A Winston-Salem Wills And Trusts Attorney For Your Estate Planning Needs
At Salem Law, we believe that crafting a comprehensive estate plan starts with listening. Led by our founding attorney, Daniel Umlauf, we have been providing customized estate plans to clients in the Winston-Salem community since 2010. We work closely with our clients to understand their wishes and legal goals to craft an estate plan, draft a will and create trusts designed to protect their assets and wealth for future generations.
Crafting A Will That Identifies Your Wishes
A will is an important legal document that sets forth your wishes in the event of your death. A will not only directs what happens to your property, it identifies who will manage your estate and take care of your minor children. It can also identify who should take care of your pets. Having a will can also minimize family disputes after you are gone.
If you die in North Carolina without a will, the probate court will determine how your assets and wealth will be divided. The intestate succession laws in North Carolina set forth the order your heirs will inherit your property and wealth after your debts have been paid.
Establishing Trusts To Protect Your Assets And Wealth
A trust is an invaluable estate planning tool for wills and trusts attorneys. A trust can be established to help your heirs avoid probate, ensure that your assets stay within your family in the event of remarriage or divorce, and address unique business or special needs.
There are many different types of trusts, including:
- Asset protection trusts: An asset protection trust can protect you or your beneficiaries from taxes, lawsuits, creditors or divorce. Asset protection trusts can be used in a business succession plan or planning for long-term health care, like Medicaid.
- Special needs trusts: A special needs trust can be used to plan and prepare for loved ones and family members who have special needs. Depending on your circumstances and needs, a special needs trust can be revocable or irrevocable.
- Legacy land trusts: A legacy land trust can help landowners, ranchers, and farmers protect and preserve family farms and businesses for future generations.
- Pet trusts: A special pet trust can make sure that your beloved pets are cared for if something happens to you.
When a trust is revocable, you have the right to revoke or amend its terms. An irrevocable trust, often used for Medicaid planning or to protect veterans benefits, is more difficult to change. Our experienced wills and trusts attorney can help you understand all of your options when it comes to creating a trust that will serve your unique needs.
Attend An Estate Planning Workshop With A Wills And Trusts Attorney
Our estate planning law firm regularly offers complimentary estate planning workshops. In addition, attendees are eligible for a complimentary, initial consultation to further discuss estate planning needs.
To find out more information or schedule an initial consultation appointment, you can call our office at 336-715-1311 or send us an email through our website. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you craft a customized estate plan that will identify your wishes and achieve your legal goals.