Can my old law firm give me my former attorney’s new contact information? – NC Short Answer Usually, yes. In North Carolina, a former law firm may generally give a former client the departed attorney’s new public contact information so the client can decide whether to stay with the firm, follow the attorney, or choose…
What happens if I want a different attorney or firm to make changes to my existing will and trust? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a person can usually hire a different attorney or firm to update an existing will and trust. The new attorney will normally review the current documents, confirm whether the…
Can another attorney at the same firm revise my will and trust if the original attorney is no longer there? – NC Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, another attorney at the same firm can usually review and revise an existing will and revocable trust even if the original attorney has left, retired, or is…
When does a medical power of attorney take effect, and how does it get used at a hospital or doctor’s office? – NC Short Answer In North Carolina, a medical power of attorney, called a health care power of attorney, usually takes effect only when a physician named in the document, or the attending physician…
What happens to my estate planning file and documents when my attorney leaves a law firm? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an estate planning “file” usually stays with the law firm that represented the client, even if the drafting attorney leaves. The client can typically choose whether to keep working with the…
How do I choose the right trustee and decide who the beneficiaries should be? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, choosing the right trustee and beneficiaries starts with matching the trust’s job to the people involved: the trustee must be able to manage money and property, follow the trust terms, keep records, and…
How can I update my estate plan if the attorney who drafted it left the firm? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an estate plan can usually be updated by working with either the original law firm or the attorney who left—what matters is getting the current documents and then making changes using…
How often should I review and update my estate plan after major life changes? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an estate plan should be reviewed on a regular schedule (often every 3–5 years) and also any time a major life change happens. Certain events—like marriage, divorce, or having/adopting a child—can change how…
How do I choose the right person to handle my affairs if something happens to me? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the “right person” depends on which job needs doing: making medical decisions, handling finances during incapacity, or managing the estate after death. A good choice is someone trustworthy, organized, and willing…
How do I set up a power of attorney, and what decisions can it cover? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, setting up a power of attorney usually means signing a written document that names a trusted person (an “agent”) to act for the principal. Most people use two separate documents: a financial…
