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My blog can be a helpful resource as you plan your estate.
Information is powerful when putting together your estate plan. At Vail Gardner Law, I update my blog regularly with helpful estate planning information, as well as updates about my upcoming estate planning workshops and other news about my law firm in Durham, North Carolina.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. It should not be taken as legal advice for any situation. By viewing this website, no attorney-client relationship is established.
Estate Planning During Divorce
If you are going through a divorce, it can feel like your world has been upended. With all the unrest due to the pandemic and a general lack of career stability for many, divorce can feel like more than you can handle. However, if you calm your racing heart and think through the legal steps you need to take, you can plan for a smoother road ahead.
What is in a Simple Will?
According to caring.com, 25% of people have a will, but 60% say that they think having a will is important. Whether you should write a will depends on many factors. Let’s look more in depth to see which life circumstances mean you need a will.
What is a Charitable Trust?
If you have liquid assets or investments that you would like for someone to receive someday, you may consider putting them into a trust. Trusts are essentially instruments of law set up to hold your assets and distribute them to your beneficiaries. There are many different types of trusts, but they all work to help shelter your investments and liquid assets from tax penalties.
Funding a Trust with Assets
A living trust (revocable trust) is a legal framework that keeps your assets safe from probate and creditors. You can even better plan how to give an inheritance to an heir who has special needs or suffers from a substance abuse issue or gambling addiction. Learn which of your investments can fund your trust and which are better left out.
Why Do I Need a Power of Attorney?
Things happen that we never expected… bodily injuries, accidents, mental illnesses, loss of thinking capacity. A power of attorney protects you by giving you a choice about who you trust. If you become incapacitated or incompetent due to an accident or health failure, who will make decisions about your healthcare, your assets, your day to day personal help?
Can Medicaid Recovery Claim a House in NC?
You may plan to rely on Medicaid for long-term care. Even with a nice home or some assets, you can still qualify for help. However, there are expenses associated with accepting Medicaid help that you may not know about. Let’s explore how much Medicaid actually costs you.