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Estate Planning

Peace of Mind for the Future

Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored, and your family is cared for. It lets you decide who manages your affairs if you’re incapacitated, who inherits your assets, and who handles your final matters.

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Estate Administration

Guidance in Difficult Times

Estate administration, also known as probate, is the process of collecting, managing and distributing all property that an individual owned during their lifetime. This process follows a strict set of paperwork and deadlines, and can change depending on the facts in each case.

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Family Law

Take Action to Protect Your Family

We know how deeply family matters to you and our community. Every decision you make touches everyone in your family, and we’re here to help. Our family law team will work closely with you to create a plan that fits your unique situation.

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Real Estate

Commercial and Residential Property Purchase & Sales

Real estate can be one of the most important and life-changing investments a person, family, or business will make. Whether you are buying, selling, or leasing commercial, residential, or rental property, we have the experienced legal team you need.

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Civil Litigation

Legal Recourse in Your Time of Need

At Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC, we resolve disputes with professionalism and a personal touch. From contract issues to property disputes and personal injury claims, our experienced team is here to fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

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Surplus Funds

Claim What’s Yours

Foreclosure by the bank or local government is often the result of failure or inability to pay taxes on your home. Many homeowners do not realize that the foreclosure process often results in additional money (“Surplus Funds”) being returned to the courts in their name.

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Property Partitions

Take Control of What is Rightfully Yours

Most parents pass their property, including their home or vacation house, down to all of their children. This creates several Joint Owners. When one Joint Owner wants to sell or get rid of their share of the property, a Property Partition begins in North Carolina.

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Guardianships

Long-Term Care for Loved Ones

Family members of all ages sometimes need special protection and care. At Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC, we are here to help with both child and adult guardianships and ensure your loved ones are cared for.

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Get in touch

Quality Representation with a Personal Touch

Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC offers legal knowledge and experience spanning decades to provide quality legal services to the greater Gaston and Charlotte regions. Focusing on family law, estate administration, real estate, civil litigation, guardianships, and estate planning, Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC is recognized as a trusted legal firm serving the area. Our team of ten attorneys has come together with a world-class staff to provide forward-thinking and client-oriented legal services. We are committed to serving all people, including the LGBTQ community, and the unique legal issues that LGBTQ individuals, couples, and families face.

The Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC team is eager to partner with you on a wide range of legal issues you may face as you move through life. If you need guidance or have any questions, please contact us today.

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Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC - Gastonia

4.8

Based on 66 reviews

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Nathanael Helton

13:10 09 Apr 25

I highly recommend this firm, in particular Jesse Caldwell. I had an unexpected civil matter arise with a pretty tight turn around time. Despite his busy schedule (and his paralegal was out sick), he made time for a consultation the same day. He professionally and expeditiously helped me navigate a difficult situation and we ended up with a favorable outcome. Hopefully I will not need a civil litigation attorney again, however, if I do- without a doubt Jesse Caldwell will be my first call!

Rhonda BUCHANAN

01:52 09 Apr 25

I appreciate Joy Chappell's hard work and dedication. She is very compassionate and truly cares about her clients. She listened to my concerns and did what was best for me. She was available anytime I had questions or concerns. I can honestly say that choosing her to represent me was the best call I could have made. I want to thank Joy’s paralegal, Sara. She is dedicated to her work and very thorough. Sara was there for me anytime I needed help. I strongly encourage anyone who needs representation to contact Joy Chappell. My situation was difficult for me but Joy never let me lose hope and she stood strong beside me and for me. Thank you, Joy!

Stephanie Pedersen

20:47 07 Apr 25

Wonderful to work with. Clear and concise communication. Always kind and understanding. Hailey always takes the time to make sure all aspects of things are understood, and addresses things with a calm and clear demeanor that is comforting and reassuring. Excellent at what they do. I would recommend them to anyone.

Dwayne Simmons

13:20 19 Mar 25

Jeff Rice

21:08 20 Nov 24

Jake is an excellent communicator.

Aileen Violet

19:25 07 Nov 24

I was referred to Attorney Hailey Hawkins by chance, thanks to a kind woman I met at the post office, and I am incredibly thankful for it!

I cannot express how awesome Hailey is. She is just exceptional. My mom needed several matters sorted with her will and estate. Initially, we thought we’d need more complex (and costly) services, but Hailey’s sound legal advice helped us avoid unnecessary expenses. She even corrected mistakes from the attorney at another firm made. She guided us to exactly what we needed, saving us both money and time—demonstrating her integrity and trustworthiness. It was clear that she wasn’t driven by billing hours but by genuinely helping my mother do what was best for her.

Hailey made what could have been a difficult and emotional process feel manageable and straightforward. We left the office after signing everything, feeling a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders. She is so professional, caring, thorough and efficient. She made a point of explaining everything in layman's terms so that we fully understood the scope of what she was drafting. I could not have asked for a better attorney—full stop!

I also want to give a shout-out to the entire team. From the moment we got in touch, the staff made us feel comfortable and welcome; everyone was so friendly and approachable.

This is probably one of the best law firms we’ve ever worked with. I highly recommend Hailey Hawkins and the whole team at SHWS to anyone seeking dedicated, compassionate, and professional legal support.

Stevie Soltis

20:13 17 Sep 24

Joy was so wonderful to work with! I have been overwhelmed with the idea of changing my minor's last name for 3 years, and kept putting it on the back burner. Joy made this process so easy and took care of all the necessary paperwork! 10/10

Ronnie Paulley

18:01 25 Jul 24

Allow me to take a moment and share my sincere feedback regarding this law firm. As a client for nearly a year now, I am pleased to report that my case, which has spanned over a year, is finally reaching its conclusion.

I am a father to a 14-year-old boy, and after nearly 11 years of absence, his biological mother suddenly resurfaced, attempting to assert her parental rights. Joy Chappell, the attorney representing me, transformed from a seemingly mild-mannered individual into a fierce advocate in the courtroom. Her tenacity, sharp focus, and excellent communication skills were impressive. Joy fearlessly asked the tough questions that others might shy away from, demonstrating a deep commitment to my case. She was unafraid to demand a drug test or challenge any missteps, proving herself to be an exceptional attorney dedicated not only to her clients but also to the well-being of any children involved.

Moreover, I must commend Miss Parker, Joy's paralegal assistant, for her extensive knowledge, unwavering dedication, immediate communication, and friendly demeanor. Like Joy, she is driven and focused on serving clients effectively.

For anyone seeking a reliable divorce, custody, or adoption attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend this law firm. Joy's laser focus on meeting your needs, ensuring all necessary steps are taken, and meticulously handling every detail from start to finish sets her apart. She leaves no stone unturned, guaranteeing that you receive the support you deserve in the courtroom.

Mike Keough

13:32 16 Jul 24

Very professional. Greatly appreciated. Especially if you need a push in the right direction on probate matters.

Daniel Bledsoe

00:02 03 Jul 24

I hired Hailey Hawkins as my attorney in a very tough guardianship case. Mrs. Hawkins was professional, courteous, and well prepared for what proved to be a very difficult hearing. Mrs. Hawkins made sure to be honest and supportive knowing that things could have easily turned out differently than we wanted. In the end we won the case, and Mrs. Hawkins will without a doubt be my attorney of choice from this point forward!

Christina Hill

22:07 27 Jun 24

Jake and Kimber helped me soo much with my brothers estate! Made the process so smooth and on top of things! I would recommend them for anybody that has to deal with probate! Thank y’all soo much!

Cindy Briggs

21:10 27 Jun 24

Wendy was wonderful. Helpful, friendly, quick to respond and a delight to work with! I look forward to using them again in the Gastonia area.

Shannon Meadows

17:50 10 Jun 24

Jake Edwards and his team at Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil walked me through the entire Probate process when my mother passed. They were patient with my many questions and helped me understand each step that needed to be taken. I'm definitely thankful that I chose them for my estate needs. I recommend them for anyone needing help with any estate concerns. Jake and his team were the BEST!

Janina Litmon

16:29 29 Mar 24

We have closed many loans with SHWS and each transaction is seamless! The entire team here is knowledgeable, professional and great to work with. It is important to work with great people who are responsive and go above and beyond to close real estate transactions! I would 100% recommend !

Stott, Hollowell, Windham & Stancil, PLLC - Mt. Holly

4.7

Based on 58 reviews

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Hillary Mauldin

14:44 05 Mar 25

I had the great fortune to find Joy and work with her as my divorce attorney. She is a true professional and is 100% committed to all of her clients; making each one feel at ease. She is extremely knowledgeable about child custody, division of assets, and mediation and works diligently from start to finish making sure that you feel informed and up to speed on the divorce process. For anyone who is unsure, nervous, or just out-right scared of even the thought of divorce, I would encourage you to reach out to her and her paralegal Sara Parker. Combined, they are a dynamic duo and by the end of my divorce had become known to me and my circle of friends as the "Dream Team".

Hillary Mauldin

14:44 05 Mar 25

Dena DeNardo

13:51 27 Sep 24

I am so appreciative of all the help Jake, Kimber, MaryAnne and team provided me. I lost my dad unexpectedly, I had to deal with his estate and had no clue what I was doing. Jake and Kimber were constantly in touch with information and guidance. They went above and beyond to make the process smooth. They made a tough time in my life, easier to cope with. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of Estate attorneys. Thank you all so much!

Dena DeNardo

13:51 27 Sep 24

Roger Melville

08:04 16 Aug 24

We closed out a real estate transaction in a fast effort to sell vacant land property we had as Trustees.

Roger Melville

08:04 16 Aug 24

We closed out a real estate transaction in a fast effort to sell vacant land property we had as Trustees.

Krista Vang

12:21 23 Jul 24

From a Realtor® for Real Estate Closing:  Absolutely wonderful people! They were all so kind and professional, and they were quick to respond to any questions and problems that came up. I appreciate everyone at the Mt. Holly location, they were wonderful to work with. Stephen is so informative and so patient. He went above and beyond, and my clients and I are impressed, proud, and humbly grateful for his work and his efforts. We greatly appreciate his commitment, kindness, and patience through all of the ups and downs of our journey. Will definitely be recommending this firm to future clients buying in the area.

Krista Vang

12:21 23 Jul 24

Michele Weaver (Lake Norman Real Estate)

21:53 19 Jul 24

This is the 1st time using the law firm for a home closing for my client. Stephen Hegedus was professional, personable & amazing! The paralegals, Melissa, were easy to work with and had everything handled! I would highly recommend them for any of your legal needs! Happy Clients and me!

Michele Weaver (Lake Norman Real Estate)

21:53 19 Jul 24

Robert Love

01:25 15 May 24

The closing process went smoothly and very fast.

Robert Love

01:25 15 May 24

The closing process went smoothly and very fast.

Jamie & Leah Henrichsen

14:24 29 Feb 24

We recently had the pleasure of working with Stephen during the purchase of our property, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From start to finish, Stephen demonstrated the utmost professionalism, efficiency, and a remarkable ability to communicate promptly and effectively.

What stood out the most was his ability to complete the title search incredibly quickly, allowing us to schedule our closing within just two weeks—a timeline that far exceeded our expectations. Throughout the process, Stephen was not only easy to work with but also exceptionally kind, making what could have been a stressful experience smooth and straightforward.

For anyone in need of an attorney who combines professionalism with efficiency and a genuine care for his clients, Stephen is your go-to. His dedication to ensuring everything is in order for a timely and successful property purchase is truly commendable. Thank you, Stephen, for making our property buying experience so positive!

Jamie & Leah Henrichsen

14:24 29 Feb 24

Anthony Harrison

15:30 19 Jul 23

I recently had a Will prepared for me and I really didn’t know what to expect with the process, cost, what to include and what not. However, I had a great experience with Attorney Jake Edwards who first did a consultation with me and was able to answer all of my questions. After our consultation, his suggestion was to have a will prepared instead of the more expensive route of trusts.

Not only did he let me know what was necessary but also what wasn’t necessary. He didn’t try to up sell me on anything and he made sure that I was keenly aware of the process every step of the way. Also, he didn’t rush me which was important and took his time.

When it came time for me to sign my will, he went over everything again and pointed out some things to be aware of and what to do in certain situations. He again answered all of my questions, made great suggestions and made sure that I was comfortable with the final draft before signing.

I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my experience with Stott Hollowell. The entire staff was very professional, worked in a timely manner and above all, they earned my trust.

Anthony Harrison

15:30 19 Jul 23