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Estate Planning Attorney in Wilmington, NC
Call NowLet an Experienced Estate Law Firm Protect Your Assets and Secure Your Legacy
For a free consultation with the experienced estate planning attorneys at Bespoke Estate Law, please get in touch. We help clients in Wilmington, NC and the surrounding areas with elder law services, will formation, trust fund support, probate, and other estate planning needs. Don't wait to secure your legacy - guarantee your children's future and protect your assets today. From tax efficient asset distribution to power of attorney designations and more, we can help.
Don't Wait - Start Planning Your Future Today
None of us know what the future holds, but we can all agree that allowing your estate to go through a lengthy and expensive probate process is not in the best interests of your children or other beneficiaries. Worse still, the state of North Carolina will dictate the distribution of your estate in intestate situations (when there is no recognized will), and these distributions may not be in accordance with your wishes. At a minimum, you should draft a will under the guidance of an experienced lawyer, set up a durable power of attorney, and designate a healthcare power of attorney in the event that you become incapacitated. Not only is this the responsible choice, but it can spare your loved ones the stress that uncertainty can bring.
No Two Estates are the Same
Bespoke Estate Law has helped hundreds of clients from all walks of life and rungs on the economic ladder. Estate planning is not only for the ultra-wealthy. Parents with Roth IRAs, couples with real property in their names, adults with joint bank accounts, and every other financial scenario imaginable would benefit from an estate plan.
Estate Planning For Young Adults and Families
Young professionals are not too young to establish an estate plan. Where will your bank account, retirement plan, or other assets go if you pass away? Who will administer your estate? Will your assets be distributed to relatives that you would rather not include? Bespoke Estate Law helps young professionals establish an effective and cost-efficient estate plan early in adulthood, so that you can enjoy peace of mind as you start to build your assets.
Young parents should also revisit their will and estate plan early and often. You must appoint guardians for your children, choose an agent under power of attorney, shore up a succession plan for your bank accounts and other funds, and ensure that your children's future is intact if something unfortunate happens to you.
Estate Planning for Senior Citizens or Those Nearing the End of Their Career
When you have worked hard in your career, and accrued funds, land, or other assets, you must take action to protect the fruits of your labor. Leaving the future to chance, or waiting until you have time to write an estate plan, may lead to unnecessary heartache or confusion for your loved ones.
Bespoke Estate Law can help you protect your assets from creditors in trusts, designate beneficiaries in even the most complex family situations (blended families and so forth), and protect your heirs from lawsuits and probate. We also suggest revisiting your previous will in case your distribution preferences have changed over the years.
From healthcare planning to tax-efficient wealth distribution strategies, we would be happy to provide a free consultation and create a personalized estate plan for your needs.
Our Estate Planning Services in Wilmington, NC
Trust Formation Services
Bespoke Estate Law offers a comprehensive range of trust formation services to meet the estate planning needs of our clients. We can structure the formation of revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, marital trusts, dynasty trusts (where your assets continue for future generations until the funds are depleted), charitable trusts, and more. Each type of trust is designed to protect different kinds of assets, distribute them efficiently, or fulfill other unique needs. We would be happy to speak with you about your situation in our free consultation, where we can suggest different types of trusts that will suit your family's needs.
Form a Will
Contact our experienced estate attorneys to draft a will that adheres to North Carolina's legal standards. Your will must be notarized, written down, and witnessed by two other individuals, but there are a multitude of factors that may cause a will to be considered illegitimate upon your death. Designate guardians, heirs, distribution methods, and more, and guarantee that your estate will be distributed exactly according to your wishes.
Protect Yourself From Elder Abuse or Healthcare Issues
Plan ahead for the hardships you may face as you reach your golden years. Bespoke Estate Law can help you plan for Medicaid, protect funds from nursing home or assisted living facility estate recovery, prepare powers of attorney, and more. Adults who enter their elderly years without a properly-drafted estate plan in place are at risk of financial elder abuse; let us create a peaceful and safe future for you and your heirs.
Prepare For Retirement From a Business
Many business owners want to retire, but are not yet comfortable leaving the company in someone else's hands. We understand these concerns, and we have helped many founders ensure the proper use of business assets, preserve jobs for valued employees, and delegate decision-making responsibilities. If you are thinking of retiring from your company and wish to establish a legally-defined succession plan, contact us for a free consultation.
Estate Planning FAQs in Wilmington, NC
Why Is Estate Planning Important in North Carolina?
Estate planning allows you to determine how your property will be distributed, who will act on your behalf if you become incapacitated, and how your loved ones will be cared for. Without a plan, North Carolina intestacy laws will dictate the distribution of your assets, often in ways you might not intend. Our attorneys help clients avoid probate complications and unnecessary court involvement by creating comprehensive estate plans that meet every legal requirement.
When Should I Begin My Estate Plan?
It’s wise to begin estate planning as soon as you start acquiring assets, no matter your age. Younger professionals benefit from establishing basic protections such as wills and powers of attorney. Families and retirees often require more complex plans, including trusts and succession strategies. The firm’s article At What Age Should You Consider Estate Planning? provides additional insight on why earlier planning offers greater flexibility and long-term protection.
What Happens If I Die Without a Will in North Carolina?
When someone dies without a will, their estate is considered intestate under North Carolina law. Assets will be distributed according to the state’s statutory hierarchy, which prioritizes spouses and children. However, this process can become complicated if there are stepchildren, estranged relatives, or prior marriages. Drafting a valid will gives you control over the outcome and reduces potential disputes among beneficiaries.
How Often Should I Review My Estate Plan?
Your plan should reflect your current life circumstances. Changes in marriage, children, property ownership, or health are all reasons to revisit your documents. We recommend a review every few years, even if no major life events occur. The blog What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed on a Trust? explains how periodic updates can prevent legal issues and keep your documents consistent with state law.
What Types of Trusts Are Commonly Used in North Carolina?
Revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and charitable trusts are among the most commonly used tools in North Carolina estate planning. Each serves a unique purpose—from avoiding probate to managing long-term care costs or protecting beneficiaries with disabilities. For an overview of how revocable living trusts function, see What Is a Revocable Trust? Bespoke Estate Law Explains.
How Does Estate Planning Protect My Family?
Proper planning prevents unnecessary conflict and ensures your loved ones are cared for. Guardianship designations protect minor children, while healthcare directives make your medical wishes clear. Trusts and wills eliminate uncertainty and reduce the financial burden of probate. Estate planning provides peace of mind, knowing your family won’t face avoidable confusion or legal challenges after your passing.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
A will outlines how your property will be distributed after death and allows you to appoint guardians for minor children. A trust, on the other hand, holds property during your lifetime and can continue to manage or distribute it after your death. Trusts often help avoid probate and can provide asset protection for your heirs. Both can work together to create a comprehensive estate plan.
Can Estate Planning Help Protect a Loved One With Disabilities?
Yes. A special needs trust allows families to support a loved one with disabilities without disqualifying them from government assistance programs such as Medicaid or SSI. Funds can be used for care, education, and housing while preserving eligibility for public benefits. To learn more, visit Does a Special Needs Trust Affect Social Security Benefits in South Carolina?, which explains the structure and benefits of this planning tool.
What Is a Power of Attorney and Why Do I Need One?
A power of attorney grants someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf if you cannot manage your own financial or legal matters. In North Carolina, the document must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. Having one in place avoids costly guardianship proceedings. The firm’s guide Legal Requirements for a Power of Attorney in South Carolina outlines many of the same principles that apply under North Carolina law.
How Can Estate Planning Help With Business Succession?
Business owners can use estate planning to protect their companies and employees by establishing clear succession and management instructions. A well-structured plan allows for the smooth transfer of ownership, minimizes tax exposure, and maintains business continuity. Bespoke Estate Law drafts succession documents that safeguard both your company’s future and your family’s financial stability.
Can Estate Planning Reduce My Tax Liability?
Yes. Strategic estate planning can reduce state and federal tax obligations. Trusts, charitable donations, and proper beneficiary designations can all play a role in minimizing tax exposure. Our attorneys create tax-efficient structures that help preserve your assets for your beneficiaries and charitable interests, keeping more of your estate in the hands of those you choose.
Why Work With a Local Wilmington Estate Planning Attorney?
Working with a Wilmington estate planning attorney means having guidance from someone familiar with North Carolina probate courts, property laws, and local regulations. Our team provides hands-on support and tailored strategies that reflect your life and goals. With Bespoke Estate Law, you’ll receive personal attention from attorneys who understand both state-specific statutes and the local community you call home.
Call Our Estate Planning Lawyers in Wilmington, NC
Our attorneys at Bespoke Estate Law are licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and South Carolina. We would be happy to meet and assist clients in Wilmington, Hampstead, Surf City, Leland, Castle Hayne, and all of the surrounding areas of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties. Let us help with your last will and testament, trust, living will, estate administration, incapacity planning, probate, or other estate planning needs.
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