Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
16 Client Reviews
$ 610-610 per hour
About Mark
Biography
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
Over 30 years experience in Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning and Elder Law
Making sure your estate passes to whom you want, when you want, and in the manner you've chosen.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
40%
Elder Law
30%
Trusts
15%
Probate
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 35 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oklahoma for 40 years
State: Oklahoma
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Location
Clarity Legal Group
1414 Raleigh Road Suit #445, The Exchange West at Meadowmount, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517
claritylegalgroup.comGallery
Mark O. Costley's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by John A | January 30, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
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 anonymous | May 28, 2013 | Estate Planning
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 b...
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2010 | Estate Planning
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...
Mark O. Costley's Lawyer Endorsements
"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!"
"I endorse this lawyer. They are an expert in the field of estate planning."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Mark is an outstanding attorney."
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
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Experience
Honors
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
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2013
Leader in the Law, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
2012
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Founding Owner, Clarity Legal Group
2002 - 2017
Member, Manager, Walker Lambe Rhudy & Costley, PLLC
1994 - 2000
Partner, Adams& Costley, PLLC
1991 - 1994
Principal, Law Office of Mark O. Costley
1985 - 1990
Associate, Crowe & Dunlevy
Associations
2010 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (North Carolina chapter)Member
2009 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2005 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section, Legislative Committee
2003 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Elder Law Section
2002 - Present
Durham County Bar Association
2001 - Present
Durham Orange Estate Planning CouncilPresident
2000 - 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
1991 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association
1985 - Present
American Bar Association
1985 - Present
Oklahoma Bar Association
1991 - 2000
Greensboro Bar Association
1985 - 1990
Oklahoma County Bar Association
1985 - 1993
American Bar Association, Litigation Section
Education
1985
Duke University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
Duke University
A.B.
Speaking Engagements
2022
Washington Duke Hotel Estate Planning Education
Estate Planning with Living Trusts
2021
University Club, Durham, NC
Estate Planning
2013
Triangle Caregiver's Conference
Understanding the Law Related to People Giving Care
2013
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Employees
Legal Issues & Documents When Someone Decides for Someone Else
2006
Duke University
Planning with Trusts for IRAs
2003
Trust Drafting
Drafting Special Needs Trusts
2002
Ethical Issues in North Carolina Estate Planning
Effective Client Communications
2000
Choice of Business Entity in North Carolina
General Partnerships and Joint Ventures
1998
Judgement Enforcement in North Carolina
Enforcement of Judgments
1998
Covenants Not to Compete in North Carolina
Covenants Not to Compete in Employment Arena
Publications
2019
Book
The Ultimate North Carolina Caregivers Guide
2006
Book
Guiding Those Left Behind in North Carolina
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Once I filed a claim against an estate with the 90 day period. Can I ever come back later and change that amount?
21 Feb 2022
Q&A
Can my brother kick me out of the house that he, my disabled sister and I inherited?
10 Apr 2019
Q&A
I am in N.C, I am an only child and administrator of my mom's estate which is just her 401k 17k am i entitled to entire estate
29 Nov 2018
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Selecting a Nursing Home for Mom or Dad
27 Sep 2025
Legal Guide
Tips – Business Succession Planning
21 Sep 2024
Legal Guide
Top 10 Estate Planning Tips for Parents with Young Children
21 Sep 2024