“We’ll get to it eventually.”
It’s a phrase I hear often—and not just from clients. We say it about doctor visits, going to the gym, cleaning out the garage... and estate planning. But unlike most tasks we postpone, waiting too long to create an estate plan can carry devastating consequences—especially for the people you love most.

If you're a North Carolina homeowner or an adult child of aging parents, protecting the family home should be a top priority. Without proper estate planning, your most valuable asset could be lost to probate, Medicaid recovery, or family disputes. In this blog, we’ll explore high-level strategies to preserve generational wealth, avoid costly legal battles, and ensure your home passes smoothly to the next generation. Whether you're in Garner, Raleigh, or anywhere across North Carolina, proactive planning can make all the difference.

When you love someone with a disability, your concerns don’t stop at the day-to-day. You think about the long term—the 'what ifs' that keep you up at night. What will happen when you’re no longer here to care for them, advocate for them, or provide for them financially? For many families across North Carolina, a Special Needs Trust is the key to answering those questions with confidence. In this article, we’ll explore how Special Needs Trusts work, why they matter, and how thoughtful legal planning can give your loved one a secure, supported future—no matter what tomorrow brings.

Talking about estate planning can be uncomfortable, but avoiding the discussion can lead to unintended consequences. Instead of thinking of it as a legal matter, frame it as a way to honor your parents' wishes and protect their legacy.

Start with open-ended questions like:

• What matters most to you when it comes to your assets and healthcare decisions?

• Who do you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to?

• Have you documented your wishes in a legal format?

These conversations don’t have to be completed in one sitting. The key is to start early and make it an ongoing dialogue.

Ah, spring break—the time of year when people pack their bags, head to the beach, and embrace a little fun in the sun. Let’s say you don’t plan. You forget to book a hotel. Your flight lands at an airport three hours from the beach. You didn’t check the weather and packed only swimsuits—only to arrive during a cold front. Suddenly, your “relaxing getaway” turns into a stressful disaster.Well, the same thing happens when people don’t plan for their future with estate planning. You may not feel the consequences right away, but one unexpected event can turn life into absolute chaos.

If you're caring for an aging parent or planning for your own future, you already know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of long-term care, Medicaid, estate planning, and elder law. You want to do what's best—protect assets, ensure proper medical care, and avoid unnecessary legal or financial roadblocks. But without a clear plan, families often find themselves making rushed, expensive decisions in times of crisis.

Families today are more diverse than ever, and blended families—where one or both partners have children from previous relationships—are becoming increasingly common. While these families create new opportunities for love and connection, they also introduce unique financial and legal challenges when it comes to estate planning. Without proper planning, loved ones may face unnecessary disputes, financial insecurity, and unintended disinheritance.

No one likes to think about aging, long-term care, or what happens if we become unable to make our own decisions. Its uncomfortable, and frankly, its easier to put off. But here’s the hard truth: waiting too long to plan can cost you everything: your savings, your home, and your family’s peace of mind.

Life moves fast. Between work, kids, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to push certain things—like estate planning—to “someday.” After all, no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, and if you’re young and healthy, it may seem unnecessary.

But here’s the reality: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s for anyone who has people they love and things they care about. Whether it’s ensuring your kids are raised by the right person, keeping your finances in trusted hands, or protecting your home and assets, having a plan in place can make all the difference.

And yet, so many families put it off—until it’s too late.

Did you know that without a Power of Attorney, your spouse or loved ones may not be able to make medical or financial decisions for you if something unexpected happens? Many people assume their family can automatically step in—but that’s not how the law works. If you become incapacitated without this critical document, your loved ones could face lengthy court battles, financial stress, and frustrating delays just to help you. In this guide, we’ll break down why a Power of Attorney is the most important legal document you need, bust common myths, and explain how you can protect yourself before it’s too late.

Let’s be real—life is busy. Between work, kids, aging parents, and trying to carve out five minutes for yourself, estate planning is probably at the bottom of your to-do list. But here’s the thing: waiting until you have “more time” could leave your family unprotected when they need it most.

The good news? You don’t need hours to secure your family’s future. A few small, smart steps today can make all the difference.

Discussing elder law with your parents can feel daunting. You worry about stepping on toes, sparking conflict, or making an already sensitive topic even more difficult. But as uncomfortable as these conversations might be, they’re essential for protecting your family’s future and ensuring your parents’ wishes are honored. With the right approach, you can navigate these discussions respectfully and productively.

Here are six strategies to help you talk to your parents about elder law without conflict:

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to decide between a will and a trust, you’re not alone. For many families, estate planning can feel like navigating a maze. But here’s the good news: with the right information and guidance, you can confidently choose the best path for your family.

As our parents age, ensuring their financial stability and access to necessary care becomes one of the most pressing concerns for adult children. Navigating the complexities of Medicaid can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to protecting your parents' hard-earned assets. Whether you’re exploring Medicaid for the first time or trying to understand how it fits into your parents’ financial future, this guide will simplify the process and give you actionable steps to safeguard their legacy. So let’s learn all about simplifying Medicaid.

Let’s be honest: the idea of estate planning can feel like an enormous task. Where do you even begin? What if you forget something important? You’re not alone—so many people feel overwhelmed at the thought of putting their wishes down on paper. But here’s the thing: estate planning is not about complexity; it’s about protecting what matters most to you. And with the right steps (and a little guidance), you can tackle this with confidence and ease.

As someone who’s helped countless individuals and families create meaningful estate plans, I can promise you—you’ve got this. Let me walk you through the process step by step, so you can move forward without stress and with the peace of mind you deserve.

As we say goodbye to the old year and welcome a fresh start, there’s something uniquely motivating about January. It’s a time to set goals, embrace positive change, and create a plan for the year ahead. While you’re organizing your goals—whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or tackling long-overdue projects—why not add estate planning to your list?

Estate planning might sound intimidating, but it’s one of the most empowering and thoughtful steps you can take to protect your loved ones and secure your future. Let’s break it down, step by step, to show you how approachable and beneficial it can be.

When most people think about estate planning, they think about writing a will. It’s the tool we’ve all heard about—the magical document that ensures your family will be taken care of and your wishes will be honored after you’re gone. So, you write a will, sign it, tuck it away, and breathe a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, that’s where many people stop—and where many problems begin.

When it comes to estate planning, many people feel overwhelmed. And I get it—thinking about the future, especially topics like death and money, can be tough. But here’s the thing: not planning now can leave your loved ones in a stressful, expensive, and time-consuming situation down the road. Let’s take a look at some common questions I hear about estate planning and how you can ensure your family is protected.

When it comes to estate planning, one of the most common topics people ask about is how to handle accounts and manage assets. If you're like many Gen Xers or Millennials juggling careers, family, and planning for the future, understanding account ownership and asset management is crucial—not just for convenience, but to ensure your loved ones are protected and your wishes are honored.

Thanksgiving is a time for connection, reflection, and the occasional spirited debate over who gets the last slice of pie. Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to tackle important family conversations, including estate planning. While discussing topics like wills, powers of attorney, and inheritance might not feel as warm and fuzzy as sharing recipes, these discussions are deeply tied to the values of gratitude and care that define this holiday.