Hickory Estate Planning Lawyer

Hickory Estate Planning Attorney

Securing your future and that of your family starts with having a solid estate plan that prepares for most possibilities. Whether you are concerned about inheritance disputes or want to ensure that your health care wishes are clear in any circumstance, a seasoned Hickory estate planning lawyer can provide a thorough overview of your North Carolina estate planning options.

The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., takes care of your estate planning, family law, and business legal needs. We serve those living in Hickory and surrounding communities looking for a knowledgeable estate planning attorney who prioritizes their interests.

Our Trusted Hickory Estate Planning Lawyer Helps You Protect Your Legacy

At The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we are committed to educating our clients on the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan. Our attorneys have first-hand knowledge of the struggles family members often face when their loved ones are incapacitated or pass away without a proper estate plan.

Our legal team helps simplify estate planning for our Hickory clients who may feel overwhelmed at the thought of starting the estate planning process. And they are not alone. A recent Caring.com survey found that around 43% of those surveyed who did not already have an estate plan did not do so due to procrastination.

When you work with our dedicated Hickory estate planning lawyer, we help take the guesswork out of future planning. We provide solutions that are specific to your situation, whether you come from a background of generational wealth or want to make sure your children are taken care of in the event you are no longer with them. We also stay up to date with the latest estate planning trends in North Carolina to ensure your plan reflects current laws and best practices.

We Offer Comprehensive Estate Planning Solutions Tailored to Your Needs

Estate planning goes beyond managing and protecting your wealth. It also involves putting directives about your healthcare wishes in place, which help your loved ones know how to handle your affairs if you need assistance or cannot make decisions on your own.

Our Hickory estate planning lawyer focuses on understanding your situation and can recommend any of the following tools:

Wills and Trusts

A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal instrument created by a testator to a “will” who receives their property upon death. It may also include information about guardianship for minor children.

Wills are typically typed, though North Carolina allows for handwritten wills and, in specific circumstances, for verbal wills. For a will to be valid, it must be signed by the testator and two witnesses.

A trust is another estate planning tool that names a person – a trustee – as the administrator of the trust maker or settlor’s property on behalf of one or more beneficiaries. An irrevocable trust, unlike a revocable trust or a will, cannot be changed once established. Depending on the type of trust you set up, you may be able to protect your wealth from debtors and civil suits.

According to a 2024 report by Northwestern Mutual, a third of millennials surveyed expected an inheritance, though only 22% of Boomers and Gen Xers said they planned to leave one. Having a will and/or a trust is not only practical, but it can also help set expectations for family members.

Power of Attorney

Our Hickory estate planning lawyer may recommend obtaining a Power of Attorney (POA) if you are the primary caretaker for an elderly person or someone who needs assistance managing their legal and financial affairs.

Establishing a Power of Attorney is a simple yet powerful way to navigate financial and healthcare decisions without unnecessary red tape. For those with elderly family members living in Hickory, one of North Carolina’s top-rated retirement cities, a POA can be especially valuable when you are not nearby to assist your loved one.

Guardianship

Guardianship is a tool of last resort in the North Carolina legal system. Unlike a POA, which can be established solely with the assistance of an attorney, a guardianship must be established through a court process. A guardianship is placed over a “ward” who is legally unable to make decisions about their personal affairs and/or their property.

Both children under 18, who make up around 21.7% of Hickory’s population as of 2023, and adults can be placed under guardianship.

FAQs

How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in North Carolina?

The cost of estate planning in North Carolina depends on the complexity of the case. Those who have smaller estates or who are interested in establishing a durable Power of Attorney, for instance, may be charged less than those who have a larger estate or are disputing an existing will or guardianship.

What Is the Difference Between an Estate Lawyer and an Estate Planner?

An estate lawyer is a licensed attorney who can provide legal advice related to wills, trusts, and estate planning disputes based on their practice. They can also represent your interests in probate court. Estate planner, on the other hand, is a broader term that can include someone who is an attorney, a financial advisor, or an accountant, and who may advise you on estate planning.

How Do I Start the Estate Planning Process?

If you are interested in creating an estate plan, you are advised to speak with a seasoned estate planning lawyer in your area. They can help you understand the different legal tools available to you, what the most optimal option is, and how to go about legally setting them up.

What Percentage Does a Lawyer Get for Settling an Estate in NC?

The percentage a lawyer receives for settling an estate in North Carolina is not fixed by law. Before assisting clients with probate, which is administering and distributing a deceased person’s personal property after their debts are paid, an attorney should discuss their fee. In many cases, the probate court must approve the final fee.

Consult a Knowledgeable Hickory Estate Planning Lawyer Today

Estate planning can seem complicated, but it is one of the most important steps you can take for your financial well-being. At The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., our family of lawyers works diligently to support your family with their estate planning needs. We have deep roots in North Carolina and a track record of success solving complex estate matters for those living in Hickory, Lincolnton, and Denver. Schedule a free consultation today.