For many young families in North Carolina, a well-drafted will is completely appropriate. A trust may be helpful if you own property in multiple states, value privacy, or want to avoid a lengthy probate process. The right answer depends on your goals and assets. Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. The key is creating a plan that matches your family’s needs.

A revocable living trust is a legal document that holds your assets during your lifetime and directs what happens after you pass away. You remain in control while you are living. You can change or revoke it at any time. After your death, your chosen trustee manages and distributes assets according to your instructions. In many cases, a trust helps avoid probate.

Assets that are properly titled in a revocable living trust generally avoid probate. That means they are not processed through the court system after death. However, the trust must be properly funded during your lifetime. Assets left outside the trust may still go through probate. Good planning includes both drafting and proper asset alignment.

Trust funding means retitling certain assets into the name of your trust. For example, your home or bank accounts may need to be updated. If assets are not properly transferred, the trust cannot control them. This is one of the most common mistakes in trust planning. A trust only works for assets that are actually inside it.

No. Trusts are not just for wealthy families. They are tools. Some families use trusts to avoid probate. Others use them to manage distributions for young children. The value of a trust depends on your goals, not just your net worth.

The cost depends on the type of plan you need. A simple will-based plan typically costs less than a trust-based plan. What matters most is clarity about what is included. Estate planning should feel approachable and transparent. For many families, the cost of planning is far less than the cost of court involvement later.

The first meeting is a conversation. We talk about your family, your children, your assets, and your goals. You do not need to know legal terms. My role is to guide you through the decisions step by step. By the end, you will understand your options and feel confident about your next steps.escription