Wills & Trusts Overview

Helping You Safeguard Your Legacy in Asheville

Estate planning is not about how much you own; it’s about ensuring your loved ones are secure during and after your lifetime. From wills providing clear direction to living trusts safeguarding assets, our attorneys ensure your wishes are honored. We’re here to understand your goals, explain your options in plain language, and design a plan that fits your circumstances. We employ proven trust strategies for clients with larger estates to preserve wealth, reduce tax exposure, and protect inheritances from unnecessary risks.

Peace of Mind Through Thoughtful Planning

A special needs trust allows you to set aside funds for a family member who depends on consistent support. These funds cover costs such as:

  • Medications
  • In-home caregivers
  • Therapies
  • Residential programs

Structured correctly, it preserves eligibility for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income while still providing extras that improve quality of life. Strauss Attorneys design these trusts to give your spouse, child, or sibling the financial security and personal dignity they need for the years ahead.

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Real Client Testimonial

Peter is amazing! We met with him for our Estate Planning and Will. He explained everything clearly and easily to understand each document. He explained everything in terms we could easily follow and explained all the legal jargon in terms we could follow. He is very knowledgeable and patient, and schedules enough time with his clients so that they don’t feel overwhelmed and rushed. Thank you so much for everything, and we are so grateful for your time!

C.

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Plan with Confidence, Protect What Matters

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Irrevocable Trust vs. Revocable Trust

Revocable Trust

A revocable trust allows you to maintain full control over your assets while giving you the flexibility to make changes as your life evolves. Our team at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, often recommends revocable trusts for clients seeking an estate planning tool that can adapt to their changing needs.

Key benefits:

  • Can be modified or canceled at any time
  • Keeps you in control of your property
  • Helps avoid probate and maintain confidentiality
  • Provides seamless management if you become unable to manage your affairs

Irrevocable Trust

Once established, an irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed. While it limits flexibility, it offers significant advantages in protection and tax planning. We help clients implement irrevocable trusts to shield assets, reduce tax exposure, and secure long-term financial goals.

Key benefits:

  • Can remove assets from your taxable estate when needed
  • Protects against creditors and lawsuits
  • Supports Medicaid and long-term care planning
  • Preserves wealth for future generations
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Protecting the Ones Who Depend on You in Asheville—Including Pets

For many families, a beloved dog, cat, or horse is considered a family member, not just a pet. A pet or equine trust allows you to set aside funds specifically for their food, veterinary care, boarding, or training. Our wills & trusts attorneys in Asheville are here to help you create a plan to ensure your animals continue receiving the same level of care and attention after you are gone. This provides peace of mind, knowing that every family member is cared for.

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Why Choose the Asheville Wills & Trusts Lawyers at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC?

At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, we genuinely care about helping Asheville clients protect their families and plan for the future with confidence. Wills and trusts are essential tools for ensuring your wishes are honored, your loved ones are provided for, and your assets are distributed according to your goals. Working with an experienced attorney can help you avoid uncertainty, reduce stress for your family, and create a clear, legally sound plan. Our team brings decades of combined experience and a thorough understanding of the strategies needed to build effective, customized estate plans.

Some of our team’s recognitions and memberships include:

  • Top Rated Lawyer in Trust & Estates (AV Preeminent Attorney), the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards — American Lawyer and Martindale-Hubbell™
  • Member and Past President, Land of Sky Estate Planning Council
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star
  • Member, Who’s Who in American Law
  • Member, North Carolina Bar Association, including the Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law and Elder Law Sections

If you are seeking guidance for wills or trusts in Asheville, the legal team at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC can help you create a plan that reflects your wishes and protects your legacy. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Let’s Start Planning Your Future Today

Whether you need to create a simple Will, protect your assets, or plan for your business, our team is here to help.

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