$ 235-675 per hour
Gregory Herman-Giddens
About Gregory
Biography
I guide high net worth individuals and families through the complex legal and tax aspects of estate planning, probate and trust administration. After over 35 years of helping folks, I like to say that I specialize in "peace of mind."
I grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and most of my family is in the area. I now split my time between Naples, FL and Chapel Hill, but remain a die hard Tar Heel fan! Personally, I enjoy traveling, the outdoors, reading history, and spending time with my rather large family!
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
30%
33 years | 2,000 cases
Probate
30%
38 years | 600 cases
Tax
20%
34 years | 400 cases
Trusts
20%
33 years | 1,750 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 14 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in Tennessee for 22 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 33 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Carolina for 38 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Location
TrustCounsel
1414 Raleigh Road, Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517
TrustCounsel
1415 Panther Lane, Ste. 534, Naples, FL, 34109
Gallery
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Gregory Herman-Giddens's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
5 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Posted by Tracy | April 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Trusts
Peace of mind
I hired Greg for assistance with a trust after an unexoected death in my family. Needless to say it was a stressful time. Greg and his staff were prompt, professional and made me feel at ease with the process. I worked with them for over a year and felt confident in their assistance every step of ...
Posted by Jim S. | April 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Excellent Attorney
Gregory Herman-Giddens has represented my family in North Carolina for years. Upon the passing of a family member he and his law firm performed exceptionally insuring my needs and the needs of my family were met. As my remaining family member ages, a problem over a legal issue occurred at which time ...
Posted by James | March 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Excellent and thorough
We use Greg for all our estate planning and trust needs. He and his staff have been excellent every steop of the way, always thinking of things we should watch out for. Our business relationship is solid, well-documented, and completely satisfactory.
Posted by Linda | June 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Excellent advice
We've used Greg Herman-Giddens to provide estate planning services for a number of years. He provides excellent advice and service. We trust his knowledge and expertise in preparing all our estate planning documents.
Posted by anonymous | October 09, 2008 | Estate Planning
Client Review
Greg handles my estate planning issues and is very responsive, knowledgeable, and easy-going. I am an attorney myself and I marvel at how he can discuss very complex legal isses in a way that is simple and easy to understand. I would recommend him highly to anyone who needs an estate plan.
Gregory Herman-Giddens's Lawyer Endorsements
"I know Greg to be a smart, thorough, and conscientious professional. I have and will continue to recommend Greg to friends and family."
"Gregory Herman-Giddens is one of the top-notch estate planning practitioners in our state. He and I have worked together on an estate planning matter and I found him to be very experienced, professional, and easy to work with. I highly endorse and recommend him"
"I endorse this lawyer. Greg is the "go to guy" if you need trust work or estate planning. He is very trustworthy, smart, knows the law and is easy and fun to work with. If you are his client then you are in good hands. If I need advice in connection with his field for my own criminal practice in California then I go to Greg."
"I endorse this lawyer. Gregory is a very knowledgeable and professional attorney."
"Greg is a true professional in the Trust & Estate areas. I have worked with him on a matter and can always count on his advice when to comes to matters in North Carolina."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Attorney Herman-Giddens always offered sound advice as a member of the Avvo Community. I would and plan to recommend his services to friends and family."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Gregory is always helpful with it comes to explaining legal and tax issues as they may concern clients and other lawyers. I have seen him go out of his way to help others beyond what is required. He provides excellent trusts and is licensed in several states. We have worked on several NFA trust issues in NC and he has dealt with them timely and professionally."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Herman-Giddens is an extremely competent and knowledgeable estate planning attorney. He has excellent client follow through skills and tremendous experience. I highly recommend him."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Scholarship Award, WealthCounsel
2022
Florida Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate, Super Lawyers Magazine
2022
Top Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate, Naples Illustrated Magazine
2021
Top Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate, Naples Illustrated Magazine
2021
Florida Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Top Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate, Naples Illustrated Magazine
2020
North Carolina Super Lawyer in Estate Planning & Probate, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
North Carolina Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
The President's Volunteer Service Award, Corporation for National & Community Service
2018
North Carolina Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Pro Bono Honor Society, North Carolina Bar Foundation
2017
North Carolina Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
2012
Pro Bono Publico, North Carolina Legal Aid and New Hanover County Bar Association
2011
North Carolina Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
2009
Best Tax Lawyer in North Carolina, Voted on Legal Force website
2008
Impact Financial Leader, Triangle Business Leader magazine
2007
Certified Financial Planner, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
2007
Legal Elite in Tax and Estate Planning, Business Leader Magazine
2007
North Carolina Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
1997
Estate Planning and Probate Law Specialist, North Carolina State Bar Board of Specialization
1984
National Psychology Honor Society, Psi Chi
1984
Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Manager, TrustProtector, LLC
1996 - Present
President and Shareholder, TrustCounsel
2022 - 2023
Partner, Galbraith, PLLC
2019 - 2021
Stockholder, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
2004 - 2004
Of Counsel, The Andersen Firm
1994 - 1996
Associate, Northen Blue Law Firm
1993 - 1993
Associate, Catalano Fisher Gregory & Crown
Associations
2011 - Present
Law Society of England and WalesSolicitor (non-practising)
2007 - Present
WealthCounselMember
2003 - Present
North Carolina Association of Non-ProfitsPro Bono Panel Member
1994 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law SectionMember
1992 - Present
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionMember
2014 - 2015
15-B Judicial District BarPresident
2012 - 2014
15-B Judicial District BarSecretary/Treasurer
2010 - 2010
Orange County Bar AssociationPresident
2009 - 2012
Chatham County Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors
2008 - 2014
North Carolina Bar Association, Medico-Legal Liaison CommitteeMember
2008 - 2011
Orange County Habit for HumanityDirector
1998 - 2008
North Carolina Bar Association, Endowment CommitteeMember
Education
1993
University of Miami School of Law
LL.M - Master of Law
1988
Tulane University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2024
WealthCounse North Carolina Forum
Preparing for the Sunset: the End of the TCJA
2023
WealthCounsel Webinar
Trust Protectors: Drafting and Practical Considerations
2023
Wake County Estate Planning Council Meeting
Estate Planning for Firearms
2023
National Association of Charitable Gift Planners - Annual Meeting
Case Study: Working with a Donor with Diminished Capacity
2021
Word on the Street Webinar
Fiduciary Income Considerations in Drafting Trusts
2020
Mid-South Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys (Virtual)
Fiduciary Income Tax Considerations in Drafting Trusts
2019
Federal Fiduciary Income Tax Workshop
Federal Fiduciary Income Tax
2018
Word on the Street Webinar
Estate Tax Planning for Non-Citizen Spouses with QDOTs
2018
Lawyers, Guns, and Money
Title I and Title II Firearms
2018
Lawyers, Guns, and Money
Liability Concerns for Gun Owners and Gun Dealers
2017
Fiduciary Income Tax Workshop
Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates
2017
21st Annual Elder and Special Needs Law Sympoisum
Gun Trusts in Elder and Special Needs Law
2016
Spring Meeting
Planning for Firearms
2016
August Meeting
Federal and NC Gun Law
2016
Annual Meeting
In Guns We Trust
2015
Thought Leader Webinar
Fiduciary Income Tax Considerations in Drafting Trusts
2015
Annual Meeting
In Guns We Trust
2014
Webinar
IRA Beneficiary Trusts
2014
Virginia Forum
IRA Trusts: Now More Than Ever
2014
South Carolina Forum
Estate Tax Planning after DOMA
2014
South Carolina Forum
Estate Planning after ATRA
2014
North Carolina Forum
IRA Trusts: Now More Than Ever
2014
Financial and Legal Strategies and Planning, and Assistance Paying for Long Term Care
North Carolina Elder Law: Covering Care Expenses
2014
Fiduciary Income Tax Seminar
Fiduciary Income Tax
2014
Division of Geriatric Medicine
Incompetency and Guardianship in North Carolina
2014
Attorney/Trust Officer Liaison Conference
Federal Gun Law and Gun Trusts
2014
20th Annual Black Hills Motor Classic CLE Seminar
Federal Gun Law and Gun Trusts
2013
South Carolina Forum
IRA Trusts and Asset Protection
2013
Proper Post-Death Administration of an IRA Beneficiary Trust
IRA Beneficiary Trust Administration (Repeat)
2013
Proper Post-Death Administration of an IRA Beneficiary Trust
IRA Beneficiary Trust Administration
2013
NTSAA 403(b) Summit (Chicago)
Estate Planning, Beneficiary Designations and Asset Protection
2013
National Webinar
Using IRA Trusts to Preserve Assets and Minimize Taxes
2013
National Webinar
Estate Planning with Education Trusts and 529 Plans
2013
National Webinar
Estate Planning with Education Trusts and 529 Plans
2013
National Teleconference
IRA Trusts, Rollovers and Distributions
2013
Interdisciplinary Webinar
Using Trust to Asset Protect Inherited IRAs
2013
How to Draft IRA Trusts
IRA Trusts
2013
Equitable Distribution Workshop
Tax Aspects of Equitable Distribution
2013
Education Trusts and 529 Plans: Estate Planning Strategies for College Savings
Education Trusts & 529 Plans
2012
To the Health of Your Wealth -OLLI
Estate Planning
2012
Professional Day - Greensboro NC Chapter
Asset Protection Planning
2012
North Carolina Forum
The Use of Trust Protectors in North Carolina
2012
National Webinar
IRA Trusts in Estate Planning for Tax Savings and Asset Protection
2012
National Teleconference Continuing Legal Education
Incorporating Education Trusts and 529 Plans in Estate Plans
2012
National Teleconference
How to Draft IRA Trusts
2012
National Teleconference
How to Draft IRA Trusts
2012
Estate Planning and Probate Practice for Paralegals
Assisting with Guardianships
2012
5th Annual Review Course
Wills and Probate
2012
2 Part (120 minute) Online Course
IRA Trusts
2011
Orange County Bar Association
Estate Planning
2011
OLLI Retirement Course
Estate Planning
2011
Health Care Reform Symposium
Tax Implications of Health Care Reform
2011
Financial Planning Association
Asset Protection Planning
2010
Ohio Forum Meeting
Basic Trust Administration
2010
Mid-Atlantic Million Dollar Round Table
Special Needs Trusts
2010
Fearrington Cares
Legal and Contractual Aspects of Continuing Care Retirement Communities
2009
North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society Summer Meeting
Medico-Legal Guidelines
2009
Equitable Distribution Workshop
Tax Consequences of Equitable Distribution
2009
Elder Law - End of Life Decisions
Advance Directives
2009
A Day in the Life of an Estate Paralegal
Trusts - Implementation and Administration
2008
Personal Finance Course
Estate Planning
2008
Certified Financial Planner Course
Estate Planning and Probate
2007
Certified Financial Planner Course
Estate and Gfit Tax
2004
LGBT Legal Issues in North Carolina
Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples
2001
Program on Aging
Incompetency and Guardianship Procedures
N/A
Guardianship for Paralegals
Guardianship
Publications
2024
Solicitors Journal
The US Corporate Security Act: a guide for Non-US Lawyers
2023
WealthCounsel Quarterly
Estate Planning Considerations for Firearms
2022
Estate Planning Strategies
Trust Modification and Decanting
2016
Wealthcounsel Quarterly
Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts
2014
Estate Planning magazine
IRA Tax Deferral: Trusts, Rollovers, and Distributions
2012
The Will and the Way (NCBA)
Estate and Gift Tax Planning for Non-Citizen Spouses
2010
Core Compass
Tax Consequences of Equitable Distribution
2010
North Carolina Bar Association publication
IRAs and Creditor Protection in North Carolina
2009
North Carolina Bar Association Elder Law Section - Gray Matters
North Carolina Repeals Rule Against Perpetuities
2002
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
Every Client Needs an Estate Plan - 10 Reasons Why
2001
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
New FTC Rules Apply to Estate Planning and Tax Attorneys
2001
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
529 College Savings Plans Offer Estate Planning Advantages
1998
Taxation For Accountants
Charitable Remainder Trusts
1998
Taxation for Lawyers
Charitable Remainder Trusts
N/A
North Carolina Estate Planning Blog
Estate Planning, Probate and Tax postings
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If a gift isn't considered income nor is taxable, will the IRS take it if I owe back taxes?
01 Oct 2019
Q&A
IRC 672(c)(2) Related or Subordinate Party
23 Sep 2019
Q&A
What is the role of the "Trust Protector" of a living trust?
15 Sep 2019