Kannapolis Trusts Lawyer

Trusts Lawyer Serving Kannapolis and Cabarrus County

Thinking about who will manage your money and property if you get sick, or after you pass away, is not fun. But those choices matter, especially if you care about privacy and control. A trust is one of the most useful tools in estate planning, and it can make passing down property a lot simpler. A Kannapolis trusts lawyer can help you set up a trust that matches your wishes and your family.

Our Kannapolis office is at 123 S Main St, close to families in Concord, China Grove, and Landis too.

Why Choose Thomas & Webber?

At Thomas & Webber, we understand that no two people have the same goals when it comes to an estate plan. We can analyze your assets and goals and explain how a trust can be personalized to reflect your needs. Our attorneys also have years of experience drafting enforceable, precise legal documents. We have served clients in Kannapolis and the surrounding area with circumstances similar to yours and are ready to help you, too.

How Trusts Work in North Carolina

A trust is an estate planning tool that allows you, the grantor, to transfer your assets to a trustee. The trustee is responsible for managing those assets after your death and distributing them to the beneficiaries. For 67% of Americans age 55 and older, having a will or trust that outlines asset distribution is an essential part of having affairs in order.

Of American adults, only 24% had a will in 2025. This means their assets may not be distributed according to their wishes, instead being distributed according to North Carolina’s intestate laws during probate.

Many different types of assets can be put into a trust, including a home, which is often one of the largest financial assets. The average home value is $279,713 in Kannapolis. Other assets commonly put into a trust include:

• Financial accounts
• Investments
• Business interests
• Vehicles
• Personal belongings

Types of Trusts You May Choose

A trust case can be more complex than simply writing a list of assets and beneficiaries. One major decision that you must make is what kind of trust you wish to use. Trust laws outline several different types of trusts, each with unique benefits or drawbacks. A Kannapolis trusts attorney can explain which trust offers you the most benefits for your situation.

Common types of trusts in North Carolina include:

• Revocable living trusts. A revocable living trust allows you to retain full control over your assets during your life. This type of trust can be modified or revoked, giving you flexibility if your circumstances change.
• Irrevocable trusts. Unlike a revocable living trust, an irrevocable trust generally cannot be modified after it is made. These trusts may provide benefits such as stronger asset protection and a reduced tax burden.
• Special needs trusts. A special needs trust is a great option if you are looking to financially support a loved one with a disability. By using this type of trust, you do not jeopardize their eligibility for government benefits.
• Testamentary trusts. A testamentary trust is different from the other types of trusts mentioned because it is set up within your will, rather than in a new document, and goes through probate. If you have minor children, this type of trust can allow you to responsibly transfer your assets, such as withholding them until a certain age.

Why You Should Hire a Trusts Lawyer

Trusts can be an important part of your estate plan, but they are only effective when they are carefully designed. Even minor mistakes in how the trust was written or how assets are titled can lead to disputes among beneficiaries or to the trust becoming ineffective. When you hire a trusts lawyer, they can write a clear, legally valid trust that can be relied on.

An experienced lawyer from Thomas & Webber can create a trust that is customized to your needs. They take into account your assets, children, and beneficiaries, personal values, and financial goals to tailor your estate plan to your wishes.

Putting Your Kannapolis Home Into a Trust

A trust only controls what you actually put into it. For most families, the biggest piece is the house. To move a home into a trust, a new deed is signed and recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the home sits. For most of Kannapolis, that is Cabarrus County in Concord. Homes on the Rowan County side are recorded in Salisbury. If that deed never gets recorded, the house may still end up in probate. Since we handle real estate every day, we can prepare and record the deed for you as part of setting up your trust.

FAQs

What Is the Major Disadvantage of a Trust?

One major disadvantage of a trust is that it can be complex to set up. A trust only controls assets officially transferred to it. You must manually re-title bank accounts, real estate, and investments, which involves extra paperwork and potential fees. This can take time. A skilled attorney from Thomas & Webber can help streamline the process and eliminate common mistakes.

Do You Need a Will If You Have a Trust?

Yes, it is generally a good idea to create a will, even if you already have a trust. It can be easy not to retitle assets into a trust, especially if you acquire them long after creating a trust or shortly before you pass away. A will can be used to transfer property that was not put into the trust, while still having it distributed according to your wishes. A will can also designate custody of any minor children.

What Does a Trustee Do?

A trustee is responsible for managing and distributing the assets in a trust according to your wishes. They have a fiduciary duty to follow the instructions you include in your trust, which means they act on your behalf and according to your decisions, rather than doing what they think is appropriate. Some duties often left to a trustee include maintaining real estate, paying debts, record-keeping, and distributing funds.

What Happens If You Pass Away Without an Estate Plan in North Carolina?

If you pass away without an estate plan, such as a trust, your assets are distributed according to North Carolina’s intestate succession laws. The court can appoint an administrator of your estate, who may divide and distribute assets according to standard formulas. Intestate laws automatically distribute assets to your closest surviving family, such as a spouse and then children.

Talk With a Kannapolis Trusts Attorney

A trust can give you peace of mind that your property and your family are taken care of, now and later. Stop by our Kannapolis office at 123 S Main St or contact Thomas & Webber to find out whether a trust makes sense for your plan.