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 |2026-05-26T11:37:05-04:00May 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?

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

Why Business Owners Deserve More Than a Quick or Cheap Estate Plan

If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably seen the ads: “Create your estate plan online in 30 minutes!” Or maybe your financial advisor has offered to throw in some basic estate documents as part of your financial plan. Easy, fast, and inexpensive — sounds tempting, right? The problem is that if you own a business, these cookie-cutter solutions can do more harm than good. What’s often missing is the critical link between your [...]

By |2025-09-26T14:17:20-04:00September 30, 2025|Beneficiary Designation, estate planning wills and trusts|Comments Off on Why Business Owners Deserve More Than a Quick or Cheap Estate Plan

Estate Planning Myths vs. Facts: What Families in Lake Norman Need to Know

When it comes to estate planning, misinformation is everywhere. From social media snippets to coffee shop conversations, it’s easy to hear something that sounds right but isn’t. Unfortunately, believing these myths can leave your family vulnerable to unnecessary taxes, legal headaches, or even court battles. At O'Day Law Firm, we help families in Davidson and the Lake Norman area cut through the noise. Let’s bust some of the most common estate planning myths [...]

By |2025-09-26T11:30:35-04:00September 26, 2025|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning|Comments Off on Estate Planning Myths vs. Facts: What Families in Lake Norman Need to Know
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