Planning for your future is an act of responsibility that you can do for both your loved ones and yourself. It provides a comforting peace of mind when you know that settling your estate and dividing your assets won’t be a burden to your family when you die. Because estate planning laws in North Carolina are, at times, intricate and precise regarding such things as the legal conditions of wills or trusts, you need a Gaston County estate planning lawyer to guide you.

When you hire a Gaston County family lawyer from The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., you get three generations of lawyers with roots that run deep in Gaston County. We are committed to giving our clients the legal services and the respect that they deserve. We get to know each one of our clients because we feel that establishing a relationship with our clients is essential to providing optimal representation. We invite you to experience big-firm experience with small-firm service.
It is crucial to have a Gaston County estate planning attorney oversee estate planning efforts. Online forms offer a false sense of security because when that day comes, when they are submitted to probate for administration of your estate, in many cases, they do not hold up in court.
Estate planning requires more than just filling in the blanks. It requires strategic legal planning customized to your family dynamics, your financial circumstances, and your goals for your legacy.
Some ways a Gaston County estate planning lawyer can help you are listed below:
When your family is facing probate court within the North Carolina Superior Court, specifically at the Gaston County Courthouse located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Gastonia, The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., takes care of compliance matters and the legal validity of estate planning documents. This adds an extra layer of reassurance for families all across Gaston County.
The cost for a lawyer’s advice about estate planning can vary, depending on the complexity of your estate planning needs. It may take a lawyer time to review your financial circumstances to offer more comprehensive advice on your specific estate planning goals. Some lawyers may have a flat rate for offering advice that can be applied to their services, while others may provide a free consultation.
The difference between an estate planner and an estate lawyer is that the term ‘estate planner’ can also refer to a financial advisor or insurance agent whose focus is on growing assets for their clients. An ‘estate lawyer,’ on the other hand, is a licensed attorney authorized to give legal advice, draft estate planning documents, and represent clients for court matters. Only an estate lawyer can make certain of the validity of legal and compliant documents.
You should ask certain questions when meeting with an estate planning lawyer, such as inquiring about their practice, their success rate, how long they’ve been in practice, and their approach to estate planning law. You can also ask about their fees and rate structure for services you need, and if those rates include updates to documents if you experience a life change. You may also want to know what estate planning documents are appropriate to meet your specific needs.
Common mistakes to avoid in estate planning include using online forms for important estate planning objectives, such as drafting wills and other documents. These forms are not state-specific and won’t meet the requirements for compliance in any given state. Another mistake is not updating estate planning documents after a major life change, such as a divorce or the birth of a child. One of the biggest mistakes people make when estate planning is underestimating the importance of planning for their incapacity.
The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., encompasses three generations of North Carolina lawyers, specifically Gaston County estate planning attorneys. Our clients find that our boutique-style law firm meets their needs better than big corporate firms that operate like a factory.
We get to know our clients, and their legal needs are at the forefront of our operation. Contact our office and experience the difference between our firm and other Gaston County law firms.