Not too long after a glorious wedding, Lily’s aunt became quite ill. Her disease hit suddenly. Just as suddenly as it had hit, so it spread. The next two months were spent taking trips to Duke for doctors visits, shuffling family to and fro, and there was not much time to dive into making a will. Don’t let this happen to you, know what needs to be done:

  • Get a knowledgeable attorney to execute your will.
  • Mention each would be “assumed” inheritance party, so that there is no confusion. (Lily’s aunt had three children, two of which were in contact, one who refused contact. She made sure to state that the estranged son was intentionally disinherited.)
  • State specifically to whom your personal property should be given.
  • If your estate is not due to a survivorship party, mention specifically to whom it should go as well.
  • In the case you do not make a will before deceasing, the North Carolina Laws have a strict and specific format which is used to divvy out the assets of your estate. This may incur further costs.
  •  If the North Carolina Laws are left to assign your estate, the formula is quite strict and has no mercy for parties who may be in more need than others.

Thankfully, Lily’s aunt was able to write her will shortly before passing. Her two children who kept in contact were quite thankful. The estranged son, on the other hand, was not so much so.

(Articles on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. Use of this blog does not provide or replace individualized legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice, please speak with one of our attorneys, who can offer legal advice specific to your circumstances.)