Families caring for a loved one with a disability often face a difficult problem: how to save money for the future without jeopardizing important government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. An ABLE account can help solve this problem. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed specifically for individuals with disabilities. They allow people with disabilities and Read More

Many people think of Estate Planning as preparing for passing away. In reality, good estate planning is just as much about protecting you while you’re alive as it is about what happens after you’re gone. In North Carolina, there are four core documents that form the foundation of a solid estate plan: A Will A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) A Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA) An Advance Directive (Living Read More

  When two or more people co-own real estate (for example, as tenants in common or joint tenants), their shared ownership can sometimes lead to conflict. One co-owner may want to sell while another may want to keep the property. In North Carolina, a partition action (via a “Petition for Partition”) gives co-owners a legal way to divide or force the sale of the property. What is the Relevant Law? Petitions for Read More

When people talk about avoiding probate, one of the most common ideas that comes up is adding a child to the deed of their home. It sounds simple: put the child on the deed now so the property passes automatically later. In practice, this move usually creates more problems than it solves. Of all the issues this approach can cause, two stand out: You give up real property rights during your lifetime, and You often Read More

One of the most common estate planning questions clients ask is: “Do I really need a trust, or can a will accomplish my goals?” For many people in North Carolina, a well-drafted will is perfectly sufficient. Probate in many NC counties is not nearly as scary, slow, or expensive as it is sometimes made out to be. In straightforward estates, the process can often be completed in under a year, depending on the county, Read More

In North Carolina, you cannot unilaterally force a spouse to leave the marital home, even if you own it solely, without a court order or a signed Separation Agreement.  The reason for this is because both spouses have an equal right to remain in the home until a judge orders one spouse to move out or if there is a signed Separation Agreement in place, which requires the consent of both parties, and a spouse Read More

Here are 5 reasons why you need a Pre-Nuptial Agreement in today’s society: We know the grim statistics: Almost 50% of all first marriages end in divorce and in 2025, second marriage divorce rates are around 60%. Marriage is still a commitment that people want to engage in both culturally and sometimes for religious reasons. Many couples are prioritizing commitment and long-term partnerships, with marriage being one Read More

We’re excited to welcome Marie Anders to the firm! Officially joining us on October 1, Marie is a fourth-generation Mount Holly resident with deep ties to the community. She currently serves as the City Attorney and has supported and served as a board member to several local organizations, including the Mount Holly Rotary Club, Mount Holly Farmer's Market, Mount Holly Historical Society, Mount Holly Chamber, and the Read More