I hear some version of this question almost every week. Not always as a direct question. More often it comes as an assumption, something like: "We're fine, my spouse would get everything." Or: "We don't have enough to worry about a will." Or: "Our kids know what we want." Those assumptions feel reasonable. In practice, they often don't hold up. If you die without a will in North Carolina, you…
As the year winds down here in Western North Carolina, it’s a good time to make sure your estate plan is ready for the year ahead. A quick year-end review can catch changes you made during the year — or things you’ve been meaning to update but haven’t gotten to yet. 7 Steps for a Year-End Estate Plan Review Review Beneficiaries – On all retirement accounts, life insurance, and HSAs…
One of the most common estate planning mistakes I see in Western North Carolina is leaving assets “orphaned” — meaning they aren’t properly linked to your will or trust. It’s like having puzzle pieces that don’t connect. If a retirement account or property isn’t titled correctly or doesn’t have the right beneficiary, it may end up in probate — even if you have a great estate plan. Common “Orphan” Assets…
Choosing the right people for your estate plan is only the first step. Whether it’s your executor, trustee, or powers of attorney, they can only do their job well if they have the right information and tools. I often meet with families in Brevard and Asheville who have thoughtfully named decision-makers — but those people don’t actually know where documents are, how to log in to accounts, or what the…
Your estate plan is a snapshot of your life — your family, your finances, and your wishes — at the moment you create it. But life moves on. Maybe you’ve started a new job in Asheville, bought a cabin outside Brevard, inherited an account from a parent, or gone through a major family change. If your plan doesn’t reflect these updates, it can create confusion, delays, or even the opposite…
Summer in Western North Carolina offers a welcome pause—a slower pace to enjoy long hikes, porch swings, and time with loved ones. It’s also the perfect window to revisit something equally important: your estate plan. At Delaney Law, we encourage our clients in Brevard, Asheville, and surrounding communities to take advantage of summer’s breathing room to align family fun with future security. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step checklist to help…
Life can change in an instant. Whether it’s a sudden illness, an accident, or an unexpected financial challenge, having an estate plan ensures you and your loved ones are protected. At Delaney Law in Brevard, NC, we help families throughout Western North Carolina prepare for the unknown with personalized, compassionate legal guidance. Real-Life Consequences of No Plan We’ve seen it time and time again—families in Transylvania County and beyond left…
Spring is here, and so is tax season! While many are focused on filing their tax returns, this is also a great time to think about how taxes impact your estate and retirement plans. By making smart moves now, you can ensure that more of your hard-earned wealth goes to your loved ones instead of unnecessary taxes and legal fees. In this post, we’ll cover practical strategies to minimize estate…
If you have a retirement account or are set to inherit one, recent changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act could significantly impact how your IRA is managed and taxed. These new rules affect both beneficiaries named directly on an IRA and those inheriting through a trust. Here’s what you need to know to plan wisely and avoid unexpected tax burdens. How Inherited IRAs Worked Before SECURE 2.0 Traditional IRAs allow…
When it comes to estate planning, love and legacy go hand in hand. It’s not just about finances and documents—it’s about protecting the people you care about most and ensuring your values live on for generations. This February, take a moment to think about how you can secure your family’s future while making the process easier for them. Here’s how you can plan with care and compassion: 1. Secure a…
