Will Attorneys in Raleigh

Drafting Wills in North Carolina

At Oak City Estate Planning, we are dedicated to helping you organize your assets and create a secure future for your family in Raleigh and the rest of North Carolina. Our team specializes in estate planning legal services, including trusts and probate. A key estate planning document is your will. Establishing a valid one can simplify the succession process after your death. This can alleviate stress for your loved ones during their time of grief.

A will is a written and legally binding document that provides instructions for the court and your heirs on who your property goes to after your death. You can choose that your assets go to family, friends, organizations, or charities.

With more than 30 years of experience, our firm provides you with accurate and creative legal resources to find the estate planning solution for your specific situation. We understand how each client’s situation is unique and we can address any questions or concerns you may have about how to create a will or other estate planning documents.

Call Oak City Estate Planning today at (919) 975-5359 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment to discuss your wills option in Raleigh.

What Provisions Can a North Carolina Will Include?

When creating your will, you should name an executor who will administer your estate, including handling any debts. We recommend that you include a backup executor in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the role.

Your will can address a broad range of assets in North Carolina, including:

• Real estate under your name only
• Heirlooms
• Art collectibles
• Motor vehicles and boats
• Bank accounts
• Pets

You also need to name specific people or organizations your possessions will go to, which makes it easier for the executor to distribute.

Another important part of your will is making guardianship decisions for any minor children you have. You can also choose to have some of your property put into a trust until your child is of a certain age.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in North Carolina?

The state of North Carolina refers to dying without a valid will as intestate. If this happens, the probate process is more complex, and you have no guarantee that your possessions will go to the beneficiaries you would have chosen.

The court appoints a personal representative, or a public trustee depending on the situation, to distribute your assets according to the state laws. The law only focuses on the biological connection of specific relatives rather than the quality of your relationships with them.

If you have minor children, the state appoints a legal guardian. When it comes to finances that go to your child, the court does not establish any trust. Your child will usually have full access to their inheritance after turning 18, regardless of whether they are mature enough to handle the money and other assets.

Our Attorneys Can Help You Create a Valid Will in Raleigh and Its Surrounding Areas

North Carolina does not legally require you to hire an attorney but working with one can ensure that your will complies with all state requirements. At Oak City Estate Planning, we stay up to date with any change that affects wills, so a court can consider yours valid and enforceable during the probate process.

In North Carolina, creating a valid will requires that you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are of sound mind
• Put your will in written form
• Sign your will

You also need to have at least two witnesses present at the execution of your will. They must sign it in your presence and all signatures must be notarized.

Another benefit of working with us is that we carefully assess your situation and can recommend specific structures for your will to ensure clear language and minimize inheritance taxes for your beneficiaries. If necessary, we can recommend additional legally binding documents or putting certain assets into a trust to optimize your estate planning.

Our attorneys generally recommend that you review your will every few years. We can help you modify or revoke it when necessary.

Common reasons to amend a will include:

• Changes in North Carolina laws
• Health concerns or recovery
• Financial successes or difficulties
• Changes in committed relationships
• Having a child or grandchild
• The death of a spouse or child

No matter what your estate planning goals are, our lawyers strive to help you create a document that fits your specific situation. A valid will can give you peace of mind because you know that your loved ones will receive what you want them to.

If you need to establish a will in Raleigh or its surrounding areas, contact Oak City Estate Planning today at (919) 975-5359 to schedule a consultation.