Boone Estate Planning Lawyer

Boone Estate Planning Attorney

When it comes to ensuring that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes when you are no longer here, having an estate plan is crucial. Not only does estate planning help take care of wealth transfer, but it also puts you in a position to protect your loved ones and reduce potential legal challenges down the road. Consulting a Boone estate planning lawyer can help shed light on your specific estate planning needs.

Our skilled estate planning lawyers at The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., assist families in Boone and across Watauga County in building an estate plan that includes wealth management instruments such as wills and trusts. We can also guide you on which power of attorney is most suitable for your unique circumstances.

Partner With Our Boone Estate Planning Lawyer and Gain Peace of Mind

When you work with our Boone estate planning lawyer at The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., you are afforded the knowledge and skills of a generation of lawyers dedicated to the legal needs of the North Carolina community.

We provide Boone families with comprehensive estate planning solutions, including:

• Creation of wills and guardianship designations for minor children
• Establishment of trusts that maximize privacy and potential tax benefits
• Drafting a Durable Power of Attorney (POA) for you and your loved one
• Setting a Healthcare Power of Attorney in case the need arises in the future
• Handling estate disputes at probate court on your behalf

We assist in taking care of these and other estate planning matters related to your unique financial and family circumstances, staying informed on the latest estate planning trends in North Carolina to ensure your plans align with your wishes and with North Carolina law.

Key Benefits of Having a Well-Structured Estate Plan in Boone, North Carolina

As Boone’s population continues to rise thanks to its reputation as a retirement destination and its popularity as the “Heart of the High Country,” it is more crucial than ever that its nearly 20,000 residents are proactive about estate planning.

In a 2025 Caring.com and YouGov survey of over 2,500 adults aged 18 to 55 across the U.S., only 37% of respondents reported having a will or a trust in place. If you are a Boone resident and are part of the 63% who have yet to set up an estate plan, you may not be aware of the many advantages associated with doing so.

Here are some of the key benefits of having a well-structured estate plan:

It Ensures Your Assets Are Distributed According to Your Wishes

Thinking about what happens to your personal property after you are gone can feel daunting. It is an essential step to ensure your property is distributed according to your wishes.

Without a will or trust in place, any probate property you possess is distributed according to North Carolina intestacy laws. This means that your next of kin inherits from you. If you want to ensure other members of your family benefit from your wealth, you should consider setting up one of these estate planning tools.

It Minimizes Potential Family Disputes

Having a robust estate plan also ensures that family disputes arising from inheritance, health care, or guardianship matters are more easily resolved.

Often, disputes arise when a loved one has not left clear instructions about their wishes. These disputes may also come about when a loved one does not seek adequate legal counsel when setting up an estate plan, making it more likely that a family member can successfully challenge an existing will or trust.

It Gives Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind

When you decide to set up an estate plan, you are also providing future peace of mind for your family. This includes ensuring they are financially secure and that any issues of guardianship involving minor children can be adequately handled, protecting them from instability.

Setting up a power of attorney and having healthcare directives in place can make it easier for your family members to make medical, legal, and financial decisions on your behalf with minimal pushback. This is particularly pertinent for those who are supported by family caretakers. According to AARP, in 2017 alone, family caregivers provided $13.1 billion in unpaid care to their loved ones at home.

It Protects Your Interests

Estate planning can also be a critical way to protect your family’s financial interests. While Boone, North Carolina does not impose an estate tax, the transfer of property upon someone’s death is subject to a federal estate tax. Establishing a trust can help reduce potential tax liability and ensure that your loved ones get more of your assets.

In addition to tax benefits, a trust can also serve to separate your personal property and any business liability you may have. A trust can also serve to shield your assets from potential exposure to bankruptcy and civil lawsuits.

FAQs

What Is the Average Fee for an Executor of an Estate in North Carolina?

The fee for an executor of an estate in North Carolina is typically set by the clerk of the superior court where the estate is administered. This fee can be influenced by the size of the estate. Under North Carolina law, this fee cannot exceed 5% of the total received once all debts are paid.

Is There a Time Limit to Settle an Estate in NC?

The North Carolina judicial system does not provide a specific timeline for administering or settling an estate. If a surviving spouse or dependent child would like financial support from the estate while it is being settled, they may be able to submit an Application and Assignment of Year’s Allowance to the clerk of court for approval.

How Can You Avoid Probate in NC?

There are multiple ways to avoid probate in North Carolina. One of those is through establishing a trust. With a trust, the benefits are administered by a trustee who can issue assets directly to beneficiaries. Additionally, naming beneficiaries to assets such as retirement and bank accounts can help ensure they are not considered probate property.

How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go to Probate in NC?

In North Carolina, estates that are larger than $20,000 are typically required to go through probate and to have a personal representative appointed. This total includes personal property, not real property, after all debts have been paid. For those with a smaller estate, they may be able to go through a simplified process that allows access to property 30 days after a person’s passing

Speak With Our Trusted Boone Estate Planning Lawyer Today

The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., delivers quality estate planning solutions for Boone residents and their families. Our attorneys help you navigate the complexities of wills, trusts, and POAs with confidence. We are committed to providing personalized estate planning solutions that can satisfy your wishes while protecting your legacy. Contact our office for a free consultation.