Goldsboro Estate Planning

Find the right Wills & Trusts attorney in Goldsboro, NC

"Estate planning" in Goldsboro refers to the decisions a person makes regarding what is to be done with their assets after their death, and the process of implementing those wishes.

You will typically need to seek the help of a professional with legal and/or financial expertise when in the process of estate planning. Simple mistakes in an estate plan can cause severe problems, including legal and personal conflicts between your survivors.

In addition to post-death decisions, estate planning also concerns matters that might affect you during your life, such as granting power of attorney to a family member or trusted friend in case you become unable to make your own decisions regarding your finances or medical care. Furthermore, effective estate planning can minimize the impact that estate taxes and court fees will have on your final disposition to your loved ones.

If you want to maximize the odds that your wishes will be followed after your death, you should do everything you can to make them legally binding. While this is not always possible, a Goldsboro attorney will be able to make sure that, where it is allowed, it is done.

Common Features of Goldsboro Estates

Will: This is the centerpiece of most estate plans. A will is a document written by a person (the "testator"), usually with the help of a lawyer, which says what is to be done with their property after they die. Most provisions in a will are legally binding, to the extent that ownership of the property legally passes to the named beneficiary. However, a will cannot compel a person to do anything against their wishes (though it can certainly state your preferences on the matter, phrasing them as requests).

Living Will: This is a document which lays out instructions for your medical care, should you become so sick or badly injured that you are unable to express your wishes. It should state under what circumstances you want to remain on life support. A well-drafted living will can prevent you from being kept alive in a permanent vegetative state (if that is not what you want), while ensuring that you receive medical care as long as you have a chance at recovery.

Power of Attorney: What if you become incapacitated, and can't make your own decisions? It would be nice if somebody knew what you would want in a given situation, and, on top of that, had the legal authority to make that decision for you. Power of attorney lets you do exactly that, granting a person of your choice the ability to make certain decisions for you, in case you, for whatever reason, can't (you can, of course, control the scope of power that you grant).

Funeral Arrangements: Whatever your preference on this matter (if you have a preference) you should make it known to your family both verbally and in writing. If you have very specific wishes concerning the final disposition of your mortal remains, you should not put those instructions in your will. Or, if you do, you should also put them somewhere else. Wills are typically not read for quite some time after a person dies, and the funeral is usually long over by then, so it will be too late to follow your instructions.

Do I Need a Goldsboro Estates Lawyer?

A poorly drafted or executed Goldsboro estate plan can have major negative consequences. For example, it might be confusing to the people who are most directly affected by it. This confusion can often lead to costly litigation. For that reason, the help of an experienced estate planning attorney can be invaluable.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Goldsboro

Goldsboro, North Carolina is a city of approximately 40,000 people. It is located in Wayne County, of which it is the county seat. Goldsboro is currently home to the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, which is home to thousands of personnel and a major player in the local economy, bringing in young, intelligent people from all over the country. Goldsboro, North Carolina is the site of one of the most chilling incidents of the Cold War: in 1961, and American aircraft carrying two nuclear weapons broke up in midair. It released both of its bombs, and they went through several stages of the arming process. Thankfully, neither of them detonated. One of the bombs was recovered. The other landed in a muddy swamp, and was never found. It is still assumed to be buried about 55 feet underground, and has never been found. The military bought the land to prevent anyone from trying to find the bomb. Modernly, Goldsboro is home to several parks and historical sites, which are popular destinations for visitors. If you live in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and need an attorney, chances are you'll be able to find one. Goldsboro, North Carolina is home to many competent and compassionate lawyers who can handle whatever legal problem you have.

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