Can I appoint my friend as my medical power of attorney and HIPAA agent? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, you may name a trusted adult friend to serve as your health care (medical) agent and to receive your medical information, so long as they are not disqualified by law (for example,…
What do I need to know about handling a reverse mortgage property when creating an estate plan? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, real estate passes to heirs or devisees subject to existing liens. A reverse mortgage does not get paid off by the estate unless the will or trust clearly says so;…
Can my mother transfer or gift her share of the house to me now to avoid future disputes? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes—if title to the property has vested in your mother after the will is probated, she can deed or gift her share to you. But in North Carolina, any transfer by an…
How can I set up a trust to ensure my siblings cannot inherit any portion of the property? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you can use a revocable living trust to control who receives your share and exclude siblings. First, create a trust that names your chosen beneficiaries and specifically omits siblings;…
How will the inherited properties from my aunt transfer into my and my mother’s names after the estate is settled? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, title to real estate devised by a will vests in the named beneficiaries once the will is probated, relating back to the date of death, but subject…
What do I need to include in a living will to refuse life-prolonging procedures in a vegetative state? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, your living will (called an “Advance Directive for a Natural Death”) should clearly state that if you are in a persistent vegetative state, you refuse life‑prolonging measures. You should…
How can I ensure my executor has full authority to transfer my probate assets after I die? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, only a court‑appointed personal representative with Letters Testamentary can transfer your probate assets. To streamline full authority, name an executor in a valid will and grant broad powers—especially an express…
Can I complete my will and power of attorney documents virtually with a notary and witnesses? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you cannot fully execute a will virtually today. A will must be signed in front of two witnesses who are physically present with you; a notary is optional unless you want…
Do I need a separate HIPAA release if I already have a medical power of attorney? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a properly drafted Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) often gives your health care agent access to your medical information when the HCPOA is effective. Still, a separate HIPAA authorization is…
Can I change the agent on my financial power of attorney now that my spouse is deceased? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, you can revoke a current financial power of attorney and sign a new one naming a different agent at any time while you have capacity. Your spouse’s death does…