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Wills

Hickory Wills Attorney

Experienced North Carolina lawyer handles the drafting of your last will and testament

A will is an essential testamentary document that provides instructions for the distribution of your property after you pass on. Unfortunately, too many people put off making a will, meaning that they have no control over where their assets go. Instead, property in their estate is transferred according to North Carolina intestacy law. At Donald R. Fuller, Jr., PLLC in Hickory, I am a seasoned estate planning lawyer who helps clients create clear, effective wills that stand up in court. We understand how discussing end of life issues can be challenging. But consulting an experienced Hickory, NC wills attorney can lift a great burden from your shoulders. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that only comes when you’ve done what is right for the people you love.

Who should have a will in North Carolina?

Every adult should have a will. In North Carolina, a person must be 18 years of age and of sound mind to create a valid testamentary document. Often, a milestone in life prompts someone to draft a will. Marriage, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one or a significant financial event can get us thinking about what will happen to our assets when we’re gone. A will allows you to pass on your property to the people and organizations you choose. Establishing a will also allows you to send a final statement of affection for the people you hold dear.

As an experienced Hickory wills attorney, we can properly document your wishes and prepare a proper legal document to fulfill your wishes.

Things to consider when drafting a will

The will preparation process is an opportune time to take inventory of your property and to reflect on your relationships. Here are a few important points to consider:

  • Be thorough — You don’t want to leave any property out of your will. Doing so results in partial intestacy. Including language bequeathing items not specifically named can avert this problem.
  • Find the right executor — You can name a trustworthy person to implement the terms of your will.
  • Address child guardianship — Although guardians for orphaned minors are appointed by a court, you can leave a document detailing your preferences. This typically carries substantial weight.
  • Be specific regarding heirs — While intestacy law groups heirs according to familial relationships, you can choose any heir you like and disinherit someone who would be in line as a beneficiary if no will existed.

You should also consider whether your will is the best vehicle for leaving property to your loved ones. In some situations, people prefer to transfer their assets through a trust or another type of estate planning instrument.

How our Hickory wills attorney can help

Template wills downloaded from the internet do not provide the specific and trustworthy advice you need to make informed choices. In addition to advising you on your will, I am a full-service Hickory estate planning attorney who can counsel you on various estate planning options, such as trusts, powers of attorney and advance medical directives.

Revising a will in North Carolina

You should consider revising your will after every major life event, such as marriage or divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild or the death of an heir. You should also plan to revise your will every two to three years, simply to keep abreast of any financial or relationship changes.

Contesting a will in North Carolina

Disappointed heirs may challenge the validity of a will in court on various grounds:

  • Undue influence
  • Coercion
  • Lack of capacity
  • Fraud
  • Counterfeit

In our practice, we represent estates to defend wills as well as named and potential beneficiaries contesting a will or its execution.

Contact a knowledgeable wills lawyer in Hickory, North Carolina

Hickory, NC wills attorney Donald R. Fuller, Jr., PLLC drafts wills and provides a full range of estate planning services for North Carolina residents. Please call 828-639-8188 or contact me online to schedule an appointment.

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Office Location
  • Hickory Office
    225 4th Street N.W.
    Suite 200
    Hickory, North Carolina 28601
    Phone: 828-578-6400
    Fax: 828-578-6403
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