Blowing Rock Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate Planning Attorney In Blowing Rock

Planning for your family’s future after you’ve passed is never an easy process. It’s also difficult to deal with estate administration after a loved one recently died. With the help of an experienced Blowing Rock estate planning lawyer, the process can be thorough without dragging on.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer

The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., was established in 1912 and has been operating for over a century by the extended family members of the Jonas family. We take care to address each of our clients’ needs based on their unique background, goals, and other circumstances. Our estate law attorneys are ready to work with you, gain an understanding of your needs and goals, and help you every step of the way.

When to Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer

There are several instances where you may want to hire an estate planning lawyer. It’s beneficial to work with a legal professional who has a deep knowledge of estate planning laws and can help ensure your case avoids unnecessary delays or errors. These are some common estate planning cases you could benefit from having an experienced lawyer’s assistance on:

• Making a will. By working with a qualified attorney, you can ensure your will is valid and legally enforceable.
• Creating a trust. You can put assets into a trust, and upon your death, the property or funds are automatically transferred to your designated beneficiaries, foregoing probate.
• Probate and estate administration. Most wills will need to go through probate and estate administration before the estate can be settled.
• Powers of attorney. A lawyer can help you create or obtain a power of attorney in the event you or a loved one suddenly becomes incapacitated.

Estate planning matters in the Blowing Rock area are usually processed at the Office of the Watauga County Clerk. The Watauga County Courthouse is located at 842 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607. Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process, and it’s helpful to stay informed about changes that may affect you. If you want to know what’s new or evolving in this area, explore the estate planning trends in North Carolina for up-to-date insights.

Why Is Having an Estate Plan Important?

Currently, only about 24 percent of Americans have a will, a decline from 33 percent of respondents stating they have a will in 2022. Perhaps many people aren’t aware of the benefits that preparing a will and other important estate planning documents can have. A loved one dying without a will or only a minimal estate plan can leave their family members feeling lost and overwhelmed with the prospect of probate.

Planning for the future can help bring you and your family peace of mind and an added layer of security. Having a clear and comprehensive estate plan can also prevent your relatives or other beneficiaries from contesting your will or arguing over asset distribution.

At The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., We Can Help You

Our Blowing Rock,NC team has a deep understanding of estate law and how proper estate planning can help your loved ones avoid going through lengthy court proceedings. Whether you want help with administering a loved one’s estate or planning for your family’s future, the attorneys at The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C. are here to help.

FAQs

How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?

It’s difficult to provide an estimate as to how much your estate planning lawyer may cost in legal fees without assessing your specific needs and unique situation. Attorney fees can vary quite a bit depending on how in-depth you want your estate plan to be, whether an estate planning package is within your budget, the size of your estate, and other important factors. You can get an accurate estimate for attorney fees by asking your lawyer during an initial consultation.

Do All Wills Need to Go Through Probate in NC?

In North Carolina, most wills are legally required to go through the process of probate. Certain estates that are very small may be exempt from the probate process. Probate can sometimes have time-consuming and costly proceedings, but the matter is often made easier when the deceased had a will that was drafted and signed with the help of a qualified estate planning attorney. This is in part due to the will being less likely to be contested.

Do I Need to Create a Will in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you’re not required to create a will, but it’s highly recommended that you do so, if possible. If you happen to die without having made a valid will, your loved ones may have little say in how your estate is inherited or distributed. The proceedings wouldn’t be carried out as you may have wanted, but instead probate would operate according to the state’s intestate succession laws. Creating a will can make the process easier for your family.

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Wills and trusts are both important estate planning documents. A main difference between the two is that trusts do not go through probate court, but most wills do. Wills allow you to state how you wish for your estate to be distributed after your death, identify beneficiaries, and name an executor to oversee that your will’s instructions are carried out. Trusts are a legal instrument that lets you directly transfer certain assets to someone else without the need for probate.

What Is a Power of Attorney Used For?

In North Carolina, a power of attorney is a legal document that grants a person the authority to carry out certain duties on behalf of someone else who is absent or incapacitated and unable to make such decisions themselves. These duties can include filing tax returns, buying real estate, signing checks, withdrawing funds, and making other important decisions. There is also a healthcare power of attorney, allowing the appointed person to make critical medical or end-of-life care decisions on behalf of another.

The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., is committed to serving the people of North Carolina with their estate planning needs. Contact our team today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our skilled and dedicated estate law attorneys.