5 Reasons to Create a Revocable Living Trust
Jun 12, 2023
A revocable living trust is a versatile tool that functions during your life, during the administration of your affairs at your death, and can also provide continuing trusts for your loved ones in the...
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What You Need to Know about SSI and SSDI
Jun 12, 2023
In this legal guide, Durham estate planning attorney Mark Costley talks about SSDI and SSI, their differences, benefits, and how to apply to these SSA programs. Why Might I Need SSI or SSDI Benefits?...
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What Is a Pour-Over Will and Do I Need One?
Jun 11, 2023
Raleigh estate planning attorney Mark O Costley talks about pour-over will in this legal guide, its importance and whether or not you should have one created. Is a Last Will and Testament Enough? A si...
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5 Reasons You Need a Last Will and Testament
Jun 11, 2023
Chapel Hill estate planning attorney Mark Costley explains five good reasons why you would need a last will and testament. You Don’t Want the State to Decide What Happens to Your Assets Regardless of...
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How to Know If Your Estate Plan Is Outdated
May 03, 2023
Your estate plan probably needs to be updated if any of the following have occurred since you last reviewed your plan: It Has Been More than 5 Years Since Your Last Review The time frame between routi...
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5 Reasons Not to Use a “Do-It-Yourself” Will
Apr 11, 2023
There are several important reasons why using a DIY Will is not in your best interests, including, but not limited to: They Are Often Full of Errors DIY Will forms that you find on the internet are fr...
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5 Reasons You Might Need an Elder Law Attorney
Apr 10, 2023
Raleigh elder law attorney Mark Costley explains what an elder law attorney is and why you might need the services of an elder law attorney. You Are the Caregiver of an Elderly Loved One Each year in...
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Can I Include a Spendthrift Provision in My North Carolina Trust?
Feb 23, 2022
Trusts are broadly divided into living trusts and testamentary trusts with the former activating during the lifetime of the Settlor (the creator of the trust) and the latter typically being activated...
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When Is An Estate Planning Required?
Jul 16, 2021
If you are serving as the Executor of the estate, you were nominated to serve in that role by the decedent in his/her Last Will and Testament and then appointed by the Court. Your overall job is to ov...
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Estate Planning for the Blended Family
Mar 31, 2021
With more than half of marriages ending in divorce, an increasing number of families are "blended families." This legal guide examines the unique issues faced in planning for blended families. Divorce...
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