Estate Planning

At Kanwisher Law, we value providing comprehensive estate planning services for individuals and families. Our mission is to help you secure peace of mind by ensuring that your assets, healthcare decisions, and loved ones are protected. We understand that estate planning is a deeply personal and sometimes emotional process, and we work closely with each client to tailor solutions that meet their unique needs, goals, and desires. We listen carefully, answer your questions, and ensure that you feel confident in your decisions.

Whether you're just starting your estate plan or looking to revise an existing one, we offer a wide range of services designed to address all aspects of estate planning, from simple wills to trusts, and here's how you can take control:

  1. Consultation: Start with a personal consultation to explore your options and identify the estate planning documents that best meet your needs.
  2. Customization: We'll draft documents that reflect your decisions, providing you with tailored solutions to secure your legacy.
  3. Completion: On your signing day, we'll finalize your documents to ensure your plans are set in motion exactly as you envision.

Wills and Trusts

A will is one of the most fundamental documents in estate planning. It allows you to specify how your assets should be distributed upon your death and name an executor to carry out your wishes. In addition, if you have minor children, you can specify a guardian for them and a trustee that will control their assets for them until they are able to themselves. This process allows you to choose the person you trust most with the care of your children. On the other hand, a revocable living trust allows you to transfer your assets into the trust during your lifetime. This avoids the time and cost of probate after your passing, provides privacy, and ensures that your assets are managed according to your instructions if you become incapacitated. We will review the pros and cons of each type of document to determine which of the two will fit your needs better.

Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directives

A Durable Power of Attorney document designates a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. You can specify alternates if your primary cannot act. In addition, you can decide when the document will be effective. A Healthcare Power of Attorney document ensures that your healthcare wishes are respected if you become incapacitated. In an Advance Directive, or Living Will, you can appoint someone to make medical decisions for you and provide guidelines on life-sustaining treatments in specific circumstances. For both the financial and healthcare documents, it is very important to choose a person that you most trust to make reasonable decisions that align with your beliefs.

Get Started Today

Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy. Whether you're looking to create a will, set up a trust, or need assistance with any aspect of estate planning, we're here to help. Contact Kanwisher Law today to schedule a consultation.Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death, while a trust allows you to transfer ownership of assets during your lifetime, often helping to avoid probate and provide more control over asset distribution. A trust can also provide for your care in case of incapacity.

Do I need an estate plan if I don't have significant assets?

Yes, even if you don't have significant assets, an estate plan is still important. It ensures that your healthcare and financial decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated, and that your wishes are followed for minor children or other dependents.

What happens if I don't have an estate plan?

Without an estate plan, North Carolina's intestacy laws will decide how your assets are distributed, which might not align with your wishes. Additionally, your loved ones could face a lengthy and costly probate process, and your healthcare decisions may not be carried out as you would have liked.

Can I change my estate plan once it's been created?

Yes, you can update or modify your estate plan at any time. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or significant changes in your financial situation may prompt you to revise your plan to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

What is the role of an executor in my estate plan?

The executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will, including managing your estate, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing your assets according to your wishes. It's important to choose someone trustworthy and capable of handling these responsibilities.