Estate Planning Attorney in Concord
Planning for Your Family, Property & Future Decisions
Estate planning involves decisions about your property, your family, and your future care. Working with a Concord estate planning attorney can make the process simpler than trying to create a plan on your own.
An estate plan can direct how your property passes and identify trusted people to make financial or health care decisions if you become incapacitated. At Lancaster and St. Louis, PLLC, we develop individualized plans based on each client’s financial circumstances, family relationships, and long-term goals. Our family law experience also informs how we approach decisions involving beneficiaries, minor children, and the people you trust to act on your behalf.
Call (980) 705-8372 to discuss creating or reviewing an estate plan with our attorneys.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Real feedback from individuals who trusted us with their cases.
At Lancaster and St. Louis, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
“Hilary was caring, genuine, extremely professional and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable and confident in her abilities.”- Debbie T.
-
“Hilary helped my sister through her divorce process. She was very patient with her and understanding.”- Stephanni A.
-
“I used Hilary St. Louis for several legal/property matters. Her level of expertise was impeccable.”- Martie C.
-
“Hilary and her paralegal Sam worked with me to resolve a non-traditional family law issue involving child custody and support.”- Amanda K.
-
“Hilary St. Louis and her office are amazing! I've had an attorney in the past who would NOT communicate or explain things to me, nor return my phone calls.”- Anne-Marie C.
-
“She was amazing!!!! She brought my kids home after being in a drug environment.”- Amber S.
-
“First and foremost, Hilary and her team are AMAZING! If you are needing and/or wanting the best family lawyer around this area, this is the firm you definitely need to choose!!”- Kaylee P.
-
“Myself and my family will always be grateful for her office and would HIGHLY without a doubt recommend her to represent you in the best ways you need!”- Jennifer W.
Who Should Be My Trustee?
When forming a trust, one of the most significant decisions is choosing a trustee. The role may involve managing assets and distributions, maintaining records, communicating with beneficiaries, handling tax and accounting responsibilities, and complying with legal obligations. Consider each candidate’s judgment, impartiality, availability, integrity, willingness to serve, and ability to manage complex details.
The appropriate choice can depend on the complexity of the assets, the relationships among beneficiaries, and whether an individual or professional fiduciary is better suited to serve.
Before naming someone, consider whether that person has the time and judgment to carry out the role. It’s also important to name any permitted successor trustee in case the initial choice can’t or won’t serve.
Reach out to discuss your family law concerns in a welcoming environment. You can contact us anytime or visit our office at:
891 Central Drive NW
Concord, NC 28027
Individualized Estate Planning Guidance in Concord
North Carolina estate planning requires attention to state rules governing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and estate administration. We help clients consider how their family relationships, property, intended beneficiaries, and preferred decision-makers affect the documents they may need.
Our firm has roots in Concord and Cabarrus County, and our attorneys have experience practicing in local courts. We serve individuals, families, executors, trustees, heirs, small business owners, and professionals who need legal planning. Rather than apply a standard document package, we tailor our guidance to each client’s circumstances and communicate clearly throughout the process.
An estate planning lawyer in Concord can also explain the limits of particular strategies. No document automatically ensures that every asset avoids probate, eliminates taxes, or remains protected from every creditor or legal claim. The results depend on factors such as asset ownership, beneficiary designations, document terms, and applicable North Carolina law.
Preparing for an Estate Planning Consultation
Gather important documents before your consultation, including bank statements, investment and retirement account information, real estate deeds, life insurance policies, mortgages, and loan documents.
You may also want to organize information about business interests, existing estate documents, current beneficiary designations, and important family relationships. Bring the names of people you may want to nominate as your executor, trustee, financial agent, health care agent, or guardian for minor children.
Consider these four questions before your meeting:
- What are my main objectives for estate planning?
- Who do I want to inherit my assets, and how should they receive them?
- Who should make decisions on my behalf if I become incapacitated?
- What specific medical treatments do I want to avoid?
You don’t need to have every answer before the consultation. We can help identify which decisions require legal guidance, which documents may fit your goals, and what changes in your family, property, health, or finances may call for a future review.
