Top Estate Lawyers Near Me in Asheville Area

Suzannah joined Van Winkle’s Real Estate team in 2006. Since her arrival, she has been immersed in both individual and business real estate transactions. Suzannah’s experience includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, leases and loan documentation; conducting research pertaining to development, subdivisions and a range of other real estate matters; drafting various real estate agreements (such as easement agreements); and closing real estate transactions. Suzannah also assists developers and community associations with drafting, reviewing and amending contracts and governing documents, such as restrictive covenants.

Richard W. Melnyk concentrates his practice in the areas of leasing, acquisition, sale, and financing of real property throughout the United States. He has extensive experience representing a variety of commercial and retail tenants and landlords in leasing transactions, from early stage venture-backed startups to large publicly traded corporations, and local developers to large institutional landlords.  He is certified as a LEED AP by the US Green Building Council, and is a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina and California.  Rich currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Please see my personal page on my website at . The "About' link will take you to my professional page, and the "About Sam Craig personally..." link at the bottom of that page will show you more personal information.

Peter McGuire has been practicing law in Western North Carolina since 2002. A native of Asheville, Peter is proud to call this area home and feels a deep responsibility for its people and places. Prior to practicing law, Peter worked as a fly fishing guide on the waters of Western North Carolina and Western Montana.. Peter began his practice at a large law firm in Asheville in 2002 practicing primarily insurance defense and professional malpractice defense. In 2008, Peter formed a solo firm focusing on environmental law and general practice. In 2011, Peter joined Wimer & Associates as a litigation associate, which allows him to practice in varied legal areas and on myriad cases ranging from class actions and insurance matters to catastrophic injury and property disputes.. Peter is a 2002 graduate with high honors from the University of Montana School of Law. He holds a B.A. in religion from Davidson College, which he received in 1996. He is admitted to practice by the North Carolina State Bar, the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Court. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association in both the Litigation and Environmental Law Sections, and a member of the 28th Judicial District Bar. He was honored by his peers in 2009 and 2011 and listed in Business North Carolina Magazine’s Legal Elite, and is an inaugural member of the Harry C. Martin American Inn of Court.. Peter has served as a member of the Board of Directors of EnergyXchange, a non-profit organization for the research, promotion and utilization of renewable and alternative energies, primarily landfill gas capture, since 2011. From 2003-2009 he was a member of the Mission Health Systems Institutional Review Board. Other community affiliations include past memberships on the boards of Asheville Affiliates and Asheville Downtown Association, Downtown After Five Series. He has served as Legal Counsel to the Asheville Brewers Association since 2009.

Kathleen Rodberg helps clients with traditional estate planning and administration matters, while focusing her practice on the unique and challenging issues facing the elderly and those with disabilities.  The often complex situations of elderly or disabled clients require detailed planning and a specific knowledge base in the area of elder law.  Kathleen regularly helps clients establish and administer guardianships and special needs trusts, develop comprehensive Medicaid and long-term care plans, and prepare traditional estate planning documents.  She will work to support you and your family as you address current concerns and plan for the future.

Katherine was born and raised outside Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Georgia State University, graduating with degrees in international political science and public policy. After graduating, Katherine worked with a national law firm in Atlanta before relocating to New Orleans, Louisiana where she attended Tulane University and received a master’s degree in international development and her Juris Doctor. While in law school, Katherine was a published member of the Tulane Journal on International and Comparative Law and received awards for public service by providing pro bono legal services both in New Orleans and the country of Panama.. Katherine began her practice in Louisiana as a policy fellow analyzing coastal restoration finance, climate adaptation policy, and private water and mineral rights in the Mississippi River Delta region. She then moved to Asheville, North Carolina to be closer to family and pursue a more traditional legal career, practicing litigation in federal court and handling both residential and commercial real estate transactions before forming her own firm. Katherine combines a strong work ethic and organized mind with a drive to find solutions for even the most complex issues, providing clients with seamless service and advocacy in their real estate transactions and beyond. Away from work, Katherine takes full advantage of all the outdoor activities that Western North Carolina has to offer with her pup, and enjoys traveling, bluegrass, and tacos.. Katherine is admitted to practice in New York, North Carolina, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. She is active in the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, Water Resources Committee, and the North Carolina Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Committee.

John practices in the areas of estate planning and tax law. His estate planning and administration practice focuses on wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, in addition to more sophisticated planning with charitable trusts, insurance trusts, business succession, and structured gifts. In his tax practice, John works with individuals, businesses, and families to minimize taxation of personal and professional transactions. He has been designated as a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

James S. ("Jamie") Whitlock is an environmental attorney who attended Vermont Law School, where he graduated from the law school's joint degree program, earning a Juris Doctor in 2004 and a Master's Degree in Environmental Law in 2001. While at Vermont Law School, Jamie also served as Managing Editor of the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law, lobbied for environmental and other causes in the Vermont state legislature, and worked extensively with the Vermont Environmental Board, which administers Vermont's landmark land use statute, Act 250.. Upon completion of law school, Jamie returned to the mountains of western North Carolina and worked with the Melrose, Seago & Lay law firm as an associate attorney for approximately three years.  While at Melrose, Seago & Lay, Jamie worked on a wide variety of civil and criminal matters, with a focus on civil litigation, land use disputes, and appellate advocacy.  In February of 2008, Jamie joined Gary A. Davis & Associates as an associate attorney, and was named a partner/shareholder in Davis & Whitlock, P.C. in February 2012.  During that time,  Jamie has litigated numerous environmental and land use cases in federal district courts throughout the southeast, the state courts of North Carolina and Tennessee, and numerous administrative and local venues.  This litigation has focused on fighting for clean water, sustainable land use practices and development, and responsible energy choices.. Jamie is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and is an Honors graduate of Spartanburg High School.  Jamie attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in History, With Honors.

I am a litigation attorney with more than 20 years' experience.  I am licensed in Washington, Hawaii and North Carolina.  Recently, I have relocated to the Asheville, North Carolina area, and I am a litigation attorney with the firm Allen Stahl & Kilbourne, PLLC.  Too often in legal matters, common sense and compassion are missing.  After practicing law for more than 20 years, I have developed exemplary skills as an attorney; however, I always bring common sense and compassion to the table with regard to my clients' situations.. I was raised in Southeast Asia as the dependent of a CIA field officer. Shortly after returning to the United States, I attended Vassar College and graduated with a dual degree in Old and Middle English and Music, with a minor in Physics.  I worked in New York City for several years, performing research related to the Stock Exchange, for Smith Barney.  I was raising my three young brothers at the time, and we eventually moved to Hawaii where I lived for 13 years.  There, I attended the William S. Richardson School of Law to obtain my J.D., graduating second in my class.  I was invited and participated in law review, while continuing to compete in moot court competitions. I always had a strong interest in litigation and advocacy, and during law school I participated in moot court competitions around the country.  I also participated as an editor on law review.  My husband and I left Hawaii in 2002, to settle in the Seattle area.  I started at a large Seattle firm, but find I do my best work in a smaller firm environment, where my focus can be on the client and getting results. I established my own firm so that I could offer my clients even more flexibility and where I could be available directly to them. I have now joined an up-and-coming firm of talented litigators in Asheville, North Carolina.. My practice is devoted to civil litigation with a focus on real estate, construction law, municipal law and appellate practice.  However, I have experience handling a wide variety of civil cases, including employment law, property damage claims, contract disputes and land use issues. I have handled administrative and APA cases.. I am accessible to my clients and personally handle their cases.  I am happy to meet with clients after work hours or on weekends to accommodate their work schedules. In the age of the COVID-19 virus, I offer zoom meetings and remote conferencing so that there is no risk to my clients' health and safety.. I am licensed and in good standing in Washington, North Carolina and Hawaii.  I also have experience practicing at the appellate level, including before the Washington State Court of Appeals (Divisions I and II) and at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

I am a licensed North Carolina and Tennessee attorney and a principal within the Van Winkle Law Firm's Trusts & Estates practice group. I focus my practice in the areas of probate law, trust and estate planning, estate adminiatration and related matters on appeal.. I work with clients to determine their planning goals and strive to develop customized estate plans tailored to fit each client's needs. This planning by using the following estate planning "tools":. - Wills. - Revocable ("Living") Trusts. - Irrevocable Trusts. - Health Care Power Attorney. - General Power of Attorney. - Living Wills

Happily practicing law in the North Carolina mountains, my practice primarily involves construction and real estate issues.  I represent a number of planned communities, condominiums and homeowners' associations.  A substantial portion of my practice involves the support of and representation of contractors and developers.  I also advise individuals who want to arrange for owner financing and am thouroughly familiar with foreclosure proceedings.. In my spare time, I enjoy vegetable gardening, collegiate sports and the beautiful blueridge mountains!

Estate planning is my passion. I love to listen to people's stories, goals, and ambitions. Solving problems--complex or simple--gives me great satisfaction. Clients tell me that I am a good listener, educator, and communicator. Estate planning should not be overwhelming or difficult---my role is to present options and solutions.

Doris Loomis brings clients extensive experience in estate planning and probate law as she advises on options available to ensure efficient management of an estate during incapacity and to structure an estate plan which promotes the orderly disposition of the estate at death. She places a particular focus on the reduction or elimination of federal estate taxes through lifetime gifts, credit-shelter trusts and inter vivos or testamentary charitable trusts. In estate and trust administration, she strives to provide supportive and knowledgeable counsel to personal representatives and trustees.. Doris is mayor pro tem of the Town of Biltmore Forest and is a member of the Board of Trustees of UNC-TV. She is Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and Vice Chairman of the board of Givens Estates. She also serves on the board of MemoryCare.

Christopher B. "Chris" Reinhardt is a native and life long resident of North Carolina. He is a second generation attorney, his father being an accomplished real estate attorney in Durham, North Carolina. Chris was admitted to practice in 2003, North Carolina and has practiced in the Asheville area since being admitted.. Community:. Chris is currently the Legal Counsel for Daniel Boone Council of the Boy Scouts of America serving all of the 14 western most counties of North Carolina. Chris is a Past-President of the Brevard College Alumni Advisory Board, which he has been a member of from 2004-2014. He also taught as an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Policy at Brevard College for eight years. In 2008, Chris was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Brevard College. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Asheville. Chris has been an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, being an Eagle Scout himself.. Personal:. While in law school at the University of North Carolina, Chris met Rebecca Johnston Reinhardt who was from Asheville and became a partner with the firm Roberts & Stevens, P.A. in Asheville.  Chris and Rebecca married shortly after law school, had two daughters, and lived together in Asheville until Rebecca lost her fight with brain cancer in the Spring of 2018.  With the support of friends, family and the church, school and legal community, Chris and the girls are coping and adapting to a new way of life and work.

Carter B. Webb is a Senior Attorney with The Van Winkle Law Firm. His practice includes helping individuals and families with their estate planning and estate administration needs. He is also a North Carolina Bar Certified Mediator in Superior Court and with the Clerk of Court and is licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina.. Before joining The Van Winkle Law Firm, Carter spent the last eleven years as a member of the Asheville-based estate planning firm Strauss Attorneys focusing on estate planning and probate/trust administration. Carter was born in Asheville. He graduated from Presbyterian College with a BS in Business in 1993. Thirteen years later, he left the workforce to attend law school, graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2009. He then accepted a job with the University of South Carolina of Medicine as the Assistant Director of Legal Affairs and the Privacy Officer, where he worked until moving to Asheville in 2011.. Carter served as the President of the Buncombe County Bar in 2021-2022 and the Immediate Past President for 2022-2023. He is also a Council Member of the Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and is a Board Member of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Plus, he serves on two Boards for the city of Asheville, is an active member of the Rotary Club of Asheville, and has served as the President of his neighborhood’s homeowners association since 2015. Carter lives in Asheville with Leigh (his wife) and their two children, Reagan and Beckett.

Board certified in estate planning and probate - NC Bar. Masters of Laws (Taxation) Georgetown University Law School

Bill graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and minors in Psychology and Spanish. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute, North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, Buncombe County Bar Association, and Armadillo Club. Bill has served as an assistant coach to the Wake Forest School of Law ATLA student trial team. Additionally, he has presented continuing legal education through the National Business Institute on the topics of "Interpreting Coverage Under the Insurance Contract," "Litigating the Insurance Claim," "How to Present Your Case at Trial," and "How to Handle Post-Trial Issues." Bill served as chair of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys local government practice group from 2009 to 2010. He has also been recognized as a "Rising Star" by his peers in the 2010-2012 editions of Super Lawyers, was selected for membership in the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance in 2013 and has earned the highest (AV-Rated) ranking awarded by Martindale-Hubbell.. Bill's practice is focused mainly on liability and coverage issues. Bill also maintains an active workers' compensation practice. In the liability sector, Bill has defended numerous wrongful death claims, professional liability claims, general liability claims and has participated in the defense of medical malpractice claims. He has provided coverage opinions, prosecuted and defended declaratory judgment actions, and has provided legal advice on the creation and modification of coverage documents on behalf of insurers. Bill has appeared on behalf of clients and argued motions in District Court, Superior Court, and in front of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. In addition, Bill has participated in both jury and bench trials at the Superior Court level, has appeared before the North Carolina Supreme Court and has multiple appearances before the North Carolina Court of Appeals.. Bill is licensed to practice in the United States District Courts for the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of North Carolina, as well as the Fourth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals. In April 2008, he moved to Asheville, North Carolina as part of the firm's opening of a western North Carolina office.

At Luminary Wills and Trusts, we keep our focus on you and your family. We are a small, client-centered firm that believes estate planning should be clear and straightforward, not confusing or overwhelming. Our role is to guide you through the process with confidence and peace of mind.. Every plan begins with a complimentary two-hour planning session with an attorney. This gives us the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and begin shaping a plan that reflects your values and priorities.. We offer flat fees for our services, so you will always know what to expect without worrying about hourly charges. Most importantly, we are here to walk with you step by step, helping you put plans in place that shine a light for the people who matter most in your life.

As the founder and owner of Sentry Law, Jeff is dedicated to providing his clients with excellence and personalized attention in estate planning and the management and administration of trusts and wills. As an estate planning attorney and certified public accountant in North Carolina, Jeff understands the importance of security and financial stability and helps his clients prepare for not only their own future but also the future and security of their loved ones. His commitment to helping his clients preserve wealth, safeguard their future, and create truly lasting legacies forms the foundation of his law practice. Jeff is married to Natalie M. Cooper, and has two children.. Education. University of North Carolina School of Law. Wofford College. Licenses. Admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2009. Admitted to practice Public Accounting in North Carolina in 2010

Andrew D. Atherton is the practice group chair for the Estates and Elder Law Practice Group with the law firm of McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A., where his practice focuses on developing and implementing comprehensive personal estate plans, assisting clients in navigating the estate administration and probate process, advising client on how to deal with the costs of long term care, asset preservation, insurance coverage, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, special needs trust development and implementation, and guardianship.  Prior to moving to North Carolina, Mr. Atherton completed a clerkship with the Kentucky Supreme Court.  He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Economics from Western Kentucky University and law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 2000.  He is licensed to practice law in Kentucky and North Carolina.  He is a member of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's Professional Advisory Committee, Land of Sky Estate Planning Council, the 28th Judicial District Bar, Kentucky Bar Association, North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, Immediate Past Chair of the Elder Law Section, Estate Planning & Fiduciary Section, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.  Mr. Atherton has been a regular instructor for National Business Institute, UNCA OLLI - College for Seniors, and the Elder Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association on topics such as Powers of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts, Trusts, Medicaid and Ethics in the Elder Law practice.

About Blue Mountain Law:. Our firm, located in beautiful Asheville, NC, consciously exists to serve the North Carolina community through supportive legal advice that aids in the furtherance of our clients prosperity, growth, and happiness.  We view our work as being an integrative part of the whole, recognizing that how we show up in relating with our clients is as important as the actual legal service provided.  We choose to nurture wisdom, self awareness, individual integrity, and boundless creativity regarding our presence and contribution for the well-being of our community as a whole and its individual members, our local businesses, our families, our environment, and our world.