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Mark O. Costley

Estate planning Attorney at Chapel Hill, NC

5.0   10 reviews
  • State Years
    North Carolina - NC 32 years
    Oklahoma - OK 38 years
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State NC
    Acquired 1991
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 38 years
    State OK
    Acquired 1985
    Status
    Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

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

About Mark

Learn Mark’s areas of practice.

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ESTATE PLANNING, SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING AND ELDER LAW

With more than 30 years experience in private practice, Mark Costley has helped hundreds of North Carolinians with estate planning, trust and estate administration, planning for children and adults with special needs, business succession planning and business transactions, and family charitable and philanthropic counseling. Mark’s work involves elements of teaching, strategic analysis and planning, negotiation, documentation, and assisting clients in executing their plans. A Duke University Alumnus, Mark has given back to his alma mater in numerous capacities, including serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. He has devoted his considerable energies to the Servant Center, Inc., a nonprofit corporation providing health care services for veterans and the homeless. Mark frequently provides public presentations on the subjects of estate planning, financial planning, asset protection, health care planning, retirement planning, and related topics. Mark is also a certified court mediator.

 

Mark is an active member of a variety of associations and committees, including the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, American Bar Association, 14th Judicial District Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, Estate & Trust Legislative Committee, Durham-Orange Estate Planning Council, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

 

Mark is married to Margaret Costley, and has two daughters, Eleanor born in 1995, and Audrey born in 2000. He is an active member of University Presbyterian Church, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, an avid sports fan, and enjoys reading, travel, tennis, music, politics and gardening.

 

PUBLICATIONS:
Guiding Those Left Behind in North Carolina

The Ultimate Care Guide for North Carolina

Awards

Gold Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Photos and videos

View more

Contact Mark

Clarity Legal Group
1414 Raleigh Road Suit #445
The Exchange West at Meadowmount
Chapel Hill, NC, 27517

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
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Posted by Beverly T | February 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Client Service
I have been a client of Mark’s for more than a decade. He’s been consistently knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. The Clarity team is offering me skills and background that are broad and deep.
Posted by Martha Lewis | February 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Service
Thank you for holding these seminars. We appreciate them, as well as Clarity staff contacts and especially Mark’s tireless efforts to make our options clear and our choices exactly what we want.
Posted by V | December 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
VP
Very thorough. Explained objectives, purpose and process from the start. Discussed current options available to us, as we look into the future outcomes. Most important they made us comfortable, knowing that Clarity Group had the knowledge and experience to take care of our needs.
Posted by Marilyn W | February 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Comprehensive Estate Planning
Mark Costley & team delivered a comprehensive estate plan that, most importantly, was tailored to our specific needs. In addition, Clarity offers ongoing education, support & reviews to ensure that our plan adapts to current tax laws and / or life changes. We are enjoying retirement with with confidence that our wishes for the future are solid.
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Posted by John A | January 29, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Client Service
Mark Costley dis a thorough estate plan for us. We are very comfortable knowing that all details have been addressed.
Posted by L D R | October 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Patient and Thoughtful
Very patient, detailed descriptions of complex legal issues, thorough and thoughtful and willing to take as much time as needed to make sure we were confident about our decisions.
Posted by Wayland M | October 3, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Painless
Completely satisfying! Everything of impatience was explained thoroughly. We were able to ask as many questions us were necessary. Could not be more pleased with our experience.
Posted by JAB | December 9, 2013
Highly Professional Experience
Top-notch knowledge and professionalism. Complicated legal issues and documents were clearly and concisely described in straightforward language. Any question or concern we had were resolved by way of practical examples and options made clear. I would recommend Atty Costley to my friends.
Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2013
Peace of Mind - Fabulous
From the 1st encounter we were treated with dignity & respect. All of the staff gave wonderful, expert & personal customer/client service. We were able to set up Estate Planning so we have peace of mind. After a non binding meeting we decided to proceed. Now we can rest assured that our wishes will be followed. We also feel comfortable that our family will receive help when the time comes. Thanks to Mark & all the staff!
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Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2010
Great to work with
My husband and I got our estate plan with him. We feel very covered now, not just if one of us dies, but even more if one of us is in a situation where we can't make financial or health care decisions (like if we are in a coma or something like that). It is real peice of mind to know it's all taken care of. Mark Costley is a really nice guy and pleasant to talk to and work with. The other people in his office are really kind and helpful, too. I used to be a paralegal, so I know that a lot of law offices are not so friendly and helpful as they are.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 65-490 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founding Owner
  • Clarity Legal Group
  • 2017 - Present
  • Member, Manager
  • Walker Lambe Rhudy & Costley, PLLC
  • 2002 - 2017
  • Partner
  • Adams& Costley, PLLC
  • 1994 - 2000
  • Principal
  • Law Office of Mark O. Costley
  • 1991 - 1994
  • Associate
  • Crowe & Dunlevy
  • 1985 - 1990
View all work experience

Education

  • Duke University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1985
  • Duke University
  • A.B.
  • 1982

Associations

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (North Carolina chapter)
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section, Legislative Committee
  • 2005 - Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Elder Law Section
  • 2003 - Present
  • Durham County Bar Association
  • 2002 - Present
  • Durham Orange Estate Planning Council
  • President
  • 2001 - Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section
  • 2000 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section
  • 2000 - Present
  • American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
  • 2000 - Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • 1991 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • 1985 - Present
  • Oklahoma Bar Association
  • 1985 - Present
  • Greensboro Bar Association
  • 1991 - 2000
  • Oklahoma County Bar Association
  • 1985 - 1990
  • American Bar Association, Litigation Section
  • 1985 - 1993
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2022
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2021
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2019
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2017
  • Av Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2016
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2015
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2013
  • Leader in the Law
  • North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
  • 2013
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2010
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2008
  • AV Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1990
View all awards

Publications

  • Book
  • The Ultimate North Carolina Caregivers Guide
  • 2019
  • Book
  • Guiding Those Left Behind in North Carolina
  • 2006

Speaking Engagements

  • Washington Duke Hotel Estate Planning Education
  • Estate Planning with Living Trusts
  • 2022
  • University Club, Durham, NC
  • Estate Planning
  • 2021
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Employees
  • Legal Issues & Documents When Someone Decides for Someone Else
  • 2013
  • Duke University
  • Planning with Trusts for IRAs
  • 2006
  • Trust Drafting
  • Drafting Special Needs Trusts
  • 2003
  • Ethical Issues in North Carolina Estate Planning
  • Effective Client Communications
  • 2002
  • Choice of Business Entity in North Carolina
  • General Partnerships and Joint Ventures
  • 2000
  • Covenants Not to Compete in North Carolina
  • Covenants Not to Compete in Employment Arena
  • 1998
  • Judgement Enforcement in North Carolina
  • Enforcement of Judgments
  • 1998
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (0)
Endorse Mark
Unknown Attorney | May 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am impressed with Mr. Costley's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!"
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. They are an expert in the field of estate planning."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Mark is an outstanding attorney."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.