Lake Norman Wills Lawyer

Wills Attorney in Lake Norman, NC

What can happen after death is often a taboo subject, especially with family. The impact of not putting your wishes in writing can hurt your descendants, causing stress and in-fighting that could’ve been easily avoided with a little planning. Whether you own many properties, have a retirement nest egg, or minor children, you need a Lake Norman wills lawyer to guide you through the legal process to protect your assets after you’re gone.

Thomas & Webber is committed to assisting you through your will case. We offer a personalized approach to protecting your legacy and solutions for the big decisions you must make. Our team is happy to answer questions while addressing your future plans and how to distribute your assets.  Our former clients comment on our prompt communication and professionalism. We can handle your will, allowing you and your loved ones the peace of mind that a plan is in place.

What Is a Will?

A will outlines your wishes after you die. This includes how your property can be distributed to your relatives. It contains specific instructions based on your assets and needs. Some people want to leave everything to their children, while others assign funds to their favorite charity. You can even include instructions on how your treasured pet will be cared for after you’re gone.

Will Laws in North Carolina

The North Carolina Statutes, Chapter 31, detail the requirements for a will to be valid:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must be mentally capable of understanding what property you own, how you want to distribute it, and to whom. This is an important factor with older people in the late stages of dementia.
• There are two types of wills:
  • A typed will prepared by an attorney, which is a formal document written in legal language and filed with Iredell County.
  • A holographic will is handwritten by someone before they die, detailing their last wishes and signed with a valid signature. This type of will is usually found after the person’s death. Holographic wills are considered valid under North Carolina law, but there are cases of them being contested by family members.
• You need two witnesses to the will. These witnesses should not be named in the will or inherit any assets from it.
• If you have minor children, you must name a guardian for them in the will.
• You must name an executor to manage your estate. This should be someone you trust to follow the guidelines you’ve chosen in your will. If you do not name an executor, the state will assign one after you’re gone.
• A valid signature is required on the will to make it legal.

A few important points to remember about drawing up a will with a skilled Lake Norman attorney:

• Everything must be in writing. An oral account of your wishes can’t be used as a formal will in North Carolina.
• Your will can be revoked or revised at any time, as long as you are still of sound mind to make decisions. You can hire a wills lawyer to assist you in making changes to these legal documents.
• Your will is filed at the Iredell County Superior Court in Stateville. This is where your relatives go after your passing with a death certificate to start the process.
• Your will doesn’t have to be notarized in North Carolina, but the process moves faster through probate if you do.
• If you don’t have a will in North Carolina, the state decides how to distribute your assets.

According to a 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center, only 32% of people have a will. Most of them are over 60 and have high incomes. Regarding other estate planning, 31% have a living will, and 20% have discussed their wishes for burial and funeral arrangements with their families.

FAQs

Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Will in North Carolina?

Yes, it’s worth it to hire a lawyer to draw up your will. A capable attorney can advise you on how to put your wishes in writing and do all the necessary paperwork. Without a will, the state can assign an executor who may not carry out your desired directives. Having a formal will can allow your relatives to avoid costly mistakes, saving them in the long run.

What Type of Lawyer Is Ideal for Wills?

An estate planning lawyer is ideal to write up a will for you. Other attorneys may not be as familiar with the law and miss a critical step in the process. If your will isn’t executed correctly, the decisions about your estate could take years in probate court. Find an attorney who has drawn up wills in the past.

How Much Does a Lawyer Usually Charge for a Will in Lake Norman, NC?

In Lake Norman, NC, the cost depends on your estate and the extent of your wishes. If you have a higher income with many pieces of property, the cost can add up quickly. There are different fees involved for levels of service, such as filing costs. Schedule a consultation with a Lake Norman attorney with experience in estate planning to get a better understanding of the cost.

What Are the Biggest Mistakes People Make With Their Will?

The biggest mistake people make with their wills is not updating them when there’s a new life event. When your children are no longer of minor age, your will needs to reflect that. If you file for divorce, you may want to change the beneficiaries of your estate. Your will needs to be as current as possible because you never know when it’s your time.

Hire a Wills Lawyer in Lake Norman

At Thomas & Webber, we value the partnership we develop with our clients. During the difficult conversations about what you want after you die, we offer compassion and guidance. Not having a will can cause years of waiting in probate court, which is the last thing you want for your descendants. To avoid additional costs, you need a knowledgeable Lake Norman wills attorney on your side. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.