Families caring for a disabled or special needs adult in North Carolina often worry about what will happen when the parents who serve as guardians pass away. Many assume that guardianship simply shifts automatically to the next closest relative, such as a brother or sister. Under North Carolina law, however, […]
Life insurance is often thought of as simple protection for a family. But for high-net-worth families in North Carolina, it can create a hidden tax problem. Under federal law, if the insured owns the policy, the full payout may be pulled into their estate and taxed, even if the family […]
When a child with autism turns eighteen in North Carolina, the law sees them as an adult, regardless of their abilities or needs. Parents who have been making medical, school, and financial decisions for years suddenly lose automatic authority. Doctors may refuse to share health information. Schools must transfer educational […]
When someone dies in North Carolina, the will usually names an executor to handle probate. But what if that executor also dies, or becomes unable to serve, before the process even starts? Families are often left with urgent questions. Who has the right to step in? Does the will still […]
Owning a vacation home is one of the most meaningful family investments. Deciding how to protect it and pass it on can be complicated. One option some families consider is a Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT). This tool can reduce federal estate taxes, avoid probate, and still let the owner […]