I received a wonderful letter the other day from Marcia Lampert, the Director at the Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Cancer Center was referred to me by the North Carolina Bar to speak to their community regarding end of life planning.
It is hard to deal with our own incapacity and [...]
Category Archives: Last Will and Testament
March 7, 2010
A Great letter from the Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Cancer House
October 26, 2009
North Carolina Wills: Information From The North Carolina Court System
While most people have heard the term “will” used at some point in their lives, it is worth taking a moment to discuss just what exactly a will is, and why it is something worth having.
According to the North Carolina Court System Website:
“A will is a written document in which you direct who [...]
October 21, 2009
Reviewing Your North Carolina Last Will and Testament
Not reviewing your North Carolina Last Will and Testament and or Living Trusts every few years, or at the very least when the IRS makes changes to it Estate Tax law, could result in your estate not being settled pursuant to your original wishes.
The Wall Street Journal has a great article that shows how important [...]
August 31, 2009
Another Horror Story From the Real World
As an attorney who has a passion for helping families put their affairs in order and plan for their families future, I am not a proponent of a “do it yourself” Estate Plan. The biggest reason is that so many times they fail because of the lack of counseling that an educated, experienced and caring [...]
August 21, 2009
What Really Went Wrong with Michael Jackson’s Estate?
Without getting into the specific provisions of Michael Jackson’s Will (because that is an entirely other story), the biggest mistake (in my opinion) was that Michael Jackson trusted the wrong people. Both his attorneys and his financial advisors failed him in advising him and guiding him. With all the money and assets that he had, [...]
August 9, 2009
Why Choose an Attorney over “Do it Yourself” Estate Plan?
We are all looking to save money where we can. We cut back on the car wash – we wash our own cars now. We cut back on going to the movies – we rent more now. We save on gas – we make more stops in the same trip. Doing all these things will [...]
August 7, 2009
Do YOU need an Estate Plan?
Ask yourself these few questions:
1. I have made appropriate legal arrangements to appoint the person or persons I want to make my personal, health care and financial decisions should I ever become disabled.
2. I have made appropriate legal arrangements to appoint the person or persons I want to raise my minor children to adulthood should [...]
July 19, 2009
To the Grave with your Username and Password?
How many of us do our banking on line? How many of us have a Facebook or Twitter account? And, how many times have you paid a bill on line? Every single one of these actions requires a password and username. The Wall Street Journal published an article that discusses why it is so important [...]
June 3, 2009
Are your Children Trust Worthy?
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of planning for your children after your death or your incapacity. In support of my passion for educating parents, there is an excellent article that further emphasizes the importance. Below is a link to an excerpt from a new book written by Stacey L. Bradford “The Wall Street Journal [...]
January 7, 2009
Why Residenty in North Carolina Should be Required to have a North Carolina Last Will and Testament
I have had several inquiries regarding this topic over the last few weeks, so I thought it important to pass on my words of wisdon! There is not a North Carolina statute which requires a testator (person making the Last Will and Testament) to be a resident of North Carolina to have a valid North Carolina Last Will and Testament. Under [...]
