Practice Areas
Whether you need an attorney for the first time in your life or need to establish local counsel, it is important to find representation that you are comfortable with and can rely on for years to come. Our philosophy is that if we cannot help you, we will find someone who can.
Estate Administration
Estate administration involves the probate of the decedent’s estate and includes the collection of assets, handling of debts, and distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. Our office can assist you in all aspects of the probate process including but not limited to court filings and accountings, bond requirements if any, and publication of creditor claims.
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At your initial appointment, we will request that you provide the following information:
- Copy of death certificate
- Original Last Will and Testament if any
- Names and addresses of all beneficiaries of the decedent
- Account information and values for any financial accounts
- List of all real and personal property of the decedent
- Names, addresses and values of any stocks, bonds, securities, insurance, retirement plans, and IRAs
- Debts due to the decedent
- Debts owed by the decedent
We offer free consultations. Please contact our office today so that we may better assist you.
Estate Planning
Estate planning documents include the following: Last Will and Testament; Durable or Financial Power of Attorney; and Healthcare Power of Attorney.
Last Will and Testament. This document is only effective at the time of your death. It allows the appointment of an executor to administer your estate, the division of both real and personal property, and the appointment of trustees and guardians for minor children.
Durable or Financial Power of Attorney. This document is only effective during your lifetime. It allows the appointment of an agent to handle your financial affairs in the event that you become incapacitated. This document must be recorded with the Brunswick County Register of Deeds in order to be effective.
Healthcare Power of Attorney. This document is only effective during your lifetime. This document also includes the Declaration for Natural Death also known as the Living Will. It allows the appointment of an agent to handle your healthcare needs in the event that you become incapacitated. This document allows you to make elections concerning the extent of the agent’s authority, and the withholding and discontinuation of medical treatment, nutrition and hydration.
During an estate planning interview, we will discuss the following information:
- Value and debt of all real property
- Value and debt of all personal property including motor vehicles, stocks and bonds, business interests, and retirement investments
- Provisions for minor children and grandchildren
- Provisions for surviving spouses and contemporaneous deaths
- Names, addresses and telephone numbers for executors, trustees, guardians, agents for Power of Agent and Healthcare Power of Attorney, and alternates
Our firm also handles the administration of estates.
Incompetency and Guardianship Proceedings
When a person is or becomes mentally incapacitated, it may be necessary to initiate incompetency proceedings. Our firm represents clients seeking incompetency and guardianship proceedings before the Brunswick County Clerk of Court.
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