Estate Planning Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

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

It is common to worry about what will happen to your assets and dependents when you are gone. However, very few people take the right steps to plan their estate to protect the future of their families. Building a robust estate plan in Raleigh is an effective way to ensure a secure financial future for your family.

man sitting in chair smiling with paperwork in front of him

Estate Planning Overview

Personalized Estate Planning for Your Legacy

Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, offers comprehensive estate planning services tailored to meet diverse needs and circumstances. Our team of estate planning attorneys in Raleigh provides professional guidance to help our clients make proper and enforceable decisions about their legacy. We work closely with our clients to gain a deep understanding of their estate needs and craft tailored wealth management plans that align with their dreams.

What Our Clients Say

We highly recommend this firm!

This is a wonderful law firm! From our first telephone chat with Cory Howes, our attorney, to our meeting at the office, we were so impressed. The staff was very friendly and ma...

K.W.

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

WH, Asheville, 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

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

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

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

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

L.H., 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

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

Anonymous, Raleigh, 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

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

D.H. & E.H. – Candler, 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

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

Nancy Pew, Hendersonville, NC

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

Sandy, Hendersonville, NC

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

Steven & Carmon, 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

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

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

D. R., Hendersonville, 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

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

DC & EC, Hendersonville, NC

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

MZ & BZ, 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

Professional assistance in a friendly atmosphere!

William & Linda, 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

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

Wiley & Betty, Hendersonville, 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

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

L — Asheville, NC

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...

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

Robert Todd Dorsey

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

Strauss Attorneys PLLC does a terrific job of estate administration.

B.A. – Waynesville, NC

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

S.H. – Asheville, NC

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

E.M. & J. M. – Brevard, NC

Very professional. Prompt service.

D.B. & B.B. – Pisgah Forest, NC

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

N.H. & M.H. – Flat Rock, NC

Plan with Confidence, Protect What Matters

Our Estate Planning Services in Raleigh, North Carolina

At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, we provide a comprehensive range of estate planning services to help families safeguard their assets and plan for the future. The best part? We implement customized legal solutions that comply with North Carolina laws. Our key wealth management services in Raleigh, NC, include the following.

Wills and Trusts

Wills and trusts are fundamental estate planning tools that help individuals determine how their assets will be distributed after their passing. We can also recommend setting up gun trusts to facilitate proper legal ownership, transfer, and use of firearms. This ensures compliance with state and federal laws while protecting heirs from potential legal issues.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to designate someone to handle your financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated. A general power of attorney can grant broad powers to manage financial affairs, including managing investments. If you want to assign specific powers for a particular task or period, such as signing documents on your behalf while you are abroad, we can set up a limited power of attorney.

Advance Healthcare Directives

We can also help you in making medical decisions in advance to ensure your healthcare preferences are followed. There are various legal tools that you can use to specify your wishes for end-of-life medical care, including life support and resuscitation preferences. We will help you appoint a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf.

Asset Protection Planning

Asset protection planning helps safeguard your wealth from lawsuits, creditors, and excessive taxation. Some of the strategies we use include structuring businesses in a way that they can protect family assets while allowing for structured transfers to heirs. Homestead exemptions can also provide legal protection for your primary residence from certain claims under North Carolina law. Let us understand your wealth protection goals, and we'll advise on the appropriate strategy to pursue.

Probate and Estate Administration

Probate is the legal process that happens after someone passes away to validate their wishes. The process can take a significant amount of time with many requirements. Our Raleigh estate planning lawyers can assist families in navigating probate and estate administration efficiently. We help executors fulfill their legal responsibilities, including asset distribution and debt resolution among other fiduciary duties.

Elder Law and Medicaid Planning

Long-term care can be costly, but with careful planning, you can achieve financial security while still qualifying for Medicaid. We can use various strategies to help seniors and veterans preserve their assets while qualifying for government healthcare services. For instance, we can use the step-down strategy to gradually reduce your assets to meet Medicaid's eligibility requirements without incurring penalties. The goal is to qualify for Medicaid coverage while preserving as much wealth as possible for heirs. We also provide legal and financial strategies to ensure individuals with disabilities receive proper care, maintain government benefits, and secure long-term financial stability. If you want to plan for your future healthcare or that of your family, contact us to learn how Raleigh, NC estate planning services help you achieve this.

Business Succession Planning

Business owners in Raleigh should plan for the future if they want a seamless transition of leadership and ownership. We can help owners craft agreements that outline the transfer of business ownership in case of retirement, disability, or death. Let us understand your transfer motives so that we can advise you on the best business succession planning strategies that reflect your interests.

Charitable Giving Strategies

Charitable giving allows individuals to leave a lasting legacy while optimizing tax benefits. For example, donor-advised funds (DAFs) allow people to contribute to a DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to charities over time. This strategy can offer flexibility in charitable giving while also reducing the taxable estate.

Brad Henry in gray jacket outside on patio

Why Choose the Raleigh Estate Planning Lawyers at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC?

At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, we genuinely care about helping clients plan for the future and protect what matters most. Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are provided for, and your assets are managed in accordance with your goals. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you avoid uncertainty, reduce stress for your family, and create a clear, legally sound plan. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience and a thorough understanding of the legal tools used 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 from an estate planning lawyer in Raleigh, 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.

Our Team: Certified and Award-Winning Attorneys

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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)

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

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.

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

Melissa Rodriguez Attorney at Law

Melissa Rodriguez focuses on comprehensive estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. With a strong foundation in asset management and tax planning, she brings a clear, approachable style to even the most complex planning conversations.

Main Areas of Practice

Read Bio

Read Attorney Bio

David Dean Attorney at Law

With nearly a decade of dedicated experience, Dean focuses his practice on estate planning, trust administration, and probate matters. He is known for providing clear, compassionate guidance and making even the most complex estate and probate processes approachable for the families he serves.

Main Areas of Practice

Read Bio