Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney in Garner, NC – Protect Your Family & Future
Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones
Estate Planning, Elder Law and Trusts—Guided with Clarity and Care
Clear guidance, trusted relationships, and thoughtful planning—so you don’t just sign documents, you gain peace of mind.
You have worked hard to build a life you care deeply about, including your family, your home, and your sense of security. Planning for the future can feel confusing and emotional.
But planning for the future can feel overwhelming, emotional, and uncertain.
At The Happy Lawyer NC we help North Carolina families move forward with confidence through thoughtful legal planning, clear explanations, and trusted relationships.
Our work is about more than documents. It is about helping you feel secure and supported.
We proudly serve individuals and families in Garner, Raleigh, Cary, Wake County, and throughout North Carolina.
What Makes Us Different
Unlike firms that focus on paperwork, we focus on people. We build legal plans grounded in your family’s needs and stay connected as life evolves.
More Than Legal Documents.
A Relationship You Can Rely On.
Estate planning and elder law aren’t just legal transactions. They involve family dynamics, aging concerns, and deeply personal decisions.
That’s why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all plans or rushed document signings.
Instead, we focus on:
Understanding your family and goals
Explaining your options in plain English
Creating a plan that reflects your values—and adapts as life changes
Our clients value having a long-term legal guide, not just paperwork they hope they never need.
Many Families Come to Us Asking:
Do I actually have the right plan or just the basics?
What happens if I or my parent becomes incapacitated?
Will my family know what to do or be left guessing?
How can I protect what I’ve built without creating conflict or stress?
These questions are common and they deserve clear, compassionate answers.
“My husband and I recently worked with Kristen for our estate planning, and we couldn't be more grateful for her expertise and patience. She took the time to meet with us multiple times, never rushing the process, and ensured that we fully understood our options. Kristen is the most thorough and friendly lawyer we have ever worked with, answering all of our many questions with clarity and professionalism. She even provided us with a beautifully organized binder containing all of our documents, making things much easier for our loved ones in the future. Thanks to her, we now have peace of mind knowing that everything is in place. If you're looking for an estate planning attorney who truly cares, we highly recommend Kristen!”
— Christine
A Calm, Clear Guide Through Life’s Legal Decisions
I’m Kristen Mackintosh, an estate planning and elder law attorney serving families throughout North Carolina.
My role is to guide you through complex decisions with clarity and care so you feel confident in your plan and supported along the way.
Clients often tell us they feel relieved after their first meeting—not because everything is “done,” but because they finally understand their options and know they have a trusted place to turn.
How We Help North Carolina Families
Every service we offer is rooted in thoughtful planning, clear communication, and long-term relationships.
Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives designed around your life—not just legal minimums.
Trust Planning
Revocable and irrevocable trusts that protect assets, avoid probate when appropriate, and provide clear instructions for the people you love.
Elder Law & Medicaid Planning
Guidance for aging, long-term care planning, asset protection, and Medicaid eligibility—whether planning ahead or facing a crisis.
Estate Administration & Probate Guidance
Compassionate, step-by-step support after a loved one’s death—so you’re not navigating the process alone.
What It’s Like to Work With Us
From your first conversation to the completion of your plan and beyond, our goal is to make the process feel clear, supportive, and manageable.
Here’s what you can expect:
You’ll Feel Heard
We start by listening. Your concerns, family dynamics, and goals guide every recommendation. There’s no rush and no pressure; just a thoughtful conversation about what matters most to you.
You’ll Understand Your Options
Estate planning and elder law can feel confusing. We explain your options in plain English, answer your questions honestly, and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Your Plan Will Be Personalized
No two families are alike. Your plan is tailored to your life, your values, and your future. It is not pulled from a template or rushed through a checklist.
You Won’t Be Left on Your Own
Our relationship doesn’t end when documents are signed. We’re here as life changes, to review, update, and guide you through new seasons as they arise.
Proudly Serving North Carolina Families
Our office is based in Garner, North Carolina, and we serve clients throughout Wake County and across the state through virtual appointments and mobile notary services.
Wherever you are in North Carolina, you can expect personalized attention, clear communication, and a law firm that truly cares about your family’s future.
Common Questions We Hear
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We don’t just draft documents—we build trusted, long-term relationships. Our clients value clear explanations, thoughtful guidance, and knowing they have an attorney who truly understands their family and will be there as life evolves.
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Working with us feels calm, clear, and supportive. We take the time to listen, explain your options in plain English, and guide you through decisions at a pace that feels comfortable.
You won’t be rushed, pressured, or handed documents you don’t understand. Instead, you’ll have a thoughtful conversation, a personalized plan, and an ongoing relationship you can rely on as life changes.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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You can expect a calm, informative conversation, not pressure or legal jargon. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain English, and help you decide on next steps that make sense for you.
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Most of our services are offered on a flat-fee basis, so you know the cost upfront and can focus on making the right decisions—not watching the clock. We’ll explain pricing clearly during your consultation.
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Yes. Our relationship doesn’t end when your plan is completed. We’re here to help you review, update, and adjust your plan as your life, family, or the law changes.
Ready to Move Forward with Confidence?
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need a thoughtful place to start.
If you’re ready for estate planning, trust planning, or elder law guidance in North Carolina, we’re here to help.
OUR MISSION
“… is to provide a warm, caring, comfortable environment where we can counsel, advise and craft individualized plans. We treat our clients with empathy, compassion and respect, and provide them with home-baked treats.”
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