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Family in Estate Planning

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

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

Nobody Prepared Me for This: The Reality of Managing Inherited Real Estate

Losing a loved one is hard enough. But what most people don’t expect is what comes next: suddenly being responsible for their house. Maybe the home is sitting empty while you and your family decide what to do. Maybe you’re considering selling it, or maybe another family member hopes to move in one day. Whatever the plan, an inherited house often comes with more responsibility and stress than most people realize. Why an Empty House [...]

By |2025-09-19T12:33:11-04:00September 12, 2025|Beneficiary Designation, estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Probate|Comments Off on Nobody Prepared Me for This: The Reality of Managing Inherited Real Estate

Why Proper Estate Planning Matters More Than Just Documents

When her father passed away, one woman thought she would inherit his home. Instead, she discovered months of unpaid mortgage bills piling up in the mailbox. Because her father never left a clear inventory of his assets and debts, she didn’t know where to begin. She tried to work with the bank, but without legal authority, her hands were tied. By the time the court finally named her estate administrator, the bank had [...]

By |2025-09-19T12:33:11-04:00September 12, 2025|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Probate|Comments Off on Why Proper Estate Planning Matters More Than Just Documents

Polly McMittens, Protector of the Realm: Why Your Pets Need a Trust Too

Let me tell you about Polly McMittens. Polly wasn’t your average cat—she was more like a tiny, furry gangster. Fierce, mean, and unapologetic, she roamed our neighborhood like it was her personal kingdom, dominating everything (and everyone) she came across. No snake dared to slither across her domain, and no neighborhood dog left our yard without a few new claw marks (sorry neighbors!). Oh, and did I mention her secret underground lair? Yes, [...]

By |2025-09-19T12:33:11-04:00March 10, 2025|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Pet Trusts|Comments Off on Polly McMittens, Protector of the Realm: Why Your Pets Need a Trust Too

The Perils of Blended Families with no Estate Plan: How Your Kids Could Be Left with Nothing (and the Step Kids Could Get It All)

Picture this: You’ve spent over four decades building a life with your spouse. You worked hard as a team, raised kids together, and built a comfortable future. But after your spouse passes away from cancer, you meet someone new—someone who’s warm, understanding, and maybe even likes cheesy 80s movies as much as you do. So, you marry again. But then, one day, you unfortunately pass away, and your hard-earned assets —your home, your [...]

By |2025-09-19T12:33:12-04:00February 24, 2025|Family in Estate Planning|Comments Off on The Perils of Blended Families with no Estate Plan: How Your Kids Could Be Left with Nothing (and the Step Kids Could Get It All)

The DIY Estate Plan: The “Do it Yourself” Plan Might Just Cost You More Than You Expected

Ok, nobody loves a DIY project more than I do! From hanging wallpaper to refinishing furniture, I’ll tackle it all (and I have all the tools!). But even I know there are just some tasks better left to an expert. The same goes for estate planning. Everyone knows that the DIY approach can save a few bucks in the short term (and did I mention I’m cheap? I like a bargain too!). After [...]

By |2025-09-19T12:33:12-04:00February 10, 2025|estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Uncategorized|Comments Off on The DIY Estate Plan: The “Do it Yourself” Plan Might Just Cost You More Than You Expected

How To Involve Your Family In Your Estate Plan

When deciding your estate plan, there are many things you have to think about. Choosing the right plan, executing and organizing the documents, and meeting with your attorney are all part of the job of planning what will happen to your estate. But one thing that is integral to the process is often the one reason you want to plan in the first place: your family. Even though you’re in the director’s chair it [...]

By |2025-09-19T12:33:12-04:00September 12, 2024|Family in Estate Planning|Comments Off on How To Involve Your Family In Your Estate Plan
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