estate plan.
Estate planning has many uses for a wide range of clients. In North Carolina, you can hire an experienced estate planning lawyer to help you set up a trust, finalize a will, name a healthcare proxy, or appoint a power of attorney.
Types of Estate Plans
Estate planning can be useful throughout your life. Within North Carolina’s 11,046,024 residents, as of the 2024 census, the majority (61%) are between the ages of 18 and 64, with an additional 18% aged 65 or over. These are both prime age groups to begin or revisit estate planning.
Simple estates with only a surviving spouse can use a summary administration to make the probate process more efficient. However, more complicated estates and those with several surviving heirs benefit most from the efficient use of estate planning tools directed by North Carolina estate planning laws. Some of the most common components of estate planning are listed below:
- Wills. Many people can benefit from a simple will that dictates how their assets should be distributed when they pass. This allows you to decide which heirs receive which assets without interference by the courts. It can also help avoid the probate process. It is advised that you have a qualified North Carolina estate planning attorney draft your will according to legal requirements, so it is supported in court by NC state law.
- Trusts. The North Carolina Uniform Trust Code requires a third-party representative to manage assets after your passing to be distributed to loved ones and provide them with continued support regarding trust-related matters. Trusts are often created specifically for minor children, mentally disadvantaged heirs, pets, or charitable donations.
- Guardianship. Appointing guardianship of your minor children should you pass away or become unable to care for them allows you peace of mind that your children’s needs are met should something happen to you.
- Power of attorney. Appointing a power of attorney gives your trusted representative the ability to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. It can be used to handle financial or legal affairs. Legal provisions for appointing a power of attorney are outlined in the North Carolina Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Reasons to Consider Estate Planning
The process to begin estate planning may seem daunting, but there are many benefits to having legally sound documentation of your desires for your loved ones. Research maintains that less than half of Americans have a will. If you are considering writing a will or beginning estate planning, some reasons other North Carolinians have given that motivated them are listed below:
- A medical diagnosis or health concern
- The purchase of a home or other significant asset
- Reaching retirement age or other age-related milestone
- Family expansion through marriage, birth, or another event
- Increased benefits from an employer
- Death of a loved one
- National or world event
- Upcoming travel
Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer with Experience in NC Estate Planning
You should consider your estate planning needs throughout your life, not just when considering your end-of-life needs. Our The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., has the resources you need to meet those needs now and receive the peace of mind they provide. Our estate planning team, including attorneys Pomeroy and Jonas, has over 50 years of combined experience in creating estate plans for NC residents.
Connect with an Experienced and Compassionate Local Law Firm
Having a thoroughly documented estate plan allows your family the space and time to grieve your passing without worrying about legal issues. Regardless of your estate planning needs, our experienced attorneys can help you create a variety of trusts, finalize a will that can withstand scrutiny, revise an existing will, or appoint a proxy or power of attorney to handle your affairs now. Contact The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C. to schedule an initial consultation.
