Estate Planning Services in Burlington, Mebane, and Graham, NC

Plan for Tomorrow, Today

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take to protect your assets and provide peace of mind for your loved ones. At Doby & Griffis Law, we are proud to serve families and individuals in Burlington, Mebane, Graham and all of Alamance County with personalized estate planning solutions tailored to their unique needs. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions to protect your legacy and provide security for your family.

Wills and Trusts

Wills: The Foundation of Your Estate Plan

A will is a cornerstone of any estate plan, allowing you to specify how your assets will be distributed and ensuring your wishes are honored. It also provides the opportunity to:

  • Appoint an Executor: Name a trusted individual to manage your estate, handle debts, and distribute assets.

  • Designate Guardians for Minor Children: Protect your children by ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust.

  • Distribute Personal Belongings: Outline who will receive specific heirlooms, property, or financial assets.

Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to North Carolina’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your intentions. A properly drafted will ensures that your wishes are carried out and minimizes potential conflicts among family members.

Trusts: Flexible Solutions for Asset Management

Trusts offer a dynamic way to manage and distribute assets both during your lifetime and after your passing. Depending on your goals, trusts can:

  • Provide Privacy: Trusts avoid probate, keeping your estate details out of public records.

  • Offer Control: Specify how and when beneficiaries will receive assets.

  • Protect Assets: Shield your property from creditors or certain taxes.

Revocable Living Trusts

A revocable living trust allows you to maintain control over your assets while you are alive. It can be modified or revoked as circumstances change. These trusts are commonly used to:

  • Streamline the transfer of assets to heirs.

  • Avoid probate, reducing costs and delays.

  • Provide continuity of asset management in the event of incapacity.

Irrevocable Trusts

An irrevocable trust cannot be modified after it is created, providing stronger protections. These trusts are often used for:

  • Minimizing estate taxes by transferring ownership of assets out of your estate.

  • Protecting assets from creditors or legal judgments.

  • Setting up special funds for children or beneficiaries with specific needs.

Whether you need a simple will or a combination of trusts, our team at Doby & Griffis Law can guide you through the options to find the best solution for your family.

Powers of Attorney

General Power of Attorney

A general power of attorney grants a trusted individual (your agent) the authority to manage your financial and legal affairs. This can include tasks such as:

  • Managing bank accounts.

  • Paying bills.

  • Filing taxes.

  • Overseeing real estate transactions.

This document is especially important for ensuring your affairs are handled smoothly if you are temporarily unavailable or incapacitated.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney provides the same authority as a general power of attorney but remains effective if you become incapacitated. This ensures continuity and prevents legal complications during emergencies.

By appointing someone you trust, you retain control over your future, even if you cannot make decisions for yourself.

Advance Medical Directives

Living Will

A living will outlines your preferences for medical care if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This can include decisions about:

  • Life-sustaining treatments (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes).

  • Pain management and palliative care.

  • Organ donation preferences.

Having a living will removes the burden of making difficult medical decisions from your loved ones and ensures your values are respected.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A healthcare power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This individual, often a trusted family member, will have the legal authority to:

  • Consult with doctors about treatment options.

  • Approve or decline medical procedures.

  • Make end-of-life care decisions based on your wishes.

Advance medical directives provide peace of mind, knowing your healthcare preferences will be honored and your loved ones will have clear guidance.

Guardianship Provisions

For parents with minor children or dependents, guardianship provisions are one of the most critical aspects of estate planning. These provisions allow you to:

  • Name a Guardian: Choose who will care for your children if you are no longer able to do so.

  • Specify Financial Oversight: Establish trusts or other tools to manage your children’s inheritance responsibly.

  • Provide Clarity: Avoid disputes among family members by clearly outlining your wishes.

Failing to include guardianship provisions in your estate plan could result in the court deciding who will care for your children, which may not align with your preferences.

Why Choose Doby & Griffis Law for Estate Planning?

At Doby & Griffis Law, we bring over 26 years of experience in guiding individuals and families through the estate planning process. Whether you’re in Burlington, Mebane, or Graham, we offer:

Personalized Attention

We take the time to understand your goals and concerns.

Comprehensive Knowledge

Our deep understanding of North Carolina estate laws ensures your plan is thorough and legally sound.

Ongoing Support

As life changes, we’re here to help you update and adapt your estate plan.

Let us help you create a plan that protects your assets and provides security for the people you care about most.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Estate Planning

  • Estate planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes family disputes, and protects your loved ones from unnecessary financial or legal stress.

  • You should review and update your estate plan after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes. Regular updates every 3-5 years are also recommended.

  • While a will is sufficient for many people, adding a trust can provide additional benefits, such as avoiding probate and offering more control over how assets are distributed. Our attorneys can help you decide what’s right for your situation.

  • Without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to North Carolina’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. The court will also appoint guardians for minor children, which could result in decisions you wouldn’t have chosen.

  • Trusts are an excellent tool for protecting your children’s inheritance. You can specify when and how they receive funds, ensuring their financial stability and avoiding potential misuse.

  • Yes, most estate planning documents, such as wills and revocable trusts, can be updated as your circumstances change.

  • Contact Doby & Griffis Law to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through the process and create a plan that meets your needs.

Get Started Today

If you need help with a family law matter, don’t wait. Contact Doby & Griffis Law today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find practical solutions for your legal concerns.