Estate planning, at the most basic level, revolves around the written, attested Will. A written, attested Will is a testamentary document which is signed by the testator and two witnesses. Most often, all three signatures are notarized to create a self-proving Will – a Will that doesn’t need the signatures to be substantiated in Court.
Most Wills accomplish several important objectives: First, the Will directs the disposition of your assets in the manner you choose. Instead of the intestate succession rules dictating how your assets will be distributed, you can choose to whom and in what amount your assets will distributed after you pass – subject to some very important exceptions. Second, the Will allows you to appoint a guardian for your minor children in the event you pass before they reach the age of majority. This can be extremely important to allowing you to make sure your life plan for your children is followed if you’re no longer around to implement it yourself. Third, the Will allows you to appoint an executor (and, if you have minor children, a trustee) to administer your estate. Fourth, the Will sets administrative rules regarding the administration of your estate including the waiver of any bond requirements. Fifth, the Will can direct how any expenses, debts, or taxes should be paid from your estate. Finally, the Will allows you to place specific restrictions on beneficiaries in order for them to receive their share of your estate – i.e., graduating college, staying sober, getting married and having children, etc.
Will-based Estate Planning is a simple and effective way to best effectuate your wishes for your family after you’re gone. Protecting your family is your priority – a Will is a good way to do it. Click the “NC Estate Planning Basics” link at the top of this post to view other helpful posts related to the basics of Estate Planning in Cary, NC.
Author Bio
Paul Yokabitus
Founder & Estate Planning Lawyer
Paul Yokabitus is the founder of Cary Estate Planning, where he helps North Carolina families protect what matters most through wills, trusts, probate, and special needs planning. Known for his “planning, not paperwork” approach, Paul turns complex legal concepts into clear, practical strategies so clients feel informed and confident at every step. He has been recognized as a Business North Carolina Legal Elite attorney and a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and was named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. A graduate of Campbell University School of Law, Paul lives in the Triangle with his wife, Alix, and their two sons.
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How We Help North Carolina Families
Paul and his team at Cary Estate Planning are fully committed to creating a personalized experience to develop thorough and comprehensive estate plans. They value their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that no details are missed. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone looking to create an estate plan.
I was referred to Paul by my Real Estate Attorney and I could not say enough about how exceptional the client service has been from everyone I spoke to. The communication is prompt and I feel like they really took the time to answer all my questions and set things up exactly as I wanted, but also recommended things to make it easier on my family down the line.
After attending one of Paul’s estate planning seminars, my husband and I knew we wanted Paul to assist us with our estate planning. His honest, professional approach to this necessary part of life put us at ease with the process. We will continue to recommend Paul and Cary Estate Planning.
We had a great experience working with Paul Yokabitus and the team at Cary Estate Planning to set up our Will and Estate Plan. The process was clear and easy, and in the age of COVID, our signing session was very well done, easy, and safe.
The Cary Estate Planning team will make sure that you have the information you need to be confident in your estate planning decisions. I learned so much from videos, a one-on-one in-person consultation, the website, emails, and a newsletter mailed the old fashioned way. The fee is very reasonable given the importance of estate planning. No matter the size or number of your assets, don’t procrastinate like I did!
Paul is a masterful attorney. He’s very good at taking your intentions and defining that into a durable Trust and Will. Best of all he is as simple and plain-spoken as you like. Or as fast as intellectual as you may be. It’s all about your your speed and your desired outcomes. Would strongly recommend this firm.
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