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Business Details
7 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers in Southern Pines
Carolina Tax, Trusts & Estates, a Department of Van Camp, Meacham & Newman, PLLC, was established in 2019 by attorney Jesse T. Coyle to serve Moore County and surrounding areas. Our boutique law firm specializes in estate planning, probate administration, business formation, and fiduciary services, combining legal expertise with personalized care. We prioritize client needs through tailored solutions, including wills, trusts, tax planning, and guardianship.

Our team includes licensed attorneys with certifications in financial planning and tax law, ensuring comprehensive guidance. Located in historic Southern Pines, North Carolina, we integrate local community values into our practice while maintaining rigorous professional standards. By avoiding pretension and fostering a relaxed environment, we deliver accessible yet sophisticated legal services to families and businesses.
Services
Estate Planning Probate Administration Business Formation Guardianship Tax Planning Fiduciary Services Trust Creation Will Preparation Tax Defense Estate Tax Planning
Details
  • Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
  • Boutique firm offering personalized estate planning and probate services
  • Attorneys licensed in multiple states with Certified Financial Planner credentials
  • Specialized expertise in tax law, trusts, and business asset protection
  • Community-focused practice with local Moore County knowledge
  • Comprehensive fiduciary litigation and guardianship representation
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services ensure your assets transfer according to your wishes while minimizing tax burdens. We create customized wills, revocable living trusts, and power of attorney documents to protect your family's future. Our certified financial planners integrate tax strategies with asset protection for comprehensive solutions.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through North Carolina's probate process, handling asset inventory, creditor claims, and tax filings. Our team streamlines estate distribution while maintaining court compliance. We represent both local and out-of-state administrators in Moore County and Lee County probate matters.
Business Formation
Our attorneys establish LLCs and other business entities to maximize asset protection and tax advantages. We draft operating agreements and assist with state registration, business purchases, and contract reviews. Our services cater to real estate holdings, medical practices, and various commercial ventures.
Tax Planning
We develop tax-efficient estate plans using specialized trusts and charitable giving strategies. Our team includes a former DOJ tax attorney and certified financial planners who advise on estate tax minimization and business tax structuring for North Carolina residents.
Guardianship
We handle adult and minor guardianship proceedings in cases of incapacity or parental unfitness. Our services include initiating guardianship petitions, court representation, and establishing protective trusts. We prioritize avoiding court intervention through proactive power of attorney planning.
People
Jesse T. Coyle
Managing Partner
Licensed attorney in North Carolina and Illinois with Certified Financial Planner credentials. Specializes in estate planning and probate matters, serving Moore County families since 2019. Former government tax attorney with advanced tax law education.
Robert J. Gallagher
Partner
Licensed in North Carolina, Virginia, and Massachusetts. Former U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney with expertise in tax controversy resolution and estate administration. Provides specialized guidance on complex probate matters.
Austin Chestnut
Attorney
CTFA/ATFA certified attorney with 20+ years' experience. Holds J.D., M.B.A., and B.S. in Business Management. Focuses on estate planning, business law, and fiduciary litigation with particular expertise in trust administration.
W.Y. Alex Webb
Attorney
CPA and attorney with 50+ years' experience in tax law and estate planning. Recognized leader in captive insurance matters. Provides specialized counsel on complex business structures and intergenerational wealth transfer strategies.
Samuel V. Luchansky
Associate Attorney
Licensed attorney with experience in estate administration and fiduciary litigation. Graduated from Elon University School of Law. Handles probate matters and trust administration for North Carolina residents.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include wills, revocable living trusts, financial power of attorney, and healthcare power of attorney. We customize these tools to protect your assets and healthcare preferences.
How does probate work in North Carolina?
Probate involves court-supervised asset distribution. We handle executor appointments, asset inventory, creditor claims, and final distributions. Proper trust planning can often avoid this public process.
Can I create an LLC for asset protection?
Yes, we establish LLCs for business owners seeking liability protection. Timely formation before creditor issues arise ensures maximum asset protection benefits under North Carolina law.
What happens if someone contests a will?
Will contests require legal standing and valid grounds. Our attorneys represent executors and beneficiaries in caveat proceedings, leveraging court experience to resolve disputes efficiently.
Do I need a guardianship for an incapacitated adult?
When power of attorney documents are insufficient, we initiate guardianship proceedings for decision-making authority over personal and financial matters while protecting the ward's rights.
How can tax planning reduce estate taxes?
We implement specialized trusts, charitable giving strategies, and business structures to minimize tax exposure. Our team includes certified financial planners and former tax attorneys for comprehensive solutions.