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Trusts & Wills & Estate Plans, Oh My!
When considering the actions necessary to get your estate in order, many have a general idea of what might be involved. They've heard of the benefits of having a trust, they know they need a will and they feel like they should find out more about estate plans and how they would be of use in preserving their estate. Yet these seemingly simple concepts are full of legalities that can leave you feeling a bit like Dorothy in the land of Oz as she traveled down the yellow brick road muttering, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" If you feel like your wandering in unknown territory muttering, "Trusts and wills and estate plans, oh my!" It's time to stop wandering and sit down with an experienced estate planning attorney.
What Do You Need to Know and Where Should You Start?
When it comes to estate planning, like many other legal practice areas, every case is different. Your estate plan is tailored to meet your goals, your family's needs and the requirements of your state. If you are seeking a starting point, you're already on the right track. Here's a few "next steps" for you to consider.
View the Process as Positive. Many people consider the estate plan as morbid or complicated or both! Yet the estate plan is actually more about living than dying. Estate planning allows for greater control of your finances and health, the reassurance that those you love will be taken care of as you wish, and the protection of your estate for both your use as you grow older as well as for your family and loved ones.
Identify Assets of the Estate. It is impossible to create an effective estate plan without first identifying your assets. You have to know what you want to pass down, so take an inventory of your major assets, investments, real estate and business interests, annuities, bank accounts, insurance policies, retirement accounts, titled vehicles, etc. Compiling a list including cash values, ownership, and beneficiary contact information will go a long way towards assisting you and your estate planning attorney in identifying which options available in estate planning that best suits your needs and wishes.
Name a POA. Regardless of what your estate entails or your income level, everyone should designate a durable (also known as a financial) power of attorney as well as a health-care power of attorney. These individuals will be able to handle your finances and to make medical decisions for you if you were unable.
Re-evaluate Frequently. An estate plan, once created, needs consistent review and updating. Your life is not static, changes are always taking place, whether it is with the law, your family, or finances, so your estate plan needs to change in concert. You should review your estate plan at least once a year to make sure it still meets the goals for your wishes accurately. Always review your estate plan after major life events like the birth of a child/grandchild, a marriage, a divorce, a death of a loved one, etc.
Knowing you should have an estate plan is better than assuming you can make do without one, but the only way to find the peace and stability you would want for your family it to actually have your perfect plan in place. . Contact TW Estate Planning for a free consultation, so an experienced attorney specializing in estate planning can educate you so you can have the perfect plan in place for you and your family.
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Snapping With Shayla
When Shayla's heart unexpectedly stopped at 5 months old, she was left severely disabled. Her story forms the pillar of our practice: If we aren't prepared for the unexpected, the people we hurt the most are the ones we love, so we all need a plan! But not just any plan- a perfect plan for your family! At Thomas Walters, PLLC, our goal is to educate you, so you know that the plan you have is perfect! Today and always. How cute is May's filter?
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Estate Planning Seminar Dates
Attend a free upcoming Educational Event! Limited Seating!
Register today! 888-787-1913 or 919-424-8277
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Matthews
Friday, May 12
Stacks
11100 Monroe Rd.
12:00pm-1:30pm
Lunch Following
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Wake Forest
Monday, May 15
La Foresta
203 Brooks St.
11:30am-1:00pm
Lunch following
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Raleigh
Monday, May 15
Nantucket Grill
1145 Falls River Drive
6:30-8:00pm
Dinner following
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Charlotte
Tuesday, May 16
FireWater
8708 JW Clay Blvd.
11:30am-1:00pm
Lunch Following
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Cary
Tuesday, May 16
Egg and I
1104 Ledsome Lane,
Suite 101
11:00am-12:30pm
Lunch following
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Charlotte
Tuesday, May 16
Maggianos
4400 Sharon Rd.
6:30pm-8:00pm
Dinner Following
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Raleigh
Wednesday, May 17
Coquette Brasserie
4351 The Cir At N Hills
St. #119
11:00am-12:30pm
Lunch following
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Cary
Wednesday, May 17
Lugano
1060 Darrington Drive
5:30-7:00pm
Dinner following
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Wake Forest
Thursday, May 18
La Foresta
203 Brooks St.
6:00pm-7:30pm
Dinner following
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Burlington
Monday, May 22
Cutting Board
2699 Ramada Rd.
6:00pm-7:30pm
Dinner Following
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Greensboro
Tuesday, May 23
Southern Lights Bistro
2415 A Lawndale Dr.
11:30am-1:00pm
Lunch Following
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Greensboro
Tuesday, May 23
Southern Lights Bistro
2415 A Lawndale Dr.
6:00pm-7:30pm
Dinner Following
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Apex
Wednesday, May 24
Tyler's Taproom
1483 Beaver Creek
Commons Dr
6:30pm-8:00pm
Dinner following
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High Point
Thursday, May 25
Sammy G's Tavern
3800 Tinsley Drive
11:00am-12:30pm
Lunch Following
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High Point
Thursday, May 25
Sammy G's Tavern
3800 Tinsley Drive
4:00pm-5:30pm
Dinner Following
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Charlotte
Tuesday, May 30
Red Rocks Cafe
(South Park)
4223-8 Providence Rd
11:00am-12:30pm
Lunch Following
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Charlotte
Monday, June 5
Vine American Kitchen
13735 Conlan Cir
11:30am-1:99pm
Lunch Following
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Charlotte
Tuesday, June 6
Brio Tuscan Grille
4720 Piedmont Row Dr
6:30pm-8:00pm
Dinner Following
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Huntersville
Wednesday, June 7
Red Rocks Cafe (Birkdale Village)
8712 Lindholm Dr
11:00am-12:30pm
Lunch Following
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Charlotte
Thursday, June 8
Brio Tuscan Grille
4720 Piedmont Row Dr
11:00am-12:30pm
Lunch Following
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Client Testimonial
Stacey Walters made something I had dreaded into a simple and efficient process within a matter of weeks. From the initial lunch presentation, to the first office meeting to the actual signing of the estate plan, I was impressed and pleased with Stacey's explanations, organization and delivery of the estate plan that I needed. I'm grateful for her knowledge, experience and kindness as we worked through the process.
-Catherine Wallwork
Raleigh, NC
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Locations
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Chapel Hill:*
1000 Environ Way
3rd Floor, Regus Offices
Chapel Hill, NC
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Raleigh-
Main:
Access Office Center
8801 Fast Park Dr. Ste. 301 Raleigh, NC 27617
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ExecuBusiess Center
10130 Mallard Creek Rd. Ste. 300 Charlotte, NC 28262
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4909 Waters Edge Dr.
Ste. 159
Raleigh, NC 27606
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Charlotte-
South:
Ballantyne Business Center 13850 Ballantyne Corporate Pl. Suite 500
Charlotte, NC 28277
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Greensboro:*
Byron Offices Suites
7-B Corporate Center Dr. Greensboro, NC
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* by appointment only
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