How can I tell if our trust, wills, and other estate documents are complete and still valid? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, estate documents are usually still valid if they were signed with the required formalities and have not been revoked, replaced, or undermined by later life changes. But a binder can look…
Can a lawyer review estate documents we created through an online service and tell us what is missing? – NC Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a lawyer can review estate documents prepared through an online service, explain what each document does, and identify gaps, signing problems, or follow-up steps that may still be needed.…
How do I fix or update estate planning documents that were originally prepared through an online service? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, estate planning documents created through an online service can often be updated, replaced, or confirmed, but the answer depends on whether the documents were signed correctly and whether they fit North…
How do I transfer my paid-off house into my trust, and what documents does the lawyer need from me? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a paid-off house is usually transferred into a revocable trust by preparing and recording a new deed from the current owner to the trustee of the trust. The lawyer…
Can I update my trust with an amendment, or do I need to restate the whole trust? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a revocable trust can often be updated with a trust amendment if the change is limited and the trust document allows that method. A full restatement is usually the better choice…
Do I need to transfer the deed into my trust for the property to be covered by it? – NC Short Answer Usually, yes. In North Carolina, a trust generally controls real property only after title is actually transferred into the trust, which is typically done by recording a new deed that names the trustee…
Can a new attorney update or continue my estate plan if it was originally drafted through a different firm’s software system? – NC Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a new attorney can usually review, update, restate, or replace an estate plan even if another firm drafted the original documents in a different software system.…
What is the difference between a trust with pour-over wills and a full estate planning package? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a trust with pour-over wills usually covers who receives property through the trust and who handles any assets left outside the trust at death. A full estate planning package goes further by…
What do we need for a trust and wills signing to be valid if we sign remotely, like notary and witnesses? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a remote signing can be valid, but the rules are different for wills and trusts. A will still needs the required witnesses, and remote witnessing must follow…
What information do you need from us to draft simple wills for a married couple? – NC Short Answer For a basic will-only plan for a married couple in North Carolina, the main information usually includes each spouse’s full legal name, address, family details, intended beneficiaries, chosen executor, and any guardian choices for minor children.…
