In North Carolina, if you die without a will, state law decides who inherits your property. This is called intestate succession. Your spouse and children may inherit, but not always in the way you expect. The court will also appoint someone to manage your estate. If you have minor children, a judge will decide who becomes their guardian. Creating a will allows you to make those decisions yourself.

Many young parents think estate planning can wait. But estate planning is not about age. It is about responsibility. If you have children, own a home, or have savings, you already have decisions that need to be made. An estate plan gives structure and clarity, even if nothing happens for decades.

Not always. In North Carolina, what your spouse inherits depends on whether you have children, the length of your marriage, and other factors. In some situations, your spouse shares the estate with your children. That may not match what you intended. A will or trust allows you to create a clear plan rather than relying on default state rules.

If a child inherits under North Carolina law without planning in place, they typically receive full control at age 18. For many parents, that feels too young. With proper planning, you can delay distributions and set guidelines. You can choose ages, milestones, or structure payments over time. This protects your child while they mature.

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 probate. 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.

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.