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North Carolina Estate Planning

Estate planning helps secure your legacy and assets for future generations. With attorney-drafted templates, creating your plans is straightforward and efficient.

intro Estate Planning

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning involves preparing legal documents that outline how your assets will be managed and distributed. These documents are essential for ensuring your wishes are honored. Explore our subcategories for the templates that best meet your needs.

Common North Carolina Estate Planning documents

  • Last Will and Testament — outlines how your assets will be distributed after death.
  • Living Trust — holds your assets during your lifetime and specifies distribution after death.
  • Power of Attorney — appoints someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated.
  • Living Will — specifies your healthcare preferences in case you're unable to communicate.
  • Advance Healthcare Directive — combines a living will and healthcare power of attorney.
  • Probate Documents — manage the process of administering an estate after death.

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Similar documents: key differences

  • Will vs. Trust — a will outlines asset distribution after death, while a trust manages assets during life.
  • Power of Attorney vs. Healthcare Proxy — a power of attorney handles financial decisions; a healthcare proxy makes medical decisions.
  • Living Will vs. Advance Healthcare Directive — a living will reflects end-of-life wishes; an advance directive combines living will and healthcare proxy.
  • Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets — probate assets go through court; non-probate assets transfer directly to beneficiaries.

  • Capacity is required to create valid estate planning documents.

  • Many documents may need to be witnessed or notarized for validity.

  • Titles and designations should be consistent across all documents.

  • Update your plans after significant life changes, like marriage or divorce.

  • Select trustworthy individuals for roles like executor or agent.

  • Store original documents securely and inform trusted individuals of their location.

  • Related documents, like trusts and wills, work together to achieve your estate goals.

How to get started

Start in minutes with these steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature (Premium).

Practical tip

Clarify your wishes in writing to avoid confusion among family members.

FAQs

Estate planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing.

Yes, a will can specify any assets not included in your trust.

Absolutely, you can update your estate plan as your circumstances change.

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets.

Glossary

  • Testator - The person who creates a will.
  • Beneficiary - An individual designated to receive assets from a will or trust.
  • Executor - The person responsible for carrying out the terms of a will.
  • Trustee - An individual or entity that manages a trust.
  • Intestate - Dying without a valid will.
  • Durable Power of Attorney - A document granting authority to manage finances if incapacitated.
  • Healthcare Proxy - A person authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf.
  • Asset Protection - Strategies to safeguard assets from claims.
  • Advance Directive - A document outlining healthcare wishes in case of incapacity.

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