Charlotte Wills Attorney

Helping You Plan for the Future in North Carolina

Planning for the future is important. It helps ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are taken care of. At Hicks-Guinn Law, PLLC, we have the experience to help you draft a will that is tailored to your specific needs and wishes. We know that this is a very personal and sensitive matter, and we are committed to providing you with the compassionate and dedicated legal guidance you need to make informed decisions.

Our Charlotte wills lawyer can help you draft a will that includes:

• Designation of a guardian for your minor children
• Instructions for the distribution of your assets
• Instructions for the care of your pets
• Instructions for the management of your business
• Instructions for the management of assets left to minor children
• Instructions for your funeral and burial

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve peace of mind. We will take the time to listen to your needs and goals, and we will guide you through the entire process. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your future and the future of your family.

If you need help drafting a will, contact our Charlotte attorney for wills at (888) 373-9699 to schedule a consultation.

Why You Need a Will

As a legal tool, a will designates how your estate should be handled after death. It also sets forth plans for the management of your belongings, business, and minor children's guardianship. Without a will, your assets will be apportioned according to state intestate laws, which might not reflect your personal intentions for distribution.

Creating a will is the best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. It allows you to have control over who gets your assets and how your children will be cared for. It also helps prevent disputes between family members and minimizes the chances of your estate being tied up in probate.

Types Of Wills

Understanding the types of wills available is essential for effective estate planning. At Hicks-Guinn Law, PLLC, we can help you navigate these options to ensure your wishes are clear and legally binding.

• Simple Will: Ideal for straightforward estates, this will outlines asset distribution and can designate guardians for minor children.
• Testamentary Trust Will: Suitable for those wanting to provide ongoing financial support, this will creates a trust upon your death, setting conditions for asset distribution over time.
• Joint Will: Perfect for spouses wishing to use a single document. It generally includes identical instructions for asset distribution but cannot be changed after one spouse's death, which may be limiting.
• Living Will: Unlike other wills, this focuses on healthcare decisions. It specifies your medical treatment preferences should you become incapacitated, ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected.

Wills lawyers in Charlotte can offer tailored advice on selecting the right will type for your situation. By consulting with a knowledgeable attorney, you can develop a comprehensive estate plan that safeguards your interests and provides peace of mind for both you and your family.

How to Update a Will

After drafting a will, you want to check it periodically or following a significant life event, such the birth of a child, getting married, or divorcing. It might be necessary to amend your will to remove assets that you no longer hold or to add new assets. You could also need to adjust who receives your assets as beneficiaries.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all legal requirements are satisfied while updating your will. This entails getting two witnesses to sign and witness the document. We at Hicks-Guinn Law, PLLC can assist you in updating your will and making sure it is enforceable under the law.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will?

It is not legally required to have a lawyer draft your will. You can draft a will on your own, or you can use an online will template. However, it is always best to have your will drafted by an experienced attorney. A will is a legally binding document, and if it is not drafted properly, it may not be valid. This can leave your assets subject to probate and North Carolina’s intestate succession laws.

Contact A Skilled Wills Lawyer in Charlotte

At Hicks-Guinn Law, PLLC, we can help you draft a will that is legally valid and enforceable. We will ensure that all of the necessary legal requirements are met, and we will make sure that your wishes are clearly stated. We know that this is a very personal and sensitive matter, and we are committed to providing you with the compassionate and dedicated legal guidance you need to make informed decisions.

If you're seeking help with creating a will, call our Charlotte attorney specializing in wills at (888) 373-9699 or complete our online form to arrange a meeting.