“Estate planning is an important and everlasting gift you can give your family. And setting up a smooth inheritance isn’t as hard as you might think. ”
The word "estate" refers to everything that a person owns or has control over including real estate, bank and investment or brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, 403(b)s, life insurances, trusts, inheritances, business interests including LLCs and partnership interests, patents, royalties, copyrights, REITs, oil and gas interests, timeshares, etc.
At Salem Law, no matter what type of planning you choose, we believe proper "estate planning" is a comprehensive approach that takes into account and coordinates every single asset a person owns.
Whether we are helping you provide asset protection or succession planning for your business, protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care or nursing homes, providing divorce or remarriage protection with a revocable trust, or just doing a will and power of attorney documents, we want you to be informed of the risks you face as well as the many solutions we have created to address those risks.
To that end, we encourage everyone to attend one of our free monthly workshops before sitting down with us. Attendees are entitled to a free consultation. Consultation fees for non-attendees is $300.
Trusts
Trusts have become a common estate planning technique in the United States with beneficial applications across the income and asset spectrum. Trusts may be used to avoid probate, protect assets in the case of remarriage of your spouse, to address the unique dynamics of blended families, as well as to ensure your assets stay in your family with divorce protection for your children after you have passed. Finally, it is recommended that business' interests be owned in trust including shares for doctors, dentists, and other professionals. Trusts may be revocable or irrevocable.
Special Needs Planning
If you have a loved one with special needs, you likely know that special planning is needed to properly care for them. This planning can take a number of different forms depending upon your loved one's circumstance: from revocable or irrevocable special needs trusts, to establishing guardianship or assistance applying for various government benefits. Call our office for help.
Business Planning
For your clients, customers, or patients, for your employees and partners, but most importantly for your family, having a plan for what will occur upon your death or disability is almost a moral obligation. Without one, we've seen otherwise thriving businesses fail.
If you are on this site, you probably know that. Click the link below to set up an appointment and finish the job.
Farm & Landowners
Landowners, ranchers and farmers face unique challenges to preserve their family legacy; a symbol of your heritage. Whether you are running a farm, managing land or operating a family business… transitions in ownership (death, retirement, divorce or selling shares), can cause turmoil. We can help you maintain family harmony and avoid many difficult family business circumstances through the use of Living Trusts, Legacy Land Trusts, Family Limited Partnerships and Buy-Sell Agreements.
These Can Oftenly cause unanticipated issues.
Make sure this asset is adequately looked after to make it as easy as possible on your children, grandchildren, and beyond.
Cabins & Beach Houses
Ensure Fido has a home.
Did you know that North Carolina has a statute dedicated to Pet Trusts? If you have a furry friend or want to ensure any pet you may own at the time of your passing will be provided for, it is important to make sure your intentions comply with state law.