Bryson City and Tuckaseegee River c. 1940
Estate Planning and Administration
Estate Planning:
We work with clients to draft wills, powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, and living wills. For most people, having these documents will ensure that their affairs are in order during their final years and after their death. For those who may need more, attorney John Ingham offers trust preparation and consultation.
We are happy to work with you even if you believe that your estate is small. We have prepared wills for people who have extensive assets and very few assets. All clients are deserving of equal attention to their needs.
We can arrange in house signings and signings at local nursing homes and hospitals. Please do not hesitate to inform us of your circumstances. Through the Council on Aging, we offer heavily discounted fees for simple will preparation. You may check with the Jackson County Department on Aging office to see if you qualify.
Estate Administration
There are few areas of the law that are more difficult to navigate than estate administration. There are multiple procedures available, and speaking with an attorney can help you narrow down your options.
In general, our firm does not handle contested estates, disputes about wills, or other estate litigation. However, we are happy to discuss your situation with you and refer you to another attorney if needed.
We work with clients to draft wills, powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, and living wills. For most people, having these documents will ensure that their affairs are in order during their final years and after their death. For those who may need more, attorney John Ingham offers trust preparation and consultation.
We are happy to work with you even if you believe that your estate is small. We have prepared wills for people who have extensive assets and very few assets. All clients are deserving of equal attention to their needs.
We can arrange in house signings and signings at local nursing homes and hospitals. Please do not hesitate to inform us of your circumstances. Through the Council on Aging, we offer heavily discounted fees for simple will preparation. You may check with the Jackson County Department on Aging office to see if you qualify.
Estate Administration
There are few areas of the law that are more difficult to navigate than estate administration. There are multiple procedures available, and speaking with an attorney can help you narrow down your options.
- Full Estate Administration: Some cases require full estate administration with the qualification of a personal representative (Executor), notice to creditors, and detailed accountings. We can help you determine whether you need to do this or is an easier path is available.
- Probate of wills: Some cases only require the probate of a will. We work with the families of both in state and out of state decedents to probate wills when necessary. We are particularly familiar with probating wills of Florida residents. In many situations, for example, the will has already been probated in the state of residence and needs probate in North Carolina to establish title to real property. We are happy to help with this process.
- Small estates: Some cases can be handled through more informal estate procedures such as an "Affidavit of Collection". We are happy to discuss your situation to see if it qualifies.
- Year's Allowance: Surviving spouses and minor children are often entitled to a year's allowance that is paid before other claims. We are happy to discuss your situation to see if it qualifies.
In general, our firm does not handle contested estates, disputes about wills, or other estate litigation. However, we are happy to discuss your situation with you and refer you to another attorney if needed.
