Business Details
Your Trusted Estate Planning & Elder Law Partner in Kernersville
At Whatley Law, we empower clients to take control of their futures through comprehensive legal solutions. Our firm specializes in estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning, ensuring clients can protect their assets and make informed decisions about healthcare and finances. With a focus on proactive strategies, we help families navigate complex legal processes, from settling estates to securing long-term care options.Our team combines extensive legal expertise with personalized service, prioritizing transparency and client education. We are committed to preserving family legacies while minimizing stress during challenging times, serving Kernersville and surrounding communities with integrity and local insight.
Services
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Estate Administration
Special Needs Planning
Probate Services
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of experience in North Carolina estate and elder law.
- Our attorneys hold advanced degrees in trust and wealth management.
- We provide personalized guidance through complex probate and guardianship processes.
- Our team includes members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
- We combine legal expertise with community-focused service in Kernersville.
What people say
Instantly answered all questions
Saved parents from financial ruin
Understood Medicare/Medicaid processes
Guided through probate process
Provided peace of mind
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and outline their wishes for property distribution. We create customized wills, trusts, and advance directives to ensure your legacy is preserved according to your intentions. Our attorneys guide families through complex decisions about guardianship, healthcare directives, and financial powers of attorney.
Elder Law
We assist aging clients with long-term care planning and Medicaid eligibility strategies. Our elder law practice focuses on protecting assets while securing necessary care options. We help families navigate veterans benefits, nursing home planning, and healthcare decision-making processes with compassionate legal guidance.
Estate Administration
Our firm guides executors through probate proceedings and estate settlement processes. We handle asset inventory, debt resolution, and distribution of inheritances while minimizing family conflicts. Our team streamlines court requirements and tax considerations to ensure efficient estate administration for grieving families.
Special Needs Planning
We create legal frameworks to protect loved ones with special needs through trusts and ABLE accounts. Our planning ensures continued eligibility for government benefits while providing financial security. We help families establish guardianships and care coordination strategies tailored to unique circumstances.
Guardianship Services
We assist in establishing guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults. Our services include court documentation preparation, rights protection, and ongoing legal support. We help families navigate the complexities of conservatorship while maintaining compliance with North Carolina legal requirements.
People
Julie R. Whatley
Owner/Attorney
Julie R. Whatley founded Whatley Law with over 15 years of legal experience. A Campbell University law graduate, she specializes in estate planning and elder law while serving local community organizations. Her background includes emergency medical services and teaching, bringing practical perspective to legal matters.
Mary A. Garvey
Associate Attorney
Mary A. Garvey brings extensive courtroom experience to estate administration and guardianship cases. A former criminal magistrate in North Carolina, she holds a law degree from the University of Illinois Chicago. Her expertise includes probate litigation and complex estate settlements.
Tacy F. Burdette
Office Manager
Tacy F. Burdette oversees daily operations with 20 years of banking and legal administration experience. A Leadership Kernersville graduate, she manages client relations and coordinates community outreach initiatives for the firm.
Suzie M. Larimore
Receptionist
Suzie M. Larimore serves as the firm's first point of contact, bringing organizational expertise from her PTA leadership experience. She coordinates client intake and supports legal team operations while maintaining community involvement in Walkertown.
Questions
What documents are essential for basic estate planning?
Essential documents include a will, financial power of attorney, healthcare directive, and HIPAA authorization to ensure comprehensive asset and healthcare management.
How can I protect assets from nursing home costs?
We implement legal strategies like irrevocable trusts and Medicaid planning techniques to protect assets while maintaining eligibility for long-term care assistance programs.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Intestate estates follow state laws for asset distribution. We guide families through probate court requirements and help establish appropriate estate administration.
Can I create a special needs trust for a family member?
Yes, we establish special needs trusts and ABLE accounts to provide for loved ones with disabilities while preserving government benefit eligibility.
How long does probate typically take in North Carolina?
Probate duration varies by estate complexity but typically takes 6-18 months. Our attorneys streamline the process through efficient asset management and court compliance.
