Hendersonville, NCEstate Planning Attorneys

Name: Estate Planning
Brand: Strauss Attorneys PLLC
Rating: 4.9 (447 reviews)

Estate planning is a key step in securing your financial future and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a proper estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary complications. At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, we have provided comprehensive estate planning services for over 20 years, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Our attorneys in Hendersonville, NC will guide you and help you protect your legacy and provide for your family. Contact us today for a consultation.

man sitting in chair smiling with paperwork in front of him

Tailored Estate Planning for Peace of Mind

Our Asheville law firm can make this process straightforward, customized, and effective for your specific needs. Our estate planning lawyers understand the challenges associated with estate planning and administration. Don't wait to seek legal assistance — engage the legal team at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC today to help you secure your legacy.

What Our Clients Say

Efficient. Courteous. Professional. Thorough. Educative. Detailed.
Lee did a great job guiding us through the process.

D.H. & E.H. – Candler, NC

We found it a pleasant experience, not the ordeal we thought it would be.

N.H. & M.H. – Flat Rock, NC

Very professional. Prompt service.

D.B. & B.B. – Pisgah Forest, NC

Very professional, objective and precise, yet presented in easy to understand language.

E.M. & J. M. – Brevard, NC

I sincerely thank all of you and I feel comfortable concerning my will.

S.H. – Asheville, NC

Strauss Attorneys PLLC does a terrific job of estate administration.

B.A. – Waynesville, NC

Reinstatement of our trust since moving from CA. Brad. Alex and Kim were so welcoming and professional in every way including some very personal issues with family members. Brad...

Mark & Kathy Willard

I need help with a final accounting and I think I’ve found the right person.

Robert Todd Dorsey

Our experience with Strauss Attorneys PLLC in Hendersonville, North Carolina has been nothing short of fantastic. At our age, we were long overdue to generate a Will or Trust to...

Andy Strauss is the best. He’s smart, caring, a good listener, a clear communicator, and collaborative. Highly recommend him.

L — Asheville, NC

I needed to get a document notarized and it was a wonderful experience. The professionalism was outstanding with an extremely knowledgeable young lady.

Richard Ehlers

I was taken care of very well. James Fleming was polite and well knowledged.

L.H., Asheville, NC

Very friendly, informative, and thorough. All personel seem very professional.

Anonymous, Raleigh, NC

We felt important and have had for years a good relationship with Lee Mulligan

Wiley & Betty, Hendersonville, NC

I have been particularly impressed with the thoroughness of document preparation and explanations in writing of what I should do to maximize the provisions & benefits of my ...

P.A., Hendersonville, NC

Professional assistance in a friendly atmosphere!

William & Linda, Hendersonville, NC

I was unaware of the document called a Living Trust until I attended a seminar presented by Lee Mulligan comparing the advantages of a trust with those of a traditional will. At...

Anonymous, Hendersonville, NC

Our experience was wonderful. Spoke with a language we both could understand and digest. You are a keeper.

MZ & BZ, Hendersonville, NC

Forming a trust for my family was a great experience with Mr. Henry’s professional and personal approach. I felt well informed and treated with the utmost respect. I appre...

PA, Raleigh, NC

The experience & staff were courteous, professional, and we got what we needed.

GG & NG, Asheville, NC

Brad Henry was brilliant and precise. We highly recommend him.

DC & EC, Hendersonville, NC

Impeccable knowledge of NC Trusts & Wills. Difficult questions answered clearly and easily

WH, Asheville, NC

Great experience. Brad took time to explain everything thoroughly and was very thoughtful with looking at our entire situation. Grateful to him and the team that supports him.

Adam & Stephannie, Asheville, NC

Brad was very helpful in explaining the whole legal process – Brad explained the whole process in a very clear and understandable manner – Two notaries were very eff...

RL & NT, HEndersonville, NC

Our attorney, Lee Mulligan, and the staff were professional, courteous, and friendly.

D. R., Hendersonville, NC

Our experience was pleasurable, informative, emotionally satisfying, and confident that we are in good hands. Everyone is always courteous, helpful, considerate, and caring. The...

Burton and Doris, Hendersonville, NC

I have always been made to feel welcome and very well cared for by a most professional team of kind people who know their business well. Lee Mulligan in particular!

Anonymous, Hendersonville, NC

Professional, congenial, comforting. We have confidence in what you’ve done for us.

Steven & Carmon, Hendersonville, NC

We felt Brad welcomed us, educated us and made himself available for clarifications.

Sandy, Hendersonville, NC

Even though I feel intimidated by the “Big Book”, Lee was thorough in her explanations.

Nancy Pew, Hendersonville, NC

Lee explained everything in terms we could understand and the chart she drew was very helpful. We are confident our children will be well advised when settling our estate.

J.E. & B.E., Hendersonville, NC

We had a series of issues that Brad was able to incorporate into the discussion and explain the implications of each.

Cindy & Pam, Hendersonville, NC

Restatement of my trust was a stressless experience- Felt very comfortable with Brad & staff.

J.H., Hendersonville, NC

As a financial planner experienced with numerous estate planning attorneys, I was thoroughly impressed by...

E.R. Asheville, NC

The Raleigh office is the best Strauss office by far. It far surpasses any other Strauss office in the Carolinas hands down. People with yuge hearts and wonderful minds. I can't...

R.C. Raleigh, NC

Corey took time to explained everything in understandable terms and ensure my questions were answered. His staff is exceptionally responsive, kind, and helpful. Highly recommend...

T.Y. Raleigh, NC

Thank you to Jennifer, Kat, & Christie! They were very kind and explained everything so well.
Thank you also to Cory for being our attorney and for explaining all the m...

H.S. Raleigh, NC

Our Hendersonville, NC Estate Planning Services

Our estate planning team in Hendersonville offers a range of services to help families with their estate planning needs. These services include the following:

Trusts and Wills

Trusts and wills are fundamental estate planning tools that dictate how your assets will be distributed upon your passing. A will outlines your instructions for asset distribution and guardianship of minors, while a trust can provide more control over asset management and tax benefits. When you work with a Hendersonville estate planning attorney at our firm, we will make sure these documents reflect your wishes and minimize the risk of disputes among beneficiaries.

Charitable Planning

If philanthropy is important to you, charitable planning allows you to leave a lasting legacy while optimizing tax benefits. Establishing charitable trusts or donor-advised funds can ensure that your contributions support causes you care about while potentially reducing estate and income taxes. Our attorneys will help you structure your giving strategies to align with your values and financial goals.

Estate Tax and Gift Tax Planning

Federal and state tax laws can significantly impact the wealth you pass on to future generations. Proper estate tax and gift tax planning can minimize these burdens, allowing you to transfer more of your assets to your heirs. We can utilize the following strategies and tools to help mitigate tax liabilities and maximize wealth preservation:

Strategic gifting
Irrevocable trusts
Donations to a qualified nonprofit

A crucial benefit of these tools is their tax efficiency. For instance, in 2025, lifetime gifts benefit from an annual exclusion limit of $19,000. This allows individuals to gift up to $19,000 per recipient tax-free each year, making it an effective strategy for reducing estate taxes.

IRA Planning

Your retirement accounts are a vital part of your estate plan. IRA planning ensures that your retirement savings are distributed in a tax-efficient manner and according to your wishes. With proper planning, you can stretch the benefits of your IRA over multiple generations, minimizing tax burdens for your beneficiaries and maximizing the value of your retirement assets.

Gun Trusts

For firearm owners, a gun trust is an essential tool for ensuring the lawful and responsible transfer of firearms to heirs. A gun trust allows you to designate trustees who can legally manage and transfer firearms while complying with state and federal regulations. This specialized trust prevents legal complications and ensures your firearms are passed down according to your intentions.

Estate Planning for Farmers

Farmers face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Many wish to pass their land and agricultural assets to the next generation while avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, and ensuring the continuity of the family business. Our attorneys help structure estate plans that protect farmland, facilitate succession planning, and provide financial security for farming families.

Plan with Confidence, Protect What Matters

male client sitting and speaking to female attorney

Estate Planning Is a Continuous Process

Creating an estate plan is not a one-time task. Often, years or even decades may pass between drafting estate planning documents and their execution. Over time, your financial situation, family structure, and legal regulations may change, requiring adjustments to your plan.

This is due to life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, acquiring new assets, or changes in tax laws that necessitate updates. An estate planning attorney in Hendersonville can help ensure your documents remain up-to-date to reflect your evolving needs and legal requirements.

Get Support Today for Your Asheville, NC Estate Planning

If you are wondering who will make decisions about your finances and other key matters should you be unable to do so personally, it is time to take the next step in securing your future. Our team in Asheville, North Carolina, is committed to crafting personalized solutions that align with your needs and priorities. An estate planning attorney from our firm will help you create a plan that protects your loved ones and ensures peace of mind.

What Are the Benefits of Estate Planning?

An estate plan provides legally binding instructions for asset distribution, healthcare decisions, and guardianship of minor children. Without an estate plan, these critical decisions may be left to legal determination, which may not align with your preferences.

A well-structured estate plan reduces disputes among family members by clearly outlining asset distribution, guardianship, and responsibilities. This prevents misunderstandings and legal battles, ensuring a smooth transition of assets.

Estate planning ensures that your spouse, children, grandchildren, and other beneficiaries are financially secure. This is achieved through wills, trusts, or designated beneficiaries, which specify the support your loved ones should receive.

Also, an estate plan safeguards your wealth from unnecessary taxation, creditors, and legal challenges. Tools such as strategic gifting can help preserve your assets for future generations. Our attorneys utilize various strategies to minimize tax liabilities and maximize asset retention.

Our Team: Certified and Award-Winning Attorneys

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Andrew A. Strauss Partner, Board-Certified Specialist

With over four decades of experience, Andy takes a comprehensive approach, guiding clients through everything from basic will preparation to complex trust structures and business succession planning.

Top-Rated Lawyer in Trust & Estates
Member of the North Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania State Bars

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Lee C. Mulligan Partner, Attorney at Law

With a keen eye for detail and a client-focused approach, Lee helps individuals and families safeguard their legacies, minimize tax burdens, and confidently navigate complex legal matters.

President of Summit Title Insurance in Hendersonville, NC.
Numerous non-profit board services in New Jersey and North Carolina

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Cory Howes Partner, Attorney at Law

Cory combines legal expertise with a strong financial background in tax, investments, and insurance. His practice is centered around a deep commitment to assisting families with their estate planning and administration needs.

North Carolina Bar Association
Virginia Bar Association

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Larry S. Hartley Partner, Board-Certified Specialist

A former U.S. Naval Diving and Salvage Officer, Larry brings dedication and expertise to protecting seniors and their families, with a focus on estate planning, Medicaid, and veterans benefits.

Member, North Carolina Bar Association
Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)

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Brad Henry Partner, Attorney at Law

With over a decade of experience practicing law, Brad brings extensive expertise in estate planning, guardianships, fiduciary litigation, and probate and trust administration, as well as a dedication to helping clients protect their legacies.

AV Preeminent® rating by Martin Dale Hubbell
Florida’s Real Property and Probate Trust Law (RPPTL) Section

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Peter McGuire Partner, Attorney at Law

Leading our estate and fiduciary litigation team, Peter has practiced law in Western NC. since 2002 and specializes in trust and estate disputes, advanced planning, and business succession.

Member of the North Carolina Bar Association
Inaugural Member of the Harry C. Martin American Inn of Court

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Daire Roebuck Attorney at Law

With nearly two decades of experience, Daire guides clients through estate planning with clarity and compassion. Dedicated to giving back, she actively supports pro bono initiatives and community advocacy.

Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association, since 2007
North Carolina Bar Admission

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James B. Fleming Attorney at Law

Inspired by witnessing seniors’ challenges, James is passionate about guiding families through estate planning and elder law. Through Wills for Heroes, he proudly provides essential estate planning services to first responders.

North Carolina Bar Admission, 2019
South Carolina Bar Admission, 2021

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Samantha Reichle in patterned top leaning on fence railing outside

Samantha Reichle Attorney at Law

With nearly two decades of experience, Samantha specializes in estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary income tax matters. She has a unique ability to make complex estate planning discussions approachable.

North Carolina Bar Admission, 2013
Member, 10th Judicial District Bar

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Karen Donaldson Attorney at Law

Karen Donaldson, Esq., is an estate planning and elder law attorney who brings personal experience and over 20 years of legal expertise to help families plan with clarity and compassion. She’s dedicated to creating thoughtful, effective solutions that protect what matters most.

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Contact Our Estate Planning Attorneys in Hendersonville, NC

While it's impossible to know what tomorrow will bring, careful estate planning can help you stay ready for whatever comes. Strauss Attorneys, PLLC has the resources and networks necessary for effective estate planning strategies to help you protect your legacy.

Our Hendersonville, NC, estate planning team will assess your situation and advise you on the appropriate strategies to preserve your legacy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.