Do we need a financial power of attorney and a medical power of attorney alongside a living trust? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, a revocable living trust manages only assets titled to the trust and does not authorize anyone to act for you personally. A durable financial power of attorney lets…
How do I fund a living trust by retitling real estate and bank accounts? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you fund a revocable living trust by transferring legal title of assets to the trustee of the trust. For real estate, you sign and record a new deed conveying the property to the…
What are the steps to update my existing will? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you update a will by signing either a codicil (an amendment) or a new will that expressly revokes all prior wills. Either way, you must sign in front of two competent witnesses, and they must sign in your…
What happens during a will consultation and what does it cover? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a will consultation confirms your goals, reviews your current documents and assets, and outlines a legally sound plan to sign a valid, self-proved will. You’ll discuss executors and bond waivers, how your will coordinates with beneficiary…
Can my spouse and I get wills done together? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, spouses can sign their wills at the same meeting and make their plans match. The safest approach is for each spouse to sign an individual will (often called “mirror” or “reciprocal” wills). North Carolina also permits a…
How do I make changes to a recorded will without starting from scratch? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you don’t edit a signed will. You either sign a codicil (an amendment to your will) or execute a new will that expressly revokes the old one. Both options must be executed with the…
Can I specify cremation instead of burial in my will? – North Carolina Short Answer Yes. In North Carolina, your will can direct cremation (or burial), and those written instructions are effective at death and generally control over your next of kin’s wishes. However, if you signed a preneed cremation/funeral contract or authorized your health…
Do I need formal written instructions for where my remains should go if I’ve already told my child? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a verbal instruction to a child is not legally binding if there is a dispute. To make your wishes enforceable, put them in writing—either in your will or in…
Should I include my medical treatment orders and DNR paperwork in my will or keep them separate? – North Carolina Short Answer Keep your medical treatment orders and DNR/MOST forms separate from your will. In North Carolina, a will takes effect at death, while DNR and MOST orders are medical directions that must be available…
How many backup beneficiaries can I name if my primary beneficiaries predecease me? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, you can name as many backup (alternate or contingent) beneficiaries as you want. The key is clear drafting: spell out the order of who takes next, include a survivorship requirement, and say whether North…