About Kathleen O'Day

Kathleen O’Day is an estate planning will & trust attorney who helps families create clear, personalized plans to protect their legacy. With a background in both law and finance, she provides a holistic approach to estate planning. Kathleen is a licensed attorney by the State Bar of North Carolina.

What Is Probate in North Carolina and How Can You Avoid It?

Probate is a word many people hear when discussing wills and estate planning, but they may not fully understand what it means until a loved one passes away. People often use “probate” to describe the entire process of settling an estate. Technically, probate is the court process used to confirm that a will is valid. Estate administration is the broader process of identifying property, addressing valid debts and expenses, and distributing assets to [...]

By |2026-07-22T12:13:53-04:00June 15, 2026|Probate|Comments Off on What Is Probate in North Carolina and How Can You Avoid It?

Do You Really Need a Trust If You’re Not a Millionaire?

Many people hear the word “trust” and assume it is only for wealthy families, large estates, or people with complicated finances. That is one of the most common estate planning myths. You do not need to be a millionaire to benefit from a trust. There is no required net worth to create a trust. The better question is whether a trust would help you protect your family, avoid unnecessary court involvement, plan for [...]

By |2026-07-22T12:14:01-04:00May 21, 2026|estate planning wills and trusts, Probate|Comments Off on Do You Really Need a Trust If You’re Not a Millionaire?

Should You Name Your Adult Child as Your Successor Trustee?

When creating a living trust, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing who will step in to manage things if you can’t. For many families, the instinct is simple: “Of course we’ll choose one of the kids.” It feels natural. It keeps things in the family. It seems easier than bringing in an outside professional. But in reality, naming an adult child as your successor trustee isn’t always the smoothest [...]

By |2026-04-28T14:52:39-04:00April 28, 2026|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning|Comments Off on Should You Name Your Adult Child as Your Successor Trustee?

How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in North Carolina?

What You Can Expect and What You’re Really Paying For If you’re trying to figure out how much estate planning costs in North Carolina, you’re not alone. Most people we speak with start in the same place. They want to protect their family, but they also want to understand what this is going to cost and whether it’s worth it. In North Carolina, dying without a will means the state’s intestacy laws decide [...]

By |2026-05-21T14:27:29-04:00April 23, 2026|estate planning wills and trusts|Comments Off on How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in North Carolina?

Do I Need a Will or a Trust in North Carolina?

How to Choose the Right Estate Plan for Your Family If you’re starting to think about estate planning, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Do I need a will or a trust in North Carolina?” The answer is not the same for everyone. It depends on your goals, your family, and how much control you want over what happens in the future. As an estate planning attorney working with families [...]

By |2026-05-21T14:27:36-04:00April 17, 2026|estate planning wills and trusts|Comments Off on Do I Need a Will or a Trust in North Carolina?

Why “Quick” Estate Plan Reviews Don’t Really Exist

It’s a call estate planning attorneys in the Davidson and Lake Norman area hear regularly: “I just need a quick look at my documents.” Maybe you created them through an online service and want some peace of mind. Maybe you moved to North Carolina from another state and aren’t sure if your plan still holds up. Or perhaps the documents have been sitting in a drawer for several years and you’re wondering if [...]

By |2026-03-09T16:06:42-04:00March 9, 2026|Beneficiary Designation, estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Probate|Comments Off on Why “Quick” Estate Plan Reviews Don’t Really Exist

What Really Happens to Your Debt After You Die?

One of the most common questions people ask is: When I pass away, will my family have to pay my debts?The honest answer is: sometimes, but usually not in the way people fear.What happens depends on the kind of debt you have, how your accounts are set up, whether anyone shares responsibility with you and how your assets are owned. Having a basic understanding now can prevent unnecessary stress for your loved ones [...]

By |2026-02-27T12:13:19-05:00February 27, 2026|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Probate|Comments Off on What Really Happens to Your Debt After You Die?

Your Cyber Legacy: 3 Tips for Managing Your Digital Assets

Advice from a Davidson, NC Estate Planning Attorney In today’s digital world, your estate isn’t just made up of homes, cars, bank accounts, and family heirlooms—it includes a whole range of digital assets. If you didn’t consider these when you first created your will or trust, don’t worry—you’re far from alone. The good news? Updating your estate plan to account for digital assets is easier than you might think. Whether you’re a small [...]

By |2025-10-20T15:19:13-04:00October 20, 2025|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Your Cyber Legacy: 3 Tips for Managing Your Digital Assets

Do Your Parents Have an Estate Plan?

Insights from an Estate Planning Attorney in Davidson, NC If you’re part of the sandwich generation (caring for your kids and your parents at the same time) you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, the idea of sitting down with your parents to talk about estate planning might not sound fun. But here’s the truth: having that conversation is one of the most important—and loving—things [...]

By |2025-10-20T15:12:02-04:00October 20, 2025|Beneficiary Designation, estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Probate|Comments Off on Do Your Parents Have an Estate Plan?

Why Unmarried Couples Need an Estate Plan That Actually Protects Them

Love today doesn’t always come with a marriage certificate and that’s perfectly okay. But if you’re in a long-term relationship and not legally married, it’s crucial to understand how that affects your financial and legal protection. Without the legal safeguards that marriage provides, unmarried partners face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning, medical decision-making, and inheritance rights. The good news? With a solid plan in place, you can make sure your [...]

By |2025-10-14T09:19:11-04:00October 14, 2025|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Probate|Comments Off on Why Unmarried Couples Need an Estate Plan That Actually Protects Them
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