It is a common misconception that estate planning is not for those who are young. Often when we think of the word estate, it conjures up the idea of wealth. However, it should be understood that estate planning is a valuable resource that can help you ensure that after you pass away, your final wishes and directives will be honored. Estate planning is especially crucial if you have minor-aged children at home as a will can specify your wishes in regard to who they would live within the event of your death. The estate planning lawyers at Parks Zeigler can help you establish a solid estate plan that is custom-made to fit your individual needs and circumstances. Contact our firm and schedule an appointment to discuss your needs.
Estate planning lawyers in Elizabeth City can assist in developing many different plans that fit your individual needs and personal circumstances. More information on how we can help below.
A legal document that expresses your final wishes and divides personal assets after you pass away.
Trusts are established in order to provide legal protections for the owner of the trust’s assets. This ensures that the assets are distributed according to the legal specifications outlined within the terms of the trust. Establishing a trust can also help your loved ones avoid probate.
This is a legal document that grants an individual legal authority to make important decisions in regard to medical care for another person, such as a family member.
In North Carolina, this document gives legal power to make decisions in regard to your healthcare. This pertains to long-term care as well as end-of-life treatment options. A Healthcare Power of Attorney document can help ease your loved ones’ minds as to what your wishes are in regard to medical treatments should you become incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself.
These cases revolve around beneficiaries who are involved in legal disputes over a trust. We can represent you in these cases in order to protect your interests.
A power of attorney document that allows an individual, known as the “principal,” to designate an individual of their choice, known as the “agent,” to legally act on their behalf in financial matters. This gives the agent the legal ability to pay debts, buy and sell property, and conduct other financial transactions as if they were the principal. This can also protect you from the possibility of having to be under legal guardianship should you become unable to manage your own affairs.
Most individuals believe that when they pass away, their assets will naturally be inherited by their heirs and other loved ones, but this is not always necessarily true. In North Carolina, property or other assets only listed in the decedent’s name alone are subject to probate, which can be quite lengthy as well as costly. Assets that are co-owned by a spouse, assets left to beneficiaries in a will, or those assets that are held in a revocable trust are generally not subject to probate. Having a will or a revocable trust set up and in place in the event of your death is a wonderful resource for both you and your family members. Working with an estate planning attorney in Elizabeth City can give you the peace of mind that your final wishes will be carried out and your heirs will be adequately provided for after your death.
It is a common misconception that if a parent of a minor-aged child dies, the surviving parent would naturally retain custody of the child. However, this is not based on fact. There are a wide variety of individuals who have the legal right to step forward and request that the court appoint them as a guardian for the children. One important fact to consider is that Youth and Family Services may also file a petition to be named as the legal guardian for a minor-aged child who has no pre-appointed guardian. A lawyer in Elizabeth City can draft estate planning documents that consider minor children.
One of the best things that you can ever do for your family is to develop an estate plan that fits your needs and circumstances. In the long run, your family and other heirs will be grateful that you took the time to plan ahead. We strive to treat all of our clients with the care and compassion they need as they plan for the future. Contact an Elizabeth City estate planning lawyer at Parks Zeigler, PLLC, and schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.
Centrally located on the waterfront in downtown Elizabeth City, our team provides quality legal representation across the following counties in the Northeast North Carolina region.
Also serving only criminal and traffic cases in the following counties:
Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys At Law
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