Lincolnton Estate Planning Lawyer

Experienced Estate Planning Attorney in Lincolnton, NC

As we age, we naturally think about end-of-life issues, and this is when many of us consider writing a will. Creating an estate plan is important for every adult, regardless of age. A skilled Lincolnton estate planning lawyer can help you create estate planning documents that can’t be challenged in court.

Estate planning offers you the peace of mind that your wishes are being honored after you have passed and that your loved ones are being cared for according to your requests.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer with Experience in Lincolnton

At The Jonas Law Firm, we see firsthand how a thorough estate plan helps our clients decide on important issues and honors their wishes. Working with a dedicated Lincolnton estate planning lawyer can make this process smoother. Estate planning puts you in control of your assets. When you hire an estate planning lawyer from The Jonas Law Firm, you benefit from over 100 years of combined experience in our firm.

Estate Planning in the United States

According to one survey, estate planning is a priority for less than half of Americans. Over 54% of Americans have not established any estate planning documents. As of 2024, Lincolnton was home to 11,783 residents. Of those residents, 58% were between the ages of 18 and 64, with an additional 19% aged 65 or over. Within these demographics, there are many life events that could signify the need for the creation of an estate plan.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an Estate Plan?

Many people procrastinate on creating an estate plan because it can be unpleasant to think about or they do not realize how important a plan is. However, you should consider one for several reasons.

A survey found that 68% of Americans over 65 have talked to their children about their wishes for their final arrangements. While this is an important discussion to have, it doesn’t solidify that those wishes are going to be carried out. These types of matters can be defined in a will, making it more likely that those instructions are followed appropriately following your passing.

Estate plans are not just for protecting your assets after you pass away. You can legally state your wishes regarding your health care in the event that you cannot make decisions for yourself anymore by executing a Health Care Power of Attorney.

If you happen to pass away without a will, the state of North Carolina is in charge of distributing your property and making decisions about your estate. It proceeds without any knowledge of what you would have wanted. In these cases, the court follows the state’s intestate succession laws.

Create a Plan That Protects What You Care About

Rebecca Pomeroy and Richard Jonas are estate planning attorneys at The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C. Attorney Jonas has been practicing law for 50 years, and Attorney Pomeroy is a fourth-generation lawyer with the firm.

They chose this area of legal practice because of the satisfaction of helping people and giving them peace of mind about their future. We understand that these can be emotional decisions. We are here to guide you through these choices and to find ways to accomplish your goals.

We can build a well-rounded plan that meets all of your needs. Our estate planning services are listed below:

• Wills and Trusts
• Guardianships
• Health Care Power of Attorney
• Powers of Attorney

We Can Guide You Through Probate

If one of your family members has passed away, The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C. can guide you through the legal matters as you cope. We have the resources necessary to assist you with the probate process, adhering to the will’s direction and distributing estate assets properly throughout Lincolnton and Denver, North Carolina.

Probate may seem complicated, but it simply refers to the process of dividing someone’s assets after they have passed. The existence of a will or other estate planning documents can make the probate process run more smoothly, outlining the distribution of assets and preventing delays that could extend the process or result in unexpected expenses.

A well-informed estate planning lawyer can advise you on how to avoid probate. For instance, putting your assets in a trust omits the need for a will. When there is no will and no assets (because the assets are in a trust), there is no need for probate.

Other options to avoid probate include naming beneficiaries on accounts, such as “transfer upon death” or having a joint owner on property titles, car titles, bank accounts, etc. The asset automatically transfers ownership to the joint owner.

Estate planning across multiple generations is another hassle‑free strategy to safeguard your family’s future; learn more about setting up multi‑generation trusts and wills.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost for a Lawyer to do Estate Planning in North Carolina?

There is no exact cost to hire a lawyer to do estate planning in North Carolina. Depending on the exact estate planning documents you need, you may be charged a flat fee for services or billed an hourly rate. The complexity of the documents affects how much the overall cost could be, with more complex situations being charged more overall. Paying the cost for estate planning can also save money during the probate process.

Which Is Better in North Carolina, a Trust or a Will?

Neither a trust nor a will is inherently better, as they both serve different purposes. If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian. A will may also be a better choice if you have a small or simple estate. To avoid the probate process, maintain privacy, and control payouts, a trust can be more beneficial. Depending on your circumstances, you may benefit the most from having both.

What Is the 5 by 5 Rule in Estate Planning?

The 5 by 5 rule in estate planning refers to a feature of trusts that allows the beneficiary of the trust to withdraw either $5,000 or 5% of the trust’s value each year, whichever amount is higher. This feature allows beneficiaries to use the trust for needed expenses while also providing tax benefits and safeguarding the existence of the trust.

What Is the Biggest Mistake with Wills?

The first mistake many people make regarding their will is not having one. There are other potential mistakes that could affect a will’s validity when it comes time for probate. Not having a Lincolnton estate planning lawyer review your will for potential loopholes is one of the biggest mistakes people face in probate. Finally, failing to update your will regularly can also create issues regarding beneficiaries and/or assets that came about after the will was created.

Ask About Your Estate Planning Options: Connect with a Knowledgeable Lincolnton Estate Planning Attorney

The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., is well-respected in Lincoln County. We have received positive reviews from past clients. It is our consistent and compassionate approach to estate planning that has garnered us years of success as a local law firm. We welcome inquiries about estate planning options and probate. We would be happy to help you. Please contact us online or call 980-372-3730 to schedule an appointment.

We have offices in Lincolnton and Denver and serve clients throughout Lincoln County with probate matters.

Lincolnton, NC Estate Planning Lawyer

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