PREMIER ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES
Estate planning is an important step in preparing your legacy and ensuring your wishes are followed after you pass away.
INDIVIDUALIZED ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning is necessary and important in order to make sure your wishes are honored and that your family is taken care of after your death. You do not have to be a millionaire in order to need an estate plan. If you own property or have any accounts, you may benefit from having an estate plan to make sure it gets divided how you want it and to the people you want instead of what the law requires.
Estate plans are also essential in planning for potential healthcare needs in case you become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions on your own. Our estate planning attorneys have years of experience assisting clients in preparing their legacies.
Peoples’ needs vary, so you are free to pick and choose from this package as you wish.
Our attorneys will go over all of your options with you so you can make an informed decision about your needs and get the documents that most make sense for you.
Depending on your particular situation, you may also need additional documents, such as deeds, trusts, or other custom estate planning tools. You may also need someone to come to you if you are unable to travel.
This is something that can be discussed with the attorney and may include additional fees as well, depending on how far the attorney and any witnesses need to travel. Those fees are quoted at the time of consultation and are based on the expertise involved and the time we expect to spend on the matter.
Once the attorney has discussed your options with you and you have decided which documents are needed, our office will draft all the necessary documents and have you come back to our office to sign.
The turnaround for most documents is two weeks, however, more complex plans may take more time.
THE TYPICAL ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS WE DRAFT INCLUDE
While we customize plans according to your needs, there are some fundamental documents that nearly every person needs to prepare for the day when they might not be able to manage their own affairs or pass away. These include:
LAST WILL & TESTAMENT
A Last Will & Testament commonly referred to as a Will, is a legal document that outlines how a deceased person’s estate should be distributed and what should happen to any minor children. Without a Will, a person’s estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, potentially making distribution complicated and different than what the decedent may have wanted. Even if a loved one made verbal wishes while they were alive, IF THEY ARE NOT WRITTEN DOWN IN A Will, the person in charge of the estate will have to follow state laws instead. The creation of a Will can also simplify the probate process and lower the costs of administration.
DURABLE GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR A NATURAL DEATH ("LIVING WILL")
ESTATE PLANNING APPOINTMENT TYPES
We understand that everyone’s situation is different and we strive to remove the obstacles keeping you from getting these critical services done for you and your family.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS FOR SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE
When you first reach out to our office, you have the option of calling (919) 244-2019, emailing, or submitting a request through our online form . Our staff can either set up the initial appointment over the phone with you, or we can provide you with a link via email so that you can schedule the initial appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.
The first meeting can be in person, by phone, or by video chat. During the initial consultation, an estate planning attorney will walk through your situation with you, address your goals, concerns, and needs. Based on that initial conversation, the attorney will make recommendations. The attorney will also gather information needed to draft documents and come up with a list of items that may require additional consideration.
During that initial meeting, you have the option of choosing to either:
(1) Have the drafted documents sent to you with detailed instructions on how to have them signed and optionally have the signed documents reviewed by the attorney to make sure they are done correctly; or
(2) Have you select a date and time to come into our office to have us supervise the signing. If you choose this option, the attorney provides all necessary witnesses and a notary. If you choose this option, you also have the option of driving up to our office, remaining in your vehicle, and having the attorney come outside to handle the signing through the car window.
If you elect to have us send you documents to have signed on your own, but later choose to have us supervise the signing instead, there is no additional fee.
Once you have selected an option, you and the attorney will work through follow-up questions and revisions by phone and email. Once the editing process is complete, you’ll be ready to sign!
TRADITIONAL OFFICE APPOINTMENT
To set up that initial meeting, you can call (919) 244-2019, email law@hoplerwilms.com, or submit a request through our online form . Our staff can assist you in setting up a face-to-face meeting with an estate planning attorney. Just let our staff know you prefer an in-person meeting, and they will gladly arrange that.
Once you meet with the attorney, you will schedule a time to return to sign documents. At that time, you may also elect to schedule a review meeting with the attorney to review the documents and work through edits in a face-to-face meeting.
When it is time to sign the documents, you and the attorney will meet in one of our conference rooms along with witnesses and a notary, and the attorney will supervise the signing and answer any remaining questions.
AT HOME VISITS, WE COME TO YOU!
When you first reach out to our office, you have the option of calling (919) 244-2019, emailing, or submitting a request through our online form . Our staff can arrange an initial consultation by phone, video chat, or at your location.
During the initial consultation, an estate planning attorney will walk through your situation with you, address your goals, concerns, and needs. Based on that initial conversation, the attorney will make recommendations. The attorney will also gather information needed to draft documents and come up with a list of items that may require additional consideration. You and the attorney can go through an editing process. Once a final version of the documents is generated, the attorney can bring witnesses and a notary to your location for the signing. Fees for traveling and providing witnesses are based on the amount of travel required.
When you reach out, let our staff know this is your preference. If this is an emergency situation, let the staff know that as well so that we can prioritize the matter.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS FOR SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE
The process of engaging an estate planning attorney to draft important documents does not have to involve taking vacation days at work to complete. Our attorneys provide flexible options to our clients to make the process convenient.
When you first reach out to our office, you have the option of calling (919) 244-2019, emailing, or submitting a request through our online form . Our staff can either set up the initial appointment over the phone with you, or we can provide you with a link via email so that you can schedule the initial appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.
The first meeting can be in person, by phone, or by video chat. During the initial consultation, an estate planning attorney will walk through your situation with you, address your goals, concerns, and needs. Based on that initial conversation, the attorney will make recommendations. The attorney will also gather information needed to draft documents and come up with a list of items that may require additional consideration.
During that initial meeting, you have the option of choosing to either:
(1) Have the drafted documents sent to you with detailed instructions on how to have them signed and optionally have the signed documents reviewed by the attorney to make sure they are done correctly; or
(2) Have you select a date and time to come into our office to have us supervise the signing. If you choose this option, the attorney provides all necessary witnesses and a notary. If you choose this option, you also have the option of driving up to our office, remaining in your vehicle, and having the attorney come outside to handle the signing through the car window.
If you elect to have us send you documents to have signed on your own, but later choose to have us supervise the signing instead, there is no additional fee.
Once you have selected an option, you and the attorney will work through follow-up questions and revisions by phone and email. Once the editing process is complete, you’ll be ready to sign!
AT HOME VISITS, WE COME TO YOU!
Sometimes life’s circumstances simply prevent you from getting this important matter handled because of limitations outside of your control, such as a busy work/home life, illness, or a disability. We often get calls from nursing homes, hospitals, or from the homes of people that cannot travel and do not have the ability to see to the signing of documents on their own. We can come to you to get your estate planning done, whether it is at your kitchen table, at the hospital, or at a treatment or residential facility.
When you first reach out to our office, you have the option of calling (919) 244-2019, emailing, or submitting a request through our online form . Our staff can arrange an initial consultation by phone, video chat, or at your location.
During the initial consultation, an estate planning attorney will walk through your situation with you, address your goals, concerns, and needs. Based on that initial conversation, the attorney will make recommendations. The attorney will also gather information needed to draft documents and come up with a list of items that may require additional consideration. You and the attorney can go through an editing process. Once a final version of the documents is generated, the attorney can bring witnesses and a notary to your location for the signing. Fees for traveling and providing witnesses are based on the amount of travel required.
When you reach out, let our staff know this is your preference. If this is an emergency situation, let the staff know that as well so that we can prioritize the matter.
ESTATE PLANNING PACKAGES
Review our package pricing below to find what is right for your needs.
Included with all of our packages is our copyrighted Estate Information Guide
A valuable resource for tracking information a loved one or professional might need to know if you become incapacitated or died.
- LAST WILL AND TESTMANENT ONLY: $500 | FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN ONLY A WILL
- ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS PACKAGE: $750 | FOR THOSE WITH RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD NEEDS
- ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS PLUS: $2150 | MOST POPULAR OPTION
- MEDICAID ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING STARTS: $4750 | MOST COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION
If you are concerned about keeping the original Will safe, you may elect to have the Will stored at the local courthouse or with our office. There is no additional fee for either option.
You are provided with a notebook containing your documentation as well as an electronic copy that can either be emailed to you, provided to you on a USB drive, or sent securely to you through a secure online portal.
This “Will Only” service is only recommended for people who have other estate planning documents already. Incapacity planning is just as important as inheritance planning, but we offer this service for clients that only desire to have a Will prepared.
Fees are due as follows: One-half prior to the commencement of work, and one-half at the completion of work Recording the Will is $50.
Includes a Last Will and Testament for inheritance planning and guardianship planning. There’s a $100 additional charge if preparing mirror documents for a spouse or prospective spouse. There are also additional fees quoted at the initial consultation if complex provisions are requested.
Do you have a child? We can prepare a “Consent for Health Care Treatment of a Minor” for $50 per child with a cap of $150.
Includes a Last Will and Testament for inheritance planning and guardianship planning
Includes a Durable General Power of Attorney for financial incapacity planning
Includes a Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Release for medical incapacity planning
There’s a $100 additional charge if preparing mirror documents for a spouse or prospective spouse. There are also additional fees quoted at the initial consultation if complex provisions are requested.
Fees are due as follows: One-half prior to the commencement of work, and one-half at the completion of work
Do you have a child? We can prepare a “Consent for Health Care Treatment of a Minor” for $50 per child with a cap of $150.
Includes a Revocable Living Trust for both incapacity and inheritance planning
Includes an Assignment of Personal Effects to the trust, a Certification of Trust to make transferring assets to the trust easier, and printed resources to aid you in managing the trust.
Includes a Last Will and Testament for inheritance planning and guardianship planning
Includes a Durable General Power of Attorney for financial incapacity planning
Includes a Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Release for medical incapacity planning
There’s a $100 additional charge if preparing mirror documents for a spouse or prospective spouse. There’s an additional $100 charge if we are preparing two individual revocable trusts rather than one joint trust. There are also additional fees quoted at the initial consultation if complex provisions are requested, such as tax planning or special needs planning.
When transferring North Carolina real estate to the trust, we will typically charge a discounted price of $150 per deed, which includes the filing fee charged by the Register of Deeds.
Fees are due as follows: One-half prior to the commencement of work, and one-half at the completion of work
Do you have a child? We can prepare a “Consent for Health Care Treatment of a Minor” for $50 per child with a cap of $150.
Clients sometimes need additional help with Medicaid planning separate from the documents listed above. In that case, additional fees are quoted at the time of service.
Fees are due as follows: One-half prior to the commencement of work, and one-half at the completion of work
Includes a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust to assist with inheritance planning, long-term care planning, incapacity planning, and means-tested benefits eligibility planning.
Includes a Pourover Will
Includes up to two Deeds transferring real estate into the trust which includes the filing fees charged by the Register of Deeds
Includes a Certification of Trust to make transferring assets to the trust easier, and printed resources to aid you in managing the trust.
Includes a Last Will and Testament for inheritance planning and guardianship planning
Includes a Durable General Power of Attorney for financial incapacity planning
Includes a Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and HIPAA Release for medical incapacity planning
There’s a $100 additional charge if preparing mirror documents for a spouse or prospective spouse. There’s an additional $300 charge if we are preparing two individual trusts rather than one joint trust. There are also additional fees quoted at the initial consultation if complex provisions are requested, such as tax planning or special needs planning.
When transferring North Carolina real estate to the trust after the first two deeds are included in the base price, we will typically charge a discounted price of $150 per deed, which includes the filing fee charged by the Register of Deeds.
Do you have a child? We can prepare a “Consent for Health Care Treatment of a Minor” for $50 per child with a cap of $150.
Let's Get Your Estate Plan Started
Using the tables above, let us know which Estate Planning package is right for you.
Estate Plan Pricing & Details
Keeping Your Will Safe
If you are concerned about keeping the original Will safe, you may elect to have the Will stored at the local courthouse or with our office. There is no additional fee for either option.
Attorney Travel Pricing Information
In the event that a Client requires law firm staff to arrange and attend an out-of-office signing for the documents, a separate fee will apply.
- If an attorney does not attend the signing, the fees for out-of-office signings are at a rate of $200 per hour, with a minimum of one hour of time charged.
- If an attorney attends the signing, then the rate shall instead be $325 per hour. If multiple people are required to attend, the Client is only charged the rate for one person and not the rate of each attendee. The fee includes time traveling to and from the location of the signing and the time at the location conducting the signing. There is no additional fee for signings that occur (1) at the Law Firm’s physical location, or (2) at a remote location if travel by Law Firm staff is not required, such as if the Client is having the documents signed without the supervision of the Law Firm.
Keeping Document Organized
You are provided with a notebook containing your documentation as well as an electronic copy that can be emailed and provided to you on a USB drive or sent securely to you through a secure online portal.
Durable Power of Attorney
The Durable General Power of Attorney is not required to be recorded except in limited circumstances, but you may optionally file it with the Register of Deeds in the county where you live and where you have property. The fee for this is $50 per filing, which includes the recording fee charged by the Register of Deeds.
Health Care Power of Attorney
The Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will are not required to be filed in order to be effective. We generally recommend you have your medical provider include this in your chart. The Secretary of State offers an optional program where your document may be securely filed and you are provided a card with a username and password that you can include in your wallet or purse so that your documents can be located if the card is discovered by a provider or first responder. The fee for this is $25 per documents if you elect to have us file this for you, which includes the filing fee charged by the Secretary Of State.
Variation in Estate Plan Pricing
Our office makes every effort to individually price each estate plan; however, the pricing table above acts as a standard for us in quoting fees. Some variation may occur where unusual estate planning needs have to be addressed or when the client’s wishes are more or less complex than what is typical. During the initial consultation, you will be provided with an exact quote for services and an explanation of how we arrived at that price.
Additional fees are quoted at the time of initial consultation for items such as Special Needs Planning, Tax Planning, Consent forms for Health Care for a Minor, Complex/Custom Provisions, Assistance with Changing Beneficiaries on Accounts, Recording/Filing of Documents, and Travel Time.
While we do package estate planning documents for a lot of our clients and charge one reasonable flat fee for the drafting of all the documents at one time, our attorneys understand that people have unique situations that do not neatly fit into our packages and require more specific plans. We can help with individualized North Carolina estate plans, including the preparation of complex trusts such as Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts and Special Needs Trusts, as well as other documents that assist with individualized needs for our North Carolina clients.
Additional fees may be quoted at the time of service for:
• Assistance with changing Beneficiaries
• Complex/custom provisions
• Consent for health care for a Minor
• HIPAA release
• Irrevocable trust planning
• Recording of additional documents
• Testamentary trust provisions
• Travel time for an attorney (if travel required)
• Travel time for witnesses (if witnesses are needed)
ESTATE PLANNING SERVICE FEATURES
Initial consultation is complementary.
Read below to learn more about the benefits of getting a professional estate plan.
Schedule Conveniently
Set up a meeting with our office without having to speak to a live person. Just use our Contact page to submit a form online and ask for a link to schedule an estate plan meeting, and one will be provided to you. Of course, you can call and speak to a live person if you would prefer.
Fast Turnaround Time
The typical timing between the initial meeting and the signing of documents is two weeks. For Emergencies, such as international travel or the dire prognosis from a medical problem we do provide same-day and next-day services.
Choose How We Communicate
We provide you with multiple options to prevent you from ever having to step foot in a lawyer’s office and handle the entire planning process remotely.
Our Office or Your Home
We provide sit-down meetings with estate planning attorneys for those that prefer an in-person approach to estate planning.
Do you have questions about revocable trust, wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, or living wills? Would you like to be equipped with information before your initial consultation? Check out this complementary estate planning fundamentals guide which you can download here. Would you prefer a print version? Just request one through our online contact page, and we will gladly mail you one.
CONTACT US FOR HELP WITH YOUR ESTATE PLAN
At Hopler, Wilms, & Hanna, PLLC, you can select any or all of the documents in an estate planning package or receive individualized planning. If you’d like to inquire about an estate planning package or another document, contact us today.
Do you have questions about revocable trust, wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, or living wills? Would you like to be equipped with information before your initial consultation? Check out this complimentary estate planning fundamentals guide which you can download here.
Would you prefer a print version? Just request one through our online contact page, and we will gladly mail you one.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
FOR AN APPOINTMENT
EMAIL
law@hoplerwilms.com
PHONE
(919) 244-2019
ADDRESS
Durham – 2314 S. Miami Blvd., Suite 151
Durham, North Carolina 27703
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When your spouse dies, you may have many questions. If your spouse was the primary wage earner, you might feel worried about how you will get by in the future. One question on your mind may be, "What are you entitled to when your spouse dies?" In North Carolina, the answer depends on a few factors. Let's look at what the law says about spousal inheritance.