We Put Families at Ease

 

We listen, we guide, we counsel, we design Estate Plans for you, and most importantly, we care.  We care what happens to you and your loved ones. Our goal is to give you peace of mind. 

Implementing a thorough Estate Plan is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. It will ensure your wishes are met and provide peace of mind that your family is protected. You may not know it, but if you die without a Will in the State of North Carolina, everything does not necessarily pass to your spouse and you leave guardianship of your minor children to the Court’s discretion. Because of things like this, thoughtful Estate Planning is one of the greatest gifts you leave your family. We believe it is the perfect way to love your family in this life and beyond. Death is unavoidable – but leaving your family with uncertainty is not. 

We use our experience, expertise and compassion to make tailor-make solutions for you. We even provide videos, prepared exclusively for Webb & Morton clients, to walk you through the process. Without planning, the State of North Carolina decides what happens, where your property goes and in what amounts, irrespective of your actual wishes. You do not want the State of North Carolina making decisions for you. 

Wondering why Estate Planning is important? 

Here are several reasons “why”: ensure your Health Care Power of Attorney is the best person to make medical decisions on your behalf; eliminate court involvement; ensure a trusted person handles your financial affairs; ensure your estate planning gifts go to the right people; reduce or eliminate estate taxes; properly plan your charitable giving; ensure your burial wishes are followed; ensure proper business succession planning; make sure your estate plan is consistent with current law; ensure proper special needs planning through a Special Needs Trust; reduce or eliminate probate fees; if you own cryptocurrency, ensure it can be accessed and not lost forever; and many more… 

Without an estate plan, consider these possibilities. 

Your spouse does not receive the largest portion of your estate; disputes arise with the succession of your business; your estate may pay substantially more in estate taxes and probate fees; unintended beneficiaries may receive a portion of your assets pursuant to state law; large distributions may go outright to a beneficiary at only eighteen (18) years of age; issues arise as to who will be appointed as guardian of your minor children; court-imposed guardianship may be necessary if you become incompetent without a Financial and Health Care Power of Attorney in place; a court-appointed guardian may not be someone you would have chosen as your guardian; you lose control over how a Special Needs loved one is cared for; and many more… 

The following are the basic estate planning documents every adult should have: 

Last Will and Testament – Provides for, in part, the distribution of your assets, nomination of a guardian for your minor children and designation of a Personal Representative. Visit here to learn more about the Probate process. 

Trust Agreement - There are many types of Trust agreements to achieve your estate planning goals. Trusts can be irrevocable or revocable and can be used to protect and preserve your assets, to make gifts to your children without giving them control over the gift, to reduce or eliminate estate taxes, to retain assets until a beneficiary reaches a certain age or for the beneficiary’s lifetime, to provide support for disabled beneficiaries, and to afford privacy. 

Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will - It designates an Agent to make medical decisions, including end of life decisions, when you are unable to make those decisions yourself. The Living Will Declaration details your wishes regarding medical care and end-of-life/right-to-die decisions. 

Durable Power of Attorney - It designates an Agent to make financial decisions on your benefit and is most often used when you are unable to properly manage your financial affairs because of some physical or mental incapacity. Having a “trusted” Agent in place to handle your financial affairs should avoid the need for a court appointed guardian. 

We offer a variety of estate planning packages that are reasonably priced and many flat-fee options. If you want to plan and take care of those you love, contact us today – we are here to help.