Naming an executor is an essential element of a will. The executor's role is to secure assets, pay debts and estate taxes, then distribute what remains according to the deceased's final wishes. Being chosen as an executor speaks to the person's integrity and perceived...
When you decide to buy or sell a house, you ready yourself for problems that may come up, and you may have done everything possible to keep those issues from happening. As you get closer to completing the paperwork on your home, be on the lookout for some common...
Purchasing a new home is an exciting time for North Carolina residents, and many believe that the stressful parts are over once they sign the title. However, there are circumstances in which a prior owner may have claims to your title that you did not know about. In...
Unless you exercise care when creating your estate plan, there is a chance that the decisions you make during the process may create conflicts among your children after you die. By starting early and creating your estate plan while you are of sound mind, you may be...
Selling a home can be both a rewarding and stressful process. If you are lucky, you find a buyer quickly and set a fast closing date. Nevertheless, your house may sit on the market for months or longer. In August 2020, most for-sale homes in the U.S. stayed on the...
North Carolina residents often have questions about probate during the estate planning process. Understanding how probate works in the state can help inform your decisions. Review these aspects of North Carolina probate when planning your estate. Defining probate...
Whether you are buying or selling a home, you are probably anticipating a certain closing date. However, closing dates are not cast in stone. Here are five issues that can cause a delay in the proceedings. 1. Unrealistic closing date It normally takes between 45 and...
If you expect to leave assets to your loved ones, you may have concerns about the taxes they will pay on your estate. While North Carolina no longer has an estate tax, your assets may be subject to federal taxes. Review the federal tax guidelines as you plan your...
Distributing possessions to your children is a challenging part of settling an estate. It is more difficult dividing personal belongings compared to money. Planning ahead of time how you want to divide your jewelry, dishes, furniture, photos, artwork, clothing or...
Even though estate plans have historically focused on tangible assets like a home, classic cars or family heirlooms, a significant portion of modern lives are being lived online. While you can’t necessarily hold a digital avatar, these online assets can be just as...
