Second marriages create a unique pressure point in estate planning, where loyalty to a new spouse intersects with long standing promises to children. Blended families rarely share the same history and without careful planning, they rarely share the same version of fairness. A new spouse may believe ongoing financial security […]
Many doctors spend their lives building a medical practice that provides for their families, supports their community, and represents decades of work. But when it comes time to think about the future, many physicians in North Carolina wonder what will happen to their practice and the wealth it creates. Without […]
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 […]
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 […]
It is not unusual in North Carolina for someone to pass away leaving both a will and a trust. On paper, it sounds like a safe way to make sure every asset is covered. In reality, it can create overlap, confusion, and even conflict, especially when some property is inside […]