Hickory Estate Planning Lawyer Protects Family Assets

North Carolina attorney prepares comprehensive plans for the future

Smart estate planning helps you preserve what you have earned and distribute your assets according to your values and priorities. Failing to make proper arrangements can lead to squandered wealth and an estate that is divided according to government decisions rather than your own. At Donald R. Fuller, Jr., PLLC, I devote personal attention to each client who seeks to meet their responsibility to their loved ones. My firm assists with all types of legal instruments including wills and trusts, as well as documents addressing the care of children and medical decision-making.

Law firm provides a complete range of estate planning options

Even if you believe that your estate is not large, knowledgeable advice from a creative attorney will benefit you and your loved ones. My firm personalizes its approach to estate planning and advises you on options including:

• Will drafting and execution — I draft authoritative wills on behalf of clients to ensure that their estates do not fall into intestacy. You can be confident that your final instructions will be set forth clearly and will meet all legal requirements.
• Creating trusts — People often overlook the advantages offered by trusts. My firm creates these instruments to help clients meet their goals, including probate avoidance and tax reduction.
• Maintaining control over medical decisions — A North Carolina advance medical directive allows you to control the type of treatment you will receive if you are unable to communicate your wishes due to an illness or injury. I prepare these documents so that family members aren’t forced into heartbreaking decisions at a stressful time.
• Protecting children and disabled adults — If you have minor children or are responsible for someone with special needs, it is crucial to address their care in the event that you are no longer around. My firm offers compassionate guidance on establishing guardianship and conservatorship plans.
• Executorship duties — With over four decades of legal experience, I am well aware of the important responsibilities that are assigned to a will executor. My firm counsels clients on the appointment of a suitable estate representative and assists executors during the probate process.

I work closely with individual, family and business clients to ensure that they obtain the peace of mind that comes with a solid estate plan.

Established adviser creates trusts suited to your specific needs

Trusts are not just for wealthy people or major charities. Whether revocable or irrevocable, these legal instruments allow you to make immediate property designations rather than shifting asset ownership after you die. One popular alternative is a living trust into which you transfer your property while still maintaining use of your assets for the rest of your life. This means that your intended beneficiaries will receive title to the property without having to go through the probate process. Whether this is a good option or you are interested in other potential benefits of a trust, such as tax advantages or control over the use of your funds, my firm can help.

Accomplished advocate handles probate and will disputes

Without the right representation, going through probate can be a tiresome and costly process. My firm can manage each task so that the decedent’s wishes are carried out faithfully and without undue expense. If a disagreement exists regarding the true intention of a testator, I assist estate representatives and potential beneficiaries who seek a proper resolution of these disputes.

Hospital and in-home visits can be arranged if you are unable to come to the office.

Contact a dedicated North Carolina trusts and estates lawyer for an appointment

Donald R. Fuller, Jr., PLLC advises North Carolina individuals and families on a full range of matters relating to trusts and estates. Please call 828-639-8188 or contact me online to schedule an appointment at my office in Hickory.