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What Happens If I Die Without A Will?

If you die without a Will in North Carolina, you lose control over a number of important decisions

As estate planning attorneys, we often get the question: “Who needs an estate plan?”  The answer is: “EVERYONE!”  Studies have shown that only 42% of American adults currently have an estate plan in place.  For the 58% of Americans who don’t have an estate plan, dealing with intestacy laws and the probate process places a huge burden on loved ones left behind. If you die without a Will in North Carolina, you lose control over a number of important decisions.  North Carolina’s default statutes provide what happens upon your death, regardless of your particular situation or circumstance: (1) Intestacy laws […]

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Will vs. Revocable Trust; Why Burt Reynolds Chose to Exclude His Son from His Will?

Burt Reynolds Estate Planning

The passing of movie icon Burt Reynolds brings to light how certain estate planning techniques differ as they unfold. Selecting a revocable trust – versus only a Will – as Burt chose to do for the benefit of his son, Quinton, has its advantages. One that’s highlighted in the current stories about Burt’s passing is privacy. A simple Will is part of the probate process and its terms are public. On the other hand, the terms of a revocable trust are private and confidential. Just as important (and maybe more so in a world where digital crimes are more prevalent), […]

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