Hampstead Estate Planning Attorney

Situated on the vast Carolina coastline, Hampstead, NC, is a breathtaking sight. Whether it’s soaking in the view at Serenity Point, walking the dogs at Abbey Nature Preserve, or getting the whole family together for a day out at Hampstead Kiwanis Park, Hampstead has something for everyone.

Hampstead is home to nearly 7,000 North Carolinians at or around a median age of 38.6. This is the age that you may have started or are considering starting a family, buying a home, or fulfilling caregiver responsibilities for your parents. Perhaps you have a business that needs protection, or at the very least, you want to do the responsible thing and set up an estate plan to protect your loved ones after you’re gone.

If that’s you, let’s talk. Our Hampstead area estate planning lawyers at Johnson Legal, PLLC can help you create a solid estate plan that factors in the details of your life. We’re here to help you protect your legacy and those you love through living wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools. Call now.

Estate Planning is So Much More Than Just Having a Will

When you think of estate planning, you may think of a last will and testament. Although a will is often the foundation of many estate plans, it’s not the end-all, be-all. Many legal issues can arise without the right estate planning documents in place. Estate planning is much more comprehensive and can include various legal documents that detail your wishes while alive and after you’re gone.

Let’s take a look at a few.

Guardianship for Minor Children

Did you know your will is more than just distributing assets? You can also cover child custody by designating guardians for minor children. When you don’t name a guardian for your children in your will, a judge will do so. To choose a guardian for your children, the court will consider the “best interests of the child,” although applying such a criterion can be limiting.

For instance, the court may appoint a family member you wouldn’t have chosen to care for your child simply because they seem to be the best candidate. At Johnson Legal, PLLC, we know you want to do what’s best for your children. We can help by helping you craft an estate plan that addresses their needs.

Spendthrift Trust

One drawback of affording your children an excellent lifestyle is that they may need help understanding the value of money. If that’s the case, you may consider a spendthrift trust. A spendthrift trust provides reassurance that your child can access some trust property without the risk of them wasting it all at once.

While this type of trust might not be for everyone, a qualified NC estate planning attorney can review your options with you and discuss creating a plan that fits your family. Stop by or call today for a consultation.

Power of Attorney

Life is never short of surprises, and when the unthinkable happens, will you have someone to see you through it? A power of attorney (POA) document allows you to put an agent in place to handle your financial affairs or healthcare decisions when you cannot do so yourself. What if you become incapacitated or take an unexpected extended vacation? You would need someone to be empowered to make these decisions on your behalf.

These types of POA documents, also called a durable power of attorney, continue to function even if you become incompetent and unable to make crucial decisions on your own.

When planning for the unexpected, you can trust a NC estate planning lawyer at Johnson Legal, PLLC, to carefully prepare your POA documents.

Estate Planning Resources in Hampstead, NC

Here at Johnson Legal, PLLC, our attorneys have always had a knack for breaking down a complex process into one that is easy to understand. Peruse the resources on our website to familiarize yourself with the subject matter, and contact us with any questions about our legal services.

We are a Wilmington, NC, family law office serving communities in New Hanover, Pender, and surrounding counties, including Hampstead, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, and Ogden.

Our Location

1213 Culbreth Dr., Suite 448
Wilmington, NC 28405
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