Wills & Trusts Lawyers in Raleigh, NC

Name: Wills & Trusts
Brand: Strauss Attorneys PLLC
Rating: 4.9 (447 reviews)

When considering your family’s future, you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones will be well cared for. At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, our wills and trusts lawyers in Raleigh help individuals and families create wills and trusts that protect assets, facilitate smooth transitions, and honor their wishes.

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Wills and Trusts Overview

Guidance for Every Stage of Planning in Raleigh

Estate planning provides clarity and control for anyone who wants to protect their family’s future. Our will attorneys in Raleigh take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and design a plan that reflects your priorities. We utilize tools such as wills and trusts to minimize taxes, preserve wealth, and safeguard inheritances from creditors.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your passing and allows you to name guardians for minor children. It ensures your wishes are honored and helps prevent confusion or disputes among loved ones. At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, we guide you through each step of creating a will so you can feel confident that your plans are secure and your family is protected.

What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place assets under the management of a trustee for the benefit of chosen beneficiaries. It can help you avoid probate, protect your assets, and maintain privacy while ensuring your wishes are carried out efficiently and effectively. Our attorneys will help you choose and structure the right type of trust to safeguard your estate and provide lasting security for your loved ones.

Irrevocable Trust vs. Revocable Trust

Revocable Trust

A revocable trust gives you flexibility and control throughout your lifetime. You can modify or dissolve it as your needs change. At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, our trust lawyers in Raleigh often recommend revocable trusts for clients seeking an adaptable and easy-to-manage estate planning tool.

Key benefits:

Can be changed or revoked at any time
Keeps you in full control of the assets
Helps avoid probate and maintain privacy
Provides smooth management if you become incapacitated

Irrevocable Trust

An irrevocable trust cannot be altered once it is established, but what you lose in flexibility, you gain in protection. Our trust attorneys in Raleigh assist clients in utilizing irrevocable trusts to minimize taxes, protect assets, and enhance long-term planning.

Key benefits:

Can be designed to remove assets from your taxable estate when appropriate
Offers strong protection from creditors and lawsuits
Useful for Medicaid and long-term care planning
Helps preserve wealth for future generations

Real Client Testimonial

We had an excellent experience. Their team was professional, responsive, and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly and on time. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality service.

B.P.

Plan with Confidence, Protect What Matters

What Is a Special Needs Trust?

If you have a spouse, child, or sibling who requires continuous care, a special needs trust may provide for them without jeopardizing government benefits. Our wills and trusts attorneys in Raleigh draft trusts that ensure your loved one receives the care, dignity, and financial protection they deserve.

Can I Plan for My Pets and Horses?

For many Raleigh families, pets are more than companions—they’re beloved family members. Establishing a pet or equine trust provides peace of mind by ensuring your animals will continue to receive the love, care, and attention they deserve after you’re gone. Through this trust, you can designate funds for their support, appoint a trusted caregiver, and outline detailed instructions for their daily needs, medical care, and overall well-being. This thoughtful step helps protect your pets’ future and reflects the bond you share with them.

Why Choose Strauss Attorneys PLLC to Handle Your Wills and Trusts in Raleigh?

Strauss Attorneys PLLC is a trusted authority in wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate planning. By focusing exclusively on estate and business planning, our will lawyers in Raleigh bring decades of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners protect their assets and plan for the future with confidence.

We craft clear, personalized strategies for everything from straightforward wills to intricate, multi-generational trusts. Every plan is handled with empathy, discretion, and attentive communication, ensuring your wishes are honored and your legacy safeguarded.

As leaders in innovative estate planning, we utilize advanced tools such as FLPs, LLCs, and specialized trusts to protect your assets and minimize tax liabilities. With a conveniently located office in Raleigh, Strauss Attorneys PLLC is the partner you can trust to preserve what matters most. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward securing your family’s future.

Wills & Trusts FAQs

What happens if I don’t have a will?

If you pass away without a will, state law determines how your assets are distributed. This can lead to delays, unnecessary taxes, or family disputes. At Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, we help clients create comprehensive wills to ensure their wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.

Should I have both a will and a trust as part of my estate plan?

We recommend considering both, as they serve different purposes. A will outlines how your assets are distributed and can appoint guardians for minor children, while a trust can help manage assets during your lifetime, avoid probate, and provide for long-term planning. Our team works with you to determine the best combination for your goals.

What is a living trust, and should I have one?

A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place assets into a trust during your lifetime for management and eventual distribution. It can help avoid probate, provide privacy, and facilitate a seamless transfer of assets. Whether a living trust is right for you depends on your assets and estate planning objectives.

What assets can be included in a trust?

Almost any type of asset can be placed in a trust, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, business interests, and valuable personal property. Our team can guide you through the proper transfer of assets to ensure your trust functions as intended.