Jackie Bedard - Lawyer in Cary, NC

Jackie Wilbur Bedard

Estate planning Attorney at Cary, NC

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Resume

Exceptional!

Great team

About Jackie

Learn Jackie’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Elder law

25%

Elder law combines elements of Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Conservatorship (also called Guardianship), Long Term Care Planning, Health Care Planning, Medicare/Medicaid Planning, Disability Planning and Elder Rights. Learn more at www.CarolinaFEP.com
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16 years
Estate planning

25%

*Helping families protect their financial, emotional, and spiritual assets for the future. *Assisting established families with passing on their wealth to future generations. *Working with families of young children to ensure that their kids don't go in the hands of authorities if the unthinkable happens. Learn more at www.CarolinaFEP.com
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16 years
Trusts

25%

Trusts serve many uses and are an effective tool for: *Providing for control, continuity, privacy, and ease of access to assets. *Asset protection in the event of remarriage, divorce, lawsuits, bankruptcy and other creditor issues. *Reducing probate expenses and estate taxes. *Providing for your care in the event of disability. *Providing for an individual with special needs while preserving eligibility for public assistance programs. Learn more: www.CarolinaFEP.com
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16 years
Wills and living wills

25%

A Will gives you the power to control who your property passes to at your death. For example, a Will may be used to specify who will receive your home, automobile, furniture, jewelry, bank accounts and more. If you have minor children, a Will may be used to designate a guardian to care for your children at your death. A Will also gives you the power to name a person, known as an executor, to handle the affairs of your estate at your death. Learn more at www.CarolinaFEP.com
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16 years

Jackie Bedard's estate and long-term care planning practice is focused on guiding clients through the complicated, often confusing, maze of balancing family protection, long-term care planning, wealth preservation, and cherished family values in the planning process.

Jackie determined early on that traditional estate planning has primarily focused on what happens upon death, but a far more pressing concern for many families today is—what happens if you don’t die suddenly, but instead need long term care for several months or years? A comprehensive estate and long-term care plan should address both of these concerns.

Jackie is a member of WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel (national organizations of attorneys committed to client-centered estate planning and elder care planning). Jackie has served as a board of director member of the North Carolina chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the board of trustees of Hospice of Wake County Foundation, the board of directors of local non-profit the Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center, and the board of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of Entrepreneur's Organization. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, and the Wake County Bar Association. Jackie was named one of Cary Magazine's 2015 Movers & Shakers. Selections were based on professionals impacting Wake County, both now and for the future. Jackie has been voted Best Attorney in the Cary Magazine's Maggy Awards for 2016-2021.

Jackie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated law school magna cum laude in the top 7% of her class at the University of Richmond, School of Law.

In addition to being a lawyer, Jackie is also a Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer and a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Jackie resides in Cary with her husband, Dan, and their two dogs, Nala and Maggie. Jackie also enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, cooking, music, and more.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 16 years

State NC

Status Active

Acquired 2006

Updated 10/03/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Jackie

Carolina Family Estate Planning

201 Commonwealth Ct.

#100

Cary, NC, 27511

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

16 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Darcia | January 30, 2022

Exceptional!

Everyone at this firm has been beyond amazing and patient with us regarding some delays on our side in getting our trust done. In August 2021, we completed and funded (many thanks to Kathy for all of her funding assistance) our trust. It is a wonderful feeling to know that our assets are protected and that everything is in order for our children. My husband and I give our highest recommendation to Carolina Family Estate Planning.

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Posted by Troy | January 30, 2022

Great team

Outstanding staff that walks you thought the entire process making sure to answer all questions and creating the best plan for your family situation.

Posted by Jane | August 18, 2021

Jackie Bedard and Carolina Family Estate Planning

Following my husband's return from the hospital with a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia, I found myself in charge of our finances that he so aptly took care of for 42 years. A friend shared his experiences with CFEP with me and I called them the same day. Within six months, under the guidance of CFEP staff I was able to set up a trust insuring that what we had worked so hard for was protected for the rest of our lives and for our children. The staff at CFEP is always very professional and available to answer what might seems the very basic of questions. Since my husband passed last year I continue to rely on CFEP expertise and plan to continue my association with the firm.

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Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2021

Carolina Family Estate Planning

Carolina Family Estate Planning is a phenomenal group of Professionals. They are kind, patient and caring And they make sure all things are Covered. There were things brought To my attention that I didn't even think about.They've got your back.

Posted by Kevin | August 23, 2019

Kind, Thorough, Professional

Carolina Family Estate Planning worked with our schedule, specified costs up front, communicated kindly, answered our questions clearly, produced the plans we'd hoped for and delivered them in a beautifully organized binder. Five stars.

Posted by David | January 7, 2019

Establish a Trust

Carolina Family Estate Planning met my expectations: • Returned my initial inquiry courteously and promptly; • Scheduled my initial (and free) introductory consultation with a recommended plan • Proposed a fixed fee to establish the trust; • Explained what I needed to bring to each meeting; • Always met on time; explained until I understood what we were doing; • Handled emergencies (while I was on the phone with them) that came up as I was transferring / renaming / etc. assets into my new trust. • Followed up periodically to assure that everything was happening. • So, what can I say? They are good.

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Posted by Harper | October 15, 2018

Satisfaction

We engaged Jackie tp prepare Power of Attorneys for both of us. From the beginning to the end everything was scheduled for completion in about 3 weeks. The interview allowed adequate time to express our concerns and receive advice from Jackie. The completed project looked great and the fee was very reasonable. Will definitely return for any future legal needs.

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Posted by Barbara | July 18, 2018

Excellant, service-oriented law firm

Very professional. Excellent service. Attended a free seminar that answered many of our questions about estate planning. Fix price package lets you know in advance the total cost. No hidden fees or surprises. All of our calls and emails were promptly answered. No question was too small. What we liked most was the steplike, progressive way everything was handled, allowing us to ask questions, convey our needs, and feel comfortable with the decisions we made. Even months after all of our documents were signed, payments made, etc. staff still is available to handle any new concerns. We definitely recommend this firm.

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Posted by David | May 17, 2018

Very satisfied.

Everyone was friendly and helpful. We had wills, trusts, advanced directives, and power of attorney prepared Everything was explained in detail and in terms we could understand. The service was comprehensive and set up in a way to accomplish what we needed without unnecessary additional cost.

Posted by Ken | May 17, 2018

A real team to help

I am a researcher so thought I had a good idea of what we needed going in. To be blunt I was mistaken. Jackie and her team help us get everything in order. Including funding the trusts they set up. Yes we still had a fair amount of homework to do and yes it required multiple meetings and hours on both parts but, in the end our family will know exactly what we want. Our estate will not be a windfall for the heirs, but will be spread out over time to provide a reliable stream of income and there will be very few things that will need to be done when we pass. Best of all everything is still in our control until that time comes. Having recently gone through probate for my wife's mother and currently going through it for her father we decided we did not want our kids to go through the same thing. If there were one thing I would change is I would do this sooner. We are nearing retirement and we should have been looking at this 20 years ago. We would have done many things different. We plan to be around for quite a bit longer so we have also gone on their maintenance plan which will allow us to keep things up to date as laws and our situations change. I have already recommended to several coworkers that they attend one of CFEP's free seminars and will continue to do so. If you are reading this you must have some interest so go to one of their free seminars and start getting your plans on track.

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Posted by Edward | July 14, 2017

Bedard is Best

Jackie looked at all of our "papers " including prior will, powers of attorney, medical directives, account statements, etc. She gave opinions on proper titleings and reasons for doing so. Recommended a plan for up to date estate protection suited to our age, our family's best interest and efficient distribution of assets in case of disability or death.

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Posted by Gary | June 29, 2017

Updated will, powers of attorney and established a trust

I was very pleased with the experience of updating our wills, powers of attorney and trust. The process started with a well executed, quick paced and helpful group seminar to set the foundation. Individual meetings followed that were tailored to our needs and circumstances. The will, trust and powers of attorney were tailored to our requests and each time delivered properly without required edits or updates. The transfer of assets into the trust was well researched, organized and made our execution of the transfers seamless, quick and easy. We met with six or seven people during the process and all were knowledgeable, a pleasure to work with and are part of an uncommonly effective, fun and special culture. The entire experience was much more pleasant than I expected.

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Posted by Charlie | June 3, 2017

Exceeded Expectations

Very detailed oriented firm. They are genuinely in the business to help families protect their estate. Comfortable atmosphere, professional and friendly staff and very intelligent lawyers. We felt lucky to have stumbled upon them...plus the cookies are delicious !

Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2016

Comprehensive Estate Planning for Young Family

As a couple with small children, we wanted to make sure they are protected and cared for in case the unforeseeable should happen. We came to CFEP knowing very little about the estate planning process, but left the experience feeling as though our wishes were met with the help of a knowledgeable, friendly, and professional staff

Posted by Warren | January 6, 2010

Excellent Estate Planning

My wife and I hired Jackie to prepare our wills and provide estate planning services. We had never done this before and Jackie took us through the process with great care and attention to detail. We would definitely recommend her to any of our friends or colleagues.

Posted by Amanda | January 6, 2010

Client Review

Jackie was very patient during our meetings. Wills and Durable Power documents are not fun things to discuss but they are very important to have. Jackie walked us through each step, was kind, was understanding and was very helpful explaining all issues we faced. We have a sense of security knowing we have these documents in place. I would absolutely reccommend Jackie based on her knowledge and client service.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney & Counselor at Law
Carolina Family Estate Planning
2009 - Present

Attorney at Law
Pinna, Johnston & Burwell, P.A.
2006 - 2009

Education

University of Richmond School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
BS - Bachelor of Science
2002

Associations

National Academy of Attorneys for Alzheimer's Planning
Steering Committee Member
2019 - Present

WealthCounsel
2013 - Present

ElderCounsel
2013 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member
2011 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Elder Law Sections
2006 - Present

Wake County Bar Association
2002 - Present

North Carolina Chapter, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Board of Directors, Member
2015 - 2017

Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center
Community Partner
2015 - 2016

Hospice of Wake County Foundation
Board of Trustees, Member
2014 - 2015

Elder Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association
Newsletter Committee Co-Chair
2014 - 2015

Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center
Board of Directors, Member
2013 - 2015

North Carolina Chapter, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Membership Committee Chair
2013 - 2014

Medicaid Practice Network
Member
2011 - 2016

BNI RD 34 Pay It Forward
Membership Committee
2010 - 2011

Personal Family Lawyers
2009 - 2010

Women Business Owner's Network of Cary
Publicity Chair
2009 - 2012

National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys
Member
2009 - 2013

Wake Women Attorneys
Monthly Events– Speaker Coordinator
2008 - 2010

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Languages Spoken

English

Awards

2021 SuperLawyer: Estate Planning & Probate
SuperLawyers
2021

2021 Legal Elite: Tax & Estate Planning
Business North Carolina
2021

2021 Maggy Awards-Best Attorney
Cary Magazine
2021

2020 Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2020

2020 Legal Elite
Business North Carolina
2020

2020 Maggy Awards-Best Attorney
Cary Magazine
2020

#89 Fastest Growing Law Firms
Law Firm 500
2020

#56 Fastest Growing Law Firms
Law Firm 500
2019

2019 Maggy Awards-Best Attorney
Cary Magazine
2019

2019 Legal Elite
Business North Carolina
2019

2019 Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2019

#82 Fastest Growing Law Firms
Law Firm 500
2018

Law Firm 500 #82
Law Firm 500
2018

#185 Fastest Growing Law Firms
Law Firm 500
2017

Law Firm 500 #185
Law Firm 500
2017

Super Lawyer-Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2017

2017 Best Attorney-Maggy Awards
Cary Magazine
2017

2015 Movers & Shakers
Cary Magazine
2015

Certified Personal Family Lawyer
Family Wealth Planning Institute
2009

Certified National Network Estate Planner
National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys
2009

View all awards

Publications

Seminar
If the Diagnosis Is Dementia: What It Means & What You Need To Know
2020

AFFC Publications
Don't Go Broke In a Nursing Home-Mid North Carolina Edition
2014

The Nursing Home & Medicaid Secrets You Need to Know to Avoid Going Broke in a Nursing Home
How to Avoid Nursing Home Poverty & Save Your Family Thousands
2012

The Important Information You Need to Know to Qualify for this Little-Known Veterans Benefit
Understanding the VA Aid & Attendance Program and How It Could Save Your Family Thousands
2012

Premier Baby & Child
4 Secrets Loving Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Kids
2010

eBook
12 Most Common Threats to Your Estate and Your Family's Future
2010

Cary Living
4 Secrets Loving Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Kids
2010

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Estate & Long-Term Care Planning Basics
Estate Planning & Long-Term Care Planning
2019

11 Threats to Your Family's Future
Estate Planning
2018

Radio Show
Probate
2015

Private Presentation
Estate & Long-Term Care Planning
2015

Private Presentation
The 4 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2015

Workshop
The 7 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2015

Private Presentation
The 4 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2015

Private Presentation
The 4 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2015

Senior Breakfast Panel Discussion
Long-Term Care Planning
2015

Lunch Presentation
Medicaid Basics
2015

Veterans Group
Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits
2015

Private Presentation
The 4 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2015

Lunch Presentation
Estate Planning Essentials
2015

Lecture
The Future of Inherited IRAs
2015

Lunch Presentation
Estate Planning Essentials
2015

Private Presentation
Long-Term Care Planning
2015

Private Presentation
Estate Planning Essentials
2014

Lunch Presentation
Long-Term Care Planning
2014

Private Presentation
Estate Planning Essentials
2014

Lunch Presentation
Medicaid Basics
2014

Private Presentation
Children's Safeguard Planning
2014

Radio
Estate Planning
2014

Lunch Presentation
Estate Planning Essentials
2014

Workshop
The 7 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2014

Workshop
The 7 Threats to Your Family & Their Security
2013

Private Presentation
Long-Term Care Planning
2013

Estate Planning & Long Term Care Essentials
Estate Planning & Long Term Care Essentials
2011

Estate Planning & Long Term Care Essentials
Estate Planning & Long Term Care Essentials
2011

Luncheon
Estate Planning Stories
2011

PTO Meeting
Estate Planning for Parents with Minor Children
2011

Valentine's Day Luncheon
Estate Planning Pitfalls
2011

Teleseminar
Children's Safeguard Planning
2010

Breakfast
Estate Planning Stories
2010

Seminar
Estate Planning Basics
2010

Kids Protection Plan Seminar
Estate Planning, Guardians & Asset Protection
2010

The Truth About Estate Planning Workshop
Estate Planning & Asset Protection
2010

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (19)

Given (16)

Tiffany O'Connell

Elder law Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've had the pleasure and honor to work with Attorney Bedard on the board of the National Alliance of Attorneys for Alzheimer's Planning ("N3AP"), a non-profit organization of attorneys and professionals who are focused on helping those dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia. Jackie's energy and compassion in this area are contagious and refreshing. I was highly impressed with the level of care she and her firm take to help their clients. I would refer a client to Attorney Bedard without hesitation."

Victoria Collier

Elder law Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jackie is one of the hardest working and most innovative lawyers I know. She is always working on ways to perfect her clients' experiences while providing top notch legal services. I refer clients to her and recommend her highly."

Colin Austin

Estate planning Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Jackie Bedard for all Estate Planning issues and for her knowledge and experience with Elder Law."

Leroy Peterson

Elder law Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Jackie from a national organization of elder law attorneys and have found her to be extremely professional, knowledgable and trustworthy. I have contacted Jackie on numerous occasions for advice on difficult planning scenarios and she has been a valuable resource. I highly recommend Jackie as an Elder Law attorney."

Timothy Jarvis

Elder law Attorney | May 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jackie for several years, she is a consummate professional. I am constantly amazed at the time and effort Jackie puts into making sure she stays on the cutting edge of legal planning. I could not recommend anyone more highly than Jackie."

Karol Bisbee

Elder law Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer in both elder law and estate planning. We both belong to two national organizations of attorneys committed to providing a high standard of legal service to our clients. I would have no hesitation in referring clients to her. I know they would receive not only skilled legal representation but also compassion and understanding of whatever the clients needs might be."

Margaret Phelan

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Other

"I have been involved in a national planning group with Jackie for the last several years. Each time we meet I am more and more impressed with the quiet thoughtfulness and well expressed opinions that Jackie brings to our group. Many members have years of practice beyond Jackie's years, but she is clearly our peer."

Nicole Johnson

Elder law Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jackie Bedard is well regarded attorney who is extremely knowledgeable in her concentrated area of Elder Law."

John Peck

Elder law Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jackie Bedard almost since she begin practicing elder law and estate planning in the Cary, North Carolina area and she is one of the brightest, most ethical, and most knowledgeable younger elder law attorneys in the state of North Carolina."

Jeffrey Bellomo

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jackie is a top notch attorney. I have absolutely no reservations about endorsing her and giving her my 100% positive feedback. She is compassionate and cares deeply about her clients."

Susan Hunter

Elder law Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

J. Clinkscales

Elder law Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Jackie over the last couple of years. She is very bright and cares deeply for her clients and their causes. She is always well prepared and has great knowledge of the law. I recommend Jackie to any potential client."

Helayne Payne

Elder law Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jackie is a skilled and highly effective practitioner with a competent understanding of all the complexities involved in our field. She maintains an elevated level of continuing education and continually refines her skill set by constant attention to education and active participation in professional organizations dedicated to enhancing the service we provide our clients."

Janis Carney

Elder law Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Other

"I have known Jackie for over a year and endorse her as an elder law and estate planning attorney. She is a fellow attorney in a prestigious organization that we both belong to of some of the leading lawyers on estate planning and long-term care planning in the United States. I believe that Jackie is extremely knowledgeable about the state and federal laws related to estate planning and long-term care planning. As importantly, I know her as a warm and caring person who works hard for her clients. I would have no hesitation referring clients to her."

Melissa Walker

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Linda Ward

Estate planning Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jackie Bedard is skilled in handling matters from simple wills to complicated estates. She is knowledgeable and client-oriented, and I regularly recommend her to those in need of an estate attorney."

Darlynn Morgan

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Victor Medina

Estate planning Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I belong to two national organizations in which Jackie is also a member. Each of these organizations is dedicated to changing the way law is practiced and providing clients with estate plans that work and lawyers that are trusted advisors to their clients. I have had the pleasure of meeting Jackie, in person, and hearing about her practice philosophy. I would not hesitate to insist that my family and friends in North Carolina use her legal services for estate planning. I wholeheartedly endorse Jackie Bedard as the lawyer of choice for estate planning in NC."