Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Bankruptcy & Business Law Attorneys in Wilmington
Carter & Carter, Attorneys at Law, has served clients in Wilmington and southeastern North Carolina for over 50 years. Our practice focuses on bankruptcy, creditors' rights, business litigation, corporate matters, and estate planning. Founded by Oliver Carter Jr. in 1954, the firm has maintained a legacy of legal excellence through three generations of practicing attorneys. We combine deep historical expertise with modern legal strategies to address complex financial law, contract disputes, and debtor-creditor relationships. Our team provides comprehensive counsel, analyzing legal alternatives while considering financial and moral implications to achieve client objectives.With experience in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies, state court collections, and corporate governance disputes, we deliver tailored solutions grounded in decades of local practice. Our attorneys hold certifications in specialized areas and maintain active roles in bankruptcy litigation and estate administration. We prioritize transparent communication, keeping clients informed throughout every case while resolving matters to their satisfaction. The firm operates from the historic Mary Jane Langdon House, reflecting our commitment to Wilmington's legal community. For five decades, we have built trust through consistent representation and practical legal guidance.
Services
Bankruptcy Representation
Business Litigation
Creditors' Rights
Estate Planning
Corporate Law
Debt Collection
Guardianship Proceedings
Trust Administration
Adversary Proceedings
Business Formation
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- Three generations of continuous legal practice since 1954
- Certified specialists in creditors' rights representation
- Proven track record in complex Chapter 11 reorganizations
- Deep local knowledge of Wilmington's legal landscape
- Comprehensive estate planning and administration services
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Certification
Services
Bankruptcy Representation
Our attorneys guide individuals and businesses through Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings. We analyze assets and debts to determine optimal filing strategies, protect exempt property, and develop repayment plans. With decades of experience in bankruptcy courts across North Carolina, we help debtors achieve financial fresh starts while ensuring creditors receive maximum recoveries through proper claim filings and priority determinations.
Business Litigation
We represent companies in state and federal court litigation involving contract disputes, debtor-creditor conflicts, and corporate governance issues. Our practice includes enforcing judgments through execution proceedings and handling complex commercial disputes related to security interests, fraudulent transfers, and business dissolution. The firm's advocacy combines thorough legal research with practical strategies to resolve matters efficiently.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services include drafting wills, trust agreements, and advance directives to ensure clients' wishes are implemented. We advise personal representatives on estate administration requirements, manage probate proceedings, and handle contested estate matters. The firm's experience with debtor-creditor law enables effective resolution of claims against estates while maximizing beneficiary distributions.
Creditors' Rights
We protect creditors' interests in bankruptcy proceedings by filing proofs of claim, challenging fraudulent transfers, and pursuing collection actions. Our attorneys handle secured creditor matters including relief from stay motions and cramdown negotiations. With specialized certification in creditors' rights, we maximize recovery through strategic claim positioning and adversary proceeding representation.
Corporate Law
The firm assists with business entity formation including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. We draft operating agreements, bylaws, and shareholder documents while advising on corporate compliance matters. Our services cover business dissolution, contract drafting, and governance disputes, providing comprehensive legal support for companies throughout their operational lifecycle in southeastern North Carolina.
People
James Oliver Carter
Attorney
James Oliver Carter (Jimmy) has practiced law in Wilmington since 1974. A Wake Forest University graduate, he specializes in bankruptcy and business litigation. With over 50 years of local experience, he focuses on financial law and corporate disputes while maintaining the firm's tradition of multi-generational legal service.
Oliver Carter III
Attorney
Oliver Carter III specializes in distressed debt and bankruptcy law. Certified by the American Board of Certification in Creditors Rights, he represents lenders and borrowers in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 cases. His practice includes adversary proceedings and state court litigation, continuing the family's legal legacy established in 1954.
Questions
What bankruptcy options are available for individuals?
We handle Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 repayment plans. Our attorneys analyze your financial situation to determine which option best protects your assets while addressing debt obligations.
How does business bankruptcy differ from personal bankruptcy?
Businesses typically file Chapter 11 reorganizations rather than personal exemptions. We help companies develop restructuring plans while protecting creditor interests through proper claim filings and priority determinations.
What services do you offer for creditors?
We represent creditors in proof of claim filings, adversary proceedings, and collection actions. Our certified specialists maximize recoveries by analyzing claim priorities and challenging fraudulent transfers in bankruptcy courts.
Can you assist with business formation?
Yes, we help establish corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. Our services include drafting operating agreements, bylaws, and other formation documents while advising on ongoing compliance requirements.
What estate planning documents should I have?
Essential documents include wills, trust agreements, and advance directives. We customize these instruments to reflect your wishes while ensuring proper legal execution and implementation.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Contact us at (910) 763-3626 to discuss your legal needs. Our Wilmington office provides personalized consultations for bankruptcy, business litigation, and estate planning matters.
