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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.
How Much Was Jimmy Buffett Worth? Who Inherits His Estate?

How Much Was Jimmy Buffett Worth? Who Inherits His Estate?

While Jimmy Buffett’s worth didn’t lie in his net worth, there is often curiosity about his financial holdings. However, he is best remembered for legacies unrelated to his wealth. Although Jimmy died on September 1, 2023, at age 76, his spirit lives on in his music, family, and charitable contributions. And to speak to his finances, by 2023, his net worth was officially $1 billion. This included a $180 million stake in his company, Margaritaville Holdings LLC, which opened in 1985 and now brings in $1 to $2 billion annually.

How to Obtain Medical Power of Attorney for a Parent

How to Obtain Medical Power of Attorney for a Parent

Imagine a time when your parent, the person who has always been your rock, can no longer make their own health care decisions. A medical power of attorney can ensure your parents’ healthcare wishes are respected, even when they can’t voice them. This document allows your parent to choose someone they trust to make important healthcare decisions on their behalf. This blog will guide you through the ins and outs of obtaining a medical POA in North Carolina, ensuring you’re equipped to support your parent in this essential aspect of planning for the future.

Wills and Living Wills: Planning for Tomorrow Today

Wills and Living Wills: Planning for Tomorrow Today

When considering the future, two of the most significant legal documents you can prepare are wills and living wills. These documents serve distinct purposes: a will outlines your wishes regarding your estate after your passing, while a living will expresses your preferences for medical treatment if you can’t communicate those decisions yourself. In North Carolina, these estate planning documents ensure your wishes are honored and legally recognized.

What Happens if You Are Declared Mentally Incompetent in NC?

What Happens if You Are Declared Mentally Incompetent in NC?

The thought of losing control over personal decisions due to illness or a similar condition is unsettling, to say the least. So what happens if you are declared mentally incompetent? In North Carolina, being declared incompetent is a complex process with judicial oversight. So let’s unravel the topic of mental incompetence, take a peek into the process of guardianship in North Carolina, and discover how a Power of Attorney (POA) can be your way to keep life’s decisions firmly in your hands.

What Can a Special Needs Trust Pay For?

What Can a Special Needs Trust Pay For?

A Special Needs Trust provides additional resources for individuals with disabilities without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential government assistance programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While the trust serves as a financial safety net, knowing what it can and cannot pay for is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explain the allowable expenditures for a Special Needs Trust in North Carolina so you can avoid costly mistakes.

Getting Affairs in Order Checklist: Prepare for Your Future

Getting Affairs in Order Checklist: Prepare for Your Future

Are you prepared for the future? It’s a question many of us hesitate to answer, but it’s a crucial one nonetheless. In the unpredictable journey of life, having a plan in place can provide peace of mind and security for both you and your loved ones. Our simple “Getting Affairs in Order Checklist” will help you take the first step forward. Join us as we explore the essential aspects of estate planning and help you pave the way for a more secure future.

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For Mail only: 732 9th Street, #621,
Durham, NC 27705
Telephone: (919) 246-6676

Service Area

NC, Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Morrisville, Hillsborough, Research Triangle Park