Charlotte Estate Planning Attorneys

Wills, Trusts, and Other Tools to Protect Your Future & Legacy

Some may think that only the wealthy need an estate plan to protect their vast financial holdings for their trust-fund heirs. The truth is that most Americans would benefit by having a comprehensive estate plan customized to their needs.

If you answer no to any of these questions, you should talk to our astute attorneys at Jetton & Meredith, PLLC:

• Do you want a stranger making your medical decisions if you cannot?
• Do you want your minor children to be placed under a guardian you do not know or like?
• Have you given someone legal authority to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated?
• Do you want your heirs to argue over your belongings?
• Do you want to make your heirs responsible for more taxes than necessary?
• Do you want the state to decide how your assets are distributed?
• Do you know who will care for your pets if you cannot?

Those issues and more can be resolved by utilizing various tools. The foundation of a comprehensive estate plan is a will that designates who inherits your property after you’re gone. Other mechanisms, including trusts, can help your heirs bypass probate. Trusted individuals can also be named to oversee your financial affairs and make healthcare decisions should you become incapacitated.

Call Jetton & Meredith, PLLC at (704) 931-5535 or contact us online to discuss creating or revising an estate plan.

About Our Estate Planning Services in Charlotte

Many people do not realize that if they die without a will, the state is authorized to determine how their assets are divided. If no other estate plan tool is needed, everyone needs a will.

At a minimum, we advise our clients to have a will. Without one, your property is subject to be distributed through intestate succession. Intestate laws in the Tarheel State leave stepchildren out of any inheritance. Grandchildren only receive a share if their parents are no longer living. Minor children can possibly end up in the foster system. An estranged sibling can potentially inherit everything. By having a will, you determine who receives what and whom you want to raise your children in the event of your death.

In addition to having a will, these estate tools may also be appropriate:

• Trusts: A trust provides protections that a will alone cannot. A living trust enables you to pass down assets without having to through probate. When you create a trust, you name a trusted person to oversee the distribution of your estate after your death. This person is responsible for carrying out the terms you created in the trust. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable. An irrevocable trust cannot be changed after its creation, but changes can be made to revocable trusts at any time in your life. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. Our team can explain and evaluate which trust fits your goals.
• Power of Attorney: There are different powers of attorney authorized to make specific decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to act. A health care power of attorney makes decisions about your medical treatment if you become mentally or physically unable to make them for yourself. A financial power of attorney allows the person to handle financial and business matters on your behalf. Powers of attorney can be revoked and changed. If you become incapacitated with no named power of attorney, a guardian (possibly someone you don’t even know) might be assigned by the court.

Probate and Trust Administration

Executors and trustees have mandated obligations and deadlines. Failing to meet those commitments can open them to civil lawsuits. Those responsibilities can be arduous and time-consuming. At Jetton & Meredith, PLLC, our team takes the burden of the legal responsibilities, so you as the trustee or executor can focus on grieving and other family commitments.

Probate and trust administration services include the following:

• Filing the will in probate court
• Inventorying and valuing assets
• Identifying and locating beneficiaries
• Transferring property titles
• Notifying creditors
• Determining taxes owed

Our team can help administer even the most complex estates.

Effective Estate Planning Offers Peace of Mind

If you don’t have an estate plan or need to review an existing one, contact Jetton & Meredith, PLLC. We listen to your goals and concerns, then build an estate plan that your short-term and long-range goals. As time passes and your needs shift, we are here to help you revise any part of your plan.

Contact us today to discuss how an estate plan can help you. Call (704) 931-5535 or reach out online.