North Carolina recognizes the validity of handwritten wills. Under NC law, a handwritten will must satisfy the following requirements: Written entirely in the handwriting of the testator (the will-maker); Subscribed by the testator, or with his name written in or on the will in his own handwriting; and, Found after the testator’s death among his [more]

Studies show that less than one-third of all adults in the United States have a living will or any type of advance directive. National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) began in 2008 as a grassroots initiative to address this problem by ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and [more]

As my clients often hear me say, estate planning should be viewed as a process rather than a one-time event. Personal and financial circumstances change. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate your will, trust, health care power of attorney, and other estate plan documents periodically in light of all such changes and make revisions when [more]

This post is the third in a series of posts highlighting college savings options. I’ve blogged recently about the Coverdell Education Savings Account and the 529 Plan. Today, I’d like to turn the spotlight on the custodial account. A custodial account refers to an account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act and the Uniform [more]

If you’re like many people, you like to be organized and have control over most areas of your life but probably don’t like thinking about and planning for your own death. Talk about a paradox. One of the questions I am asked most frequently is, “Do I need a will?” My answer is almost always, “Yes.” Here [more]

With tuition costs on the rise and college on the horizon for many parents, I thought you might find a series of posts highlighting several college savings options beneficial. My first post of the series featured the Coverdell Education Savings Account. This post covers the popular 529 plan. The 529 plan is named after section [more]

Our daughter turns 19 months old in a few days. Like many parents, we already worry about saving for college. Check out this nifty calculator, the “College Cost Projector,” to see an estimate of what college will cost by the time your son or daughter enrolls. To help you begin building a college war chest, [more]

September is life insurance awareness month. It’s a great time to consult with your insurance professional and determine the amount and type of life coverage that is appropriate given your personal circumstances and planning objectives. As you work through the process, pay special attention when completing your primary and contingent beneficiary designations. It is critical [more]

It’s no secret that we rely daily on the internet. What is a secret, of course, are the usernames and passwords that we use to access our online accounts. From email accounts and online banking to credit card statements and utility bills, we all find ourselves going to great lengths to protect our login information [more]

Our daughter arrived last Valentine’s Day, so I know firsthand that one of the most exciting times in life is the moment you find out you are expecting a new little bundle of joy. From that moment, preparations quickly ensue. While most parents succeed in having the crib assembled, the tiny clothing washed and hung [more]