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How Often Should I Update My Will or Estate Plan?
Once you’ve created a will or trust, it’s tempting to put it in a drawer and forget about it. But life changes—and so should your estate plan. At Forbes Law Firm

Why a Trust Is Essential When You Have Minor Children
When parents think about estate planning, the conversation often begins with a will. But for families with minor children, a will alone rarely provides enough protection. A trust can be one of the

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Protecting Everyone You Love
Blended families are becoming increasingly common — and with them come unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Whether you’re remarried with children from a previous relationship, or your

Medicaid Planning vs. Estate Planning: What’s the Difference?
When preparing for the future, many people assume that “estate planning” and “Medicaid planning” are the same thing. While both are important and can impact what happens to your assets

Estate Planning Essentials for Same-Sex Couples: Unique Considerations You Shouldn’t Overlook
While the legalization of same sex marriage has brought significant legal protections to same-sex couples, estate planning remains an essential step to ensure that your wishes are honored—especially when facing

The North Carolina Probate Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
When a loved one passes away, family members often find themselves facing the legal process of probate—a court-supervised procedure for administering the decedent’s estate. In North Carolina, probate can seem complicated,

What is an Accumulation Trust and Do I Need One?
When it comes to estate planning, not all trusts are created equal. Some are designed to pass assets quickly to beneficiaries, while others are crafted to retain and manage assets

Why You Should Use an Estate Planning Attorney—Even ChatGPT Recommends It
In an age where artificial intelligence can draft everything from emails to wills, it’s tempting to think you can handle your estate planning online. After all, tools like ChatGPT can

Estate Planning Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What You Need to Know
The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings sweeping reforms to the federal tax code. Among its many changes are several provisions that directly

Common Myths Regarding Trusts and Your Primary Residence for People Living in North Carolina
When it comes to estate planning in North Carolina, few topics generate more confusion than trusts and your primary residence. Hence, I’ve written this follow up to my last entry. While

Should I Place My Home In A Trust If I Live in North Carolina?
When considering how to protect your assets and ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones, a common question North Carolina homeowners ask is: Should I put my home into

Do I Need a Will If I Am Not Wealthy?
Many people assume that a will is only necessary if they own a large estate or have significant financial assets. But in truth, a will is just as important — sometimes
