Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert Estate Planning & Elder Law Services in Raleigh, NC
At the Trusts and Estates Law Group, we are dedicated to honoring the life, work, and charity of every individual through thoughtful estate planning and elder law services. With over 23 years of experience, our North Carolina-based attorneys provide compassionate legal advice, smart planning strategies, and skillful advocacy to families navigating complex legal matters. Our team prioritizes personalized service, ensuring clients understand their options while crafting customized solutions for asset protection, guardianship, trusts, and probate.We empower clients with free educational tools, including estate planning calculators and document templates, to simplify decision-making. Recognized as Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the North Carolina State Bar, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to client education and long-term family security.
Services
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Probate Administration
Trust Creation
Medicaid Planning
Guardianship
Will Contests
Special Needs Trusts
Veterans Benefits
Asset Protection
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer over 23 years of specialized experience in North Carolina estate law
- Our attorneys are Board Certified Specialists in Estate Planning and Probate Law
- We provide personalized planning strategies tailored to individual family needs
- We offer comprehensive educational resources including probate calculators and document templates
- Our team handles complex cases with compassionate, client-focused representation
What people say
Outstanding job
Superb attorney
Compassionate legal advice
Exceptional service
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning services help North Carolina residents protect assets and ensure their wishes are honored. We create customized wills, trusts, and advance directives that address tax implications, guardianship for minors, and business succession. With over 23 years of experience, we guide clients through complex decisions about asset distribution, healthcare directives, and financial powers of attorney while minimizing probate complications.
Elder Law
We specialize in elder law services addressing long-term care needs, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection for North Carolina seniors. Our attorneys help families navigate nursing home costs, veterans benefits, and special needs trusts while maintaining dignity and financial security. We provide crisis planning for unexpected incapacitation and help clients structure personal care contracts that preserve independence while ensuring future care needs are met.
Probate Administration
Our probate services guide executors and beneficiaries through North Carolina's estate administration process. We handle will validation, asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution of inheritances while minimizing family conflicts. With experience in both simple and complex estates, we assist with trust modifications, will contests, and tax considerations. Our team ensures compliance with court requirements while protecting beneficiaries' rights throughout the probate process.
Trust Creation
We help clients establish revocable and irrevocable trusts to manage assets during life and beyond. Our trust services include living trusts for probate avoidance, special needs trusts for disabled beneficiaries, and charitable remainder trusts. We advise on trust funding strategies, trustee selection, and modification procedures to ensure long-term effectiveness. Our attorneys ensure trusts align with overall estate plans while addressing tax efficiency and asset protection goals.
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning services help North Carolina families qualify for benefits while protecting assets. We navigate the five-year lookback period, asset transfers, and income restrictions to create compliant strategies. We assist with crisis planning for immediate nursing home needs and develop proactive approaches for future care. Our team coordinates Medicaid applications with estate plans to ensure eligibility while maintaining quality care options for seniors.
People
Andrew J. Cobin
Attorney
Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law with 15+ years of experience. Former Navy JAG Corps litigator turned estate planning expert. Graduated from University of Texas School of Law in 2005. Specializes in complex estate strategies and client education.
Graham B. Schmidt
Attorney
Experienced estate planning attorney with focus on trust administration and probate litigation. Provides strategic guidance for asset protection and wealth transfer. Active member of North Carolina Bar Association's Estate Planning Section.
Jennifer Whitmire
Attorney
Elder law specialist with expertise in Medicaid planning and special needs trusts. Assists families with long-term care strategies and veterans benefits. Recognized for compassionate approach to senior client representation.
Questions
What documents are essential for basic estate planning?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, revocable living trust, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, living will, and guardianship designations for minor children.
How can I protect assets from nursing home costs?
Medicaid planning strategies like irrevocable trusts, asset transfers within the five-year lookback period, and annuity conversions can help protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits.
What happens if someone dies without a will in North Carolina?
Intestate estates follow state succession laws that distribute assets to surviving spouses and blood relatives. This may not align with the deceased's wishes and requires court-supervised probate.
Can I modify an existing trust?
Revocable trusts can be modified during the grantor's lifetime, while irrevocable trusts require court approval or beneficiary agreement for changes. We help clients with trust reformation and modification procedures.
How does Medicaid eligibility work for seniors?
Medicaid considers income, assets, and medical needs. Our planning helps clients meet $2,000 asset limit (excluding home) while preserving quality care options through exemptions and strategic transfers.
What's the difference between probate and trust administration?
Probate is court-supervised estate settlement for wills, while trust administration handles trust assets privately. Trusts avoid probate but require proper funding and documentation to ensure smooth asset transfer.
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