Top best Estate Planning Lawyers in Charlotte | 179 available

“There is nothing so sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everybody does so, rich or poor, and all do right for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands; taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions. To demand more in the name of morals is mere cant.” Judge Learned Hand.. I had been practicing law for a number of years when I rediscovered this quote from Judge Hand. At the time, I was starting a program to obtain a Masters in Accountancy with the intention of using it to better serve my clients in estate planning and corporate transactions. Many years have passed since then but I am still struck by Judge Hand’s phrase “so arranging one’s affairs.” As both an estate planner and a corporate attorney, my primary focus is assisting my clients in so arranging their affairs to achieve their specific goals.. In estate planning, those goals often involve providing a legacy for a surviving spouse or child and making sure an appropriate person is named to serve as the guardian of a minor child. A will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare power of attorney with advanced directive are all necessary documents in an effective estate plan. Because everyone’s circumstances are different, certain estate plans can require the use of revocable or irrevocable trusts. In either case, the client is entitled to a comprehensive plan to achieve his, her or their goals. My role is to provide that plan as efficiently and effectively as possible. Doing so often involves teamwork. I’m committed to working with all my clients’ advisors to craft a plan, to arrange their affairs, to achieve that end.. Corporate transactions also require arranging one’s affairs, but instead of passing on a legacy, the business owner needs to ensure the continued operation and success of his business venture. From starting a new business to expanding an existing business to acquiring or merging a business, proper planning is imperative for continued success. I provide that planning to my clients by advising them on business structures, operating and shareholder agreements, and investigating the different options available to an expanding business. From start-up to winding-down, I help business owners with tools they need to succeed.. Judge Hand was talking specifically about taxes when he wrote the statement above, and taxes can play a key role in both estate planning and corporate transactions. My experience allows me to identify those tax implications in both estate and business planning. But whether taxes are the primary focus, or merely a secondary consideration, the purpose of good planning is the arranging of one’s affairs. I’m committed to providing my clients the highest level of service in handling their estate and corporate needs. From beginning to end, I will counsel and advise them as they plan for some of the most important decisions they will make.

Unlike other attorneys who practice estate planning or elder law in addition to a multitude of other services, I view this area of law as my life calling. I obtained a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law while attending law school and continue to focus my continuing education efforts in the areas of estate planning and elder law in order to provide a higher level of service for my clients.. I believe that everyone – no matter the income level and no matter the family situation – deserves access to the protections afforded to them by law. I view my estate planning and elder law practice as a tool belt that I wear for the benefit of my clients; I have access to a variety of legal tools and mechanisms that can be used alone, or in combination, to create a plan that fits each client’s individual needs. Few things in life excite me more than being able to use my “tools” to take weight off of my clients’ shoulders and give them peace of mind. It’s no exaggeration to say that I treat each and every one of my clients with the same respect and attention that I give my own family members in need of my services.. My husband and I are thrilled to have relocated back "home" to the Charlotte area in 2013 with our basset hound, Pierre. If I can be of any assistance to you at all, please don't hestitate to call me or drop by my office. I'm always happy to help or point you in the right direction.

Throughout his 28 year legal career, Chris’s passion has been to provide each of his clients with effective, aggressive and personalized legal representation. Chris brings a vast array of legal knowledge and experience to each and every case he handles, including  motor vehicle accidents, medical negligence, nursing home neglect, catastrophic injuries (severe burns, brain and spinal injuries, etc.), construction accidents,  workers’ compensation and wrongful death.. Chris’ extensive and diverse work history in the legal field provides him with a unique perspective on how to successfully litigation cases against large corporations and insurance companies to obtain maximum compensation for victims of negligence. Chris moved to Charlotte in 1987 and began his legal career at Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein, LLP, one of the state’s largest law firms, defending companies in litigation matters in both state and federal courts. In 1993, he accepted a position as in-house counsel at First Union Corporation (now Wells Fargo), handling complex litigation cases across the country. As Vice-President and Assistant General Counsel of First Union, Chris was also responsible for overseeing and defending the personal injury and risk management cases against the company.. In 1997, Chris joined with his law partner Jeff Warren to form Warren & Kallianos, a personal injury law firm exclusively focused on protecting the rights of those injured by the negligence of others. His skill, reputation and accomplishments as a trial attorney have been recognized by numerous state and national legal organizations and associations.. In addition to practicing law, Chris believes in public service and the need to support organizations that protect access to justice and the right to a jury trial. Chris has served on the Board of Governors for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), an organization dedicated to protecting the legal rights of those injured by the negligence of others, as County Captain of the NCAJ, and as a member of the Mecklenburg County Bar Fee Dispute Committee and Public Information and Education Committee. For six years, Chris also served as a Commissioner and Mayor-Pro-Tem on the Matthews Town Council.. Chris is a lifelong native of North Carolina, having been born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. Chris attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) where he studied psychology and business.  He received his undergraduate degree and was awarded Phi Beta Kappa from UNC in 1984.  He also attended law school at UNC where he received his law degree with honors in 1987.  While in law school, Chris served as a member of the North Carolina Law Review and was appointed to the Board of Editors of the North Carolina Law Review.  Chris is a published author on topics ranging from bad faith insurance practices to medical negligence. He is admitted to practice in all North Carolina federal and state courts, the United States Court of Federal Claims, and is a Certified North Carolina Superior Court Mediator.. Chris has an active life outside of the practice of law. He has three wonderful daughters who are all married. He is a proud grandfather of three and enjoys spending as much time with his family as possible. Chris is an avid golfer and tennis player, having competed in various golf and tennis events throughout Charlotte.

Thomas R. Sanford II (T.R.) received his BA for Queens College, MBA from
Queens University, and JD from the University of South Carolina.
T.R. is a member of ElderCounsel, WealthCounsel, the National Academy of
Elder Law Attorneys, Mecklenburg County Bar Association, and the North
Carolina Bar Association. He is the President and a Director of the
WealthCounsel North Carolina Forum and an accredited attorney with the
Veterans Administration. In addition, he is currently on the Board of
Directors of the Mecklenburg County Senior Games.

The first step is for us to work together and come up with a plan to get the maximum results you need. Through my understanding of the law and your understanding of the circumstances, we will craft a path to success.

Stephanie’s practice focuses on trusts, estates, business law and litigation relating to those areas of the law. She advises clients through the estate planning process and draws on her experience in estate and business law to prepare estate planning documents including wills, trusts, family limited partnerships, limited liability companies, powers of attorneys, and premarital agreements as well as various business succession and asset protection documents. Stephanie also assists fiduciaries, such as executors, administrators and trustees, during their administration of estates and trusts. She represents fiduciaries, individually and in their representative capacities in probate and trust disputes, caveats, will and trust interpretations, estate audits and family-related settlements. She works with owners of closely-held businesses to create a succession plan for their business, and advises clients entering into marital relationships and prepares premarital agreements. Stephanie is a co-author of the North Carolina Estate Administration Manual published by the North Carolina Bar Association, and has published numerous legal articles on estate planning and administration. She received her MBA from Duke University in 1999 and her law degree from North Carolina Central University in 2004.Specialties:Trusts and Estates including estate planning and administration, trust administration and litigation related to the interpretation of trust and estate documents as well as Business Creation, Planning and Litigation

Rivers Law, PLLC serves clients in
North Carolina and South Carolina in the areas of estate planning, probate
administration, trust administration, guardianships, and general business
law.  Rivers Law is conveniently located
in Southpark, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Practice areas include simple and complex estate planning, elder law, trust and estate administration, and adult guardianships.  Enjoy building long-lasting and personal relationships with my clients. Have a philosophy of working closely with clients and their financial and/or tax advisors in a team approach.

Originally from the Midwest, I came south to escape the cold and to pursue my life's path of helping others. Helping those around me recognize, claim, and use their voice - that is what I have spent my adult life doing - first as a counselor, and now as an attorney.. For years, I saw how the law seemed out of reach and completely foreign to many in our communities. I am here to make the law approachable, useful, and to ensure my client's voice is always heard.. "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." - Shirley Chisholm

North Carolina native Ryan D. Stump is an accomplished Estate Planning lawyer with over 12 years of experience in the legal profession and a passion for helping clients achieve peace of mind knowing their family, wealth, and assets are protected for the future.. Ryan handles a wide range of Estate Planning matters, from Wills and Trusts to Powers of Attorney and estate tax planning. Whether you want to create a comprehensive Estate plan, draft a Will to ensure your assets are disbursed per your wishes, establish a Trust for your loved ones, or ensure your affairs will be properly managed in the future through the use of Powers of Attorney, Ryan can guide you as you prepare for the future. Ryan emphasizes a tailored, personal approach to estate planning and believes working as a team is the best way to meet client goals — not some cookie-cutter solution.. BackgroundRyan received his bachelor’s degree from Campbell University, majoring in Trust and Investment Management and minoring in Financial Planning. After beginning his career as a Trust Officer with Regions Morgan Keegan, he returned to school and received a law degree from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.. Real-World ExperienceMr. Stump’s real-world experience sets him apart as an Estate Planning attorney in Charlotte. His educational background prepared him to implement and develop sophisticated tax, financial, and Estate Planning strategies. As a Trust Officer, he provided hands-on guidance to clients regarding trust and estate matters.. Ryan has personally dealt with the fallout from family members who failed to properly plan while they were alive. He understands the common pitfalls of poor planning and knows how Estate Planning documents are administered from a practical perspective. This experience and know-how fuel Mr. Stump’s enthusiasm for helping others provide for their loved ones and protect their assets while navigating the complex area of Estate Planning.. Outside the office, Ryan likes to play golf, scuba dive, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

Nancy Roberts is the Founder and Managing Member of the Law Office of Nancy L. Roberts, PLLC. Nancy focuses her practice exclusively on estate planning, probate, and elder law. Nancy is driven to help others prevent estate planning problems after enduring almost seven years of probate and litigation over her mother's will. She uses that experience to identify estate planning issues early and help other families avoid problems.. A native North Carolinian, Nancy Roberts is also one of those rare people who was born and raised in Charlotte. Nancy graduated from UNC Charlotte (#Charlottestrong) and attended law school in Columbia, South Carolina. She is a member of both the North Carolina and South Carolina Bars. After finishing law school cum laude, Nancy had the opportunity to work at the South Carolina Court of Appeals and learn the law from nine brilliant appellate judges, including noted jurist and author, the Honorable C. Tolbert Goolsby, Jr. After leaving the Court of Appeals, Nancy served as an Assistant Attorney General in Criminal Appeals in the South Carolina Attorney General's Office, litigated health, environmental, nursing home, and nurse-aid abuse cases on behalf of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, and argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court.. Nancy Roberts is dedicated to providing information about estate planning to the community. She  wrote the book, Planning Your Estate in the Carolinas, to take the mystery out of estate planning and show individuals and families like yours why it is so important to get a plan in place. Nancy understands and is here to help you get the peace of mind that comes from having a plan.. When she is not working, Nancy loves spending time with her family and rescue pets, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.

My practice is really all about my clients.  They talk, I listen,  I ask questions, they tell me what is important to them, what they value, and what they wish to see happen in the event they become disabled or when they die.. To help break the ice with new clients, I frequently wear neckties that are a little out of the ordinary (i.e. No Boring Ties!).  As you can see from the picture in the section below.  If you look at the photo at the top of the page, you'll see that it doesn't hurt if you lose 30 pounds and get a new hair style, too.. Even though we are planning for unhappy events, we still can enjoy today, and laugh at some of my strange neckties, too.

Michael Kemmy is the first member of the Mecklenburg Bar to be board-certified by the North Carolina Bar as an Elder Law Specialist. With more than 30 years of experience, Michael is adept at handling Estate Planning, Probate and Elder Law matters.. Before moving to Charlotte, Michael was in private practice in Houston, TX. He also worked for the Internal Revenue Service as an estate and gift tax attorney. He is a member of the State Bars in Texas and Kansas as well as in North Carolina.. A frequent lecturer on probate and estate planning, Michael has produced two educational videos on wills and trusts. Additionally, he has provided pro bono consultations to the elderly residents at the Carriage Club of Charlotte.. Michael is married with two children. He joined Lou Trosch and T.C. Conrad in their law practice in 1987 and became a partner in 1992. Michael’s father was an attorney and a Special Agent of the FBI in San Antonio, TX. Michael’s brother is a practicing attorney in San Antonio.  Michael has been rated in a confidential survey of area judges and attorneys as having high to very high legal ability and very high ethical standards.

Mark D. Gott’s legal journey began as an Assistant Clerk for the Mecklenburg County Superior Court, where he presided over incompetency hearings, foreclosures, adoptions, and probate matters. Today, Mark focuses on elder abuse and guardianship cases, while also managing residential, tax, and commercial foreclosures. His extensive experience, gained from both the clerk’s office and private practice, allows him to handle complex legal matters with confidence. Mark is deeply involved in the Mecklenburg County Bar, teaching continuing education courses for attorneys and providing legal education to the public. Clients describe Mark as professional, personable, and transparent. He ensures clients understand potential costs upfront and maintains open communication throughout their cases. This commitment has earned him a stellar reputation, with over twenty years of practice free from fee disputes. Outside the office, Mark enjoys family time with his wife and three children. He is also passionate about martial arts, practicing Gracie jiu-jitsu and Krav Maga.

Licensed as an attorney in both North and South Carolina, Elizabeth focuses her legal practice on estate planning, estate administration, and guardianships. Elizabeth developed a love for the law while growing up in her mother’s trusts and estates law firm in Jacksonville, Florida, but it was not until after she graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in music and earned a master’s degree in arts administration from Florida State University that she decided to pursue a career in law. Elizabeth graduated from the Charlotte School of Law magna cum laude, ranked third in her class. While a law student, she served as a legal intern for both the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service and the Western North Carolina Low Income Taxpayer Clinic through Legal Services of Southern Piedmont.  Elizabeth also participated in the Pro Bono Wills Clinic and earned Pro Bono Leadership Awards from the North Carolina Bar Association and Charlotte School of Law for her work with Wills for Heroes and the Mecklenburg County Self-Serve Center. In addition to earning awards for the top grades in both of her legal research and writing courses as well as classes in elder law and federal income tax, Elizabeth was a research assistant for Professor Camille Davidson, a member of an award-winning Moot Court team, and Senior Editor of the Charlotte Law Review, which published her casenote, “A Post-Ahlborn Analysis of the Supreme Court of North Carolina’s Decision in Andrews v. Haygood.” The position of this casenote was adopted in 2012 by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in E.M.A. ex rel. Plyler v. Cansler. After earning her Juris Doctor degree and passing both the North and South Carolina bar examinations, Elizabeth completed her legal training by earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in Taxation from the prestigious graduate tax program at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. Even before earning a J.D. and LL.M., Elizabeth knew that her legal career would focus on trusts and estates. Growing up in her mother’s law firm, she learned first-hand how rewarding a career in estate planning and administration can be both personally and professionally. Her academic and professional experiences have only strengthened her enthusiasm for this area of the law, and she looks forward to sharing this passion with her clients.

Kimberly McAuley is an astute, detail-oriented attorney licensed in North Carolina with extensive experience delivering high-quality legal services. She is committed to providing comprehensive legal counsel to ensure clients’ wishes are respected and their assets protected. She is a respectful professional with exceptional knowledge of developing strategic plans for service excellence. She is a motivational leader experienced with building and guiding high-performing teams that provide excellent experiences. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, writing, and traveling the world.North Carolina Central University School of Law, JD, 2010University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts, 2007

Jim Hickmon is certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Board Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law and is a Certified Financial Planner®. In addition to Super Lawyers, he is recognized through peer review by Martindale Hubbell as an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer and at Business North Carolina Legal Elite. He serves as an adjunct professor of law at Wake Forest University teaching Wealth Transfer and Fiduciary Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates to upper-level law students. Jim is admitted to practice before the State Bars of North Carolina and Virginia.Jim is passionate about protecting family and closely held business owners through succession planning that protects family assets after the owner’s death keeping family businesses within families. He has counseled families with businesses across a spectrum of industries, from farming to real estate development and trucking to software engineering. He is the author of numerous articles surrounding this subject focusing on wealth transfer, tax, probate, and fiduciary responsibility. Jim’s work is published in both regional and national publications, including the Bureau of National Affairs’ Tax Management and Compensation Planning Journal. He is a contributing author to the North Carolina Bar Association’s Estate Administration Manual and Fiduciary Litigation holds an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, an MBA from East Carolina University and his law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law.. Jim has involved himself in a number of charitable and community service organizations at the local, state, and national levels.  He was selected by his fellow members of the Bar as a member of Business North Carolina magazine’s Legal Elite in the field of Tax and Estate Planning Law for 2010 and 2012. He is a member of the Charlotte chapter of the Financial Planning Association and the Charlotte Estate Planning Council.

I look forward to becoming your trusted advisor in Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Real Estate Matters that deserve the upmost respect and detail.

I began practicing law because I wanted to help people.  Working for a large law firm initially gave me exposure to different types of legal matters, but it did not provide the contact with clients that I desired.  In 2004, I opened my own practice and have thoroughly enjoyed working directly with my clients to help solve their complex legal problems.. When I first opened my practice, I was fortunate to have two senior attorneys mentor me in employment law.  They encouraged me to appeal three of my racial discrimination lawsuits to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, and I was hooked.  During the beginning years of my own practice, I was also fortunate to assist in the adoption of two of my nephews.  Adoption law is very near and dear to my heart, and I have no greater pleasure than to help adoptive parents and their adoptive children.. Working with clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives is rewarding to me.  Many of my clients are repeat customers, referrals, and friends.  I keep my clients fully informed of all action I take on their behalf, and return telephone calls within 24 hours.  I can be a “bulldog” when necessary, but I am to obtain the best results for my clients in all matters.. In 2017, I opened Everett Law, PLLC to further my employment, family and adoption law practice.  I always place the client and their needs first and foremost.  If you are looking for an attorney who will zealously advocate on your behalf, please contact me at to set up a consultation.. I look forward to meeting you!

I am the Managing Partner of Ingalls Law, PLLC. My practice focuses on providing comprehensive Estate Planning services for the modern professional. I graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science, and received my Doctor of Law three years later. I have been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar and the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.. I have represent clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Business Development, Litigation, Workers' Compensation, Employment Discrimination, and Personal Injury. I have also represented employees and employers in hundreds of unemployment benefits hearings throughout North Carolina.. In addition to my law practice, I am a member of the the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, North Carolina Bar Association, Mecklenburg County Bar Association, and the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity.

I am often asked why I practice in an area of law that is filled with so much sadness, grief, and heart-wrenching conversations. It’s a legitimate question especially if you know me. The truth is, I am very emotional. I am a crier; I feel my emotions strongly. I am immensely empathetic to people. After the passing of my uncle, I saw these descriptors of myself not as flaws anymore but as true strengths...strengths others could rely on and depend on.. Good and bad “things” happen every day to every one of us. These “things” are what make us who we are. How we allow the “things” to affect our lives is what shapes our future. My uncle’s passing twenty years ago was my “thing”. It was the “thing” that mapped out my future.. My uncle had a great sense of humor and a lackadaisical attitude about life. The kids in the neighborhood called him the “Candy Man” because every time he came to visit, he would have a trunk full of candy to pass out to all of us! He never forgot a birthday…ever!!! Without fail there would be money taped to the inside of our card with a “silly self-portrait” he would draw of himself.. My uncle was happy to a fault. Nothing ever concerned him; nothing ever had a sense of urgency for him. Life was life and it was what it was going to be. He was a happy man during his life. The unanswerable question has always been and will always be…was he happy at the end of his life? I don’t know the answer to that and yet I was there when he took his last breath. I think of him often and always wonder what he must have been thinking? Was his pain anything like the heartache his family went through having to watch him slowly lose a little bit of himself?. I questioned so much; questions which after twenty years still cannot be answered. Was he regretting brushing me aside when I would try to talk to him about getting his documents in place? If he had to do it over again, would he? Would it make a difference to him knowing at the end how emotionally beaten my father was after he died? Would he have done anything differently if he knew the heartbreak his family would suffer not being able to help him with his pain? What if he knew those that he held dear to his heart would be petty about the “stuff” he left behind?. It was gut-wrenching to see my father watch his brother die and wonder what my uncle was thinking as he saw us all by his bedside. Was he proud of the funeral and service we had for him or was he up in Heaven laughing at all of us because we were all such emotional fools? Did we do what he wanted?. No family should ever have to live with the burden of having to make the decisions my father had to make. We felt alone and hopeless with so many questions yet no one made any efforts to answer any for us. No one should live with doubt; always asking themselves if they did the right thing. No loved one should bear the pain of watching a family member die when there are so many alternate ways in which to manage their end of life.. The Firm’s purpose is to be the hand you reach for to guide you in planning for the worst day of your life and the hand your family holds during the worst day of their life.

I am a founding partner of the law firm of Hull & Chandler, P.A. Our firm handles a variety of legal issues for small businesses and individuals. My practice is focused primarily on business litigation and transactions while my firm has attorneys focusing on personal injury, estate planning, construction law, imigration and other areas of the law. We strive to offer high level personal service to our clients and will refer matters to highly qualified attorneys when our clients have legal matters that fall outside of our areas of focus.

Hi there! I'm Jordann, I'm an estate planning attorney based in Charlotte, North Carolina and the founder of Smart Law PLLC. I started my firm to make estate planning more accessible, modern, and family-focused. As a mom and small business owner, I understand how busy life can be — and how important it is to make sure your loved ones are protected, no matter what.. I work closely with families, caregivers, and busy professionals to create thoughtful, personalized estate plans that reflect their values and goals. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and practical. I believe estate planning isn’t just about legal documents — it’s about peace of mind, legacy, and protecting what matters most.. My Practice:. At Smart Law PLLC, I help clients throughout Charlotte and across North Carolina build customized estate plans with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re a new parent, a blended family, a working professional, or a caregiver, I guide you through the process step-by-step to make planning simple and stress-free.. I offer flat-fee services and flexible meeting options, including virtual appointments, to accommodate your schedule.. My estate planning services include:. Wills and Revocable Living Trusts. Guardianship planning for minor children. Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney. Living Wills and Advance Directives. HIPAA Authorizations. Probate Avoidance Strategies. Trust-Based Planning for Blended Families. If you're looking for an experienced and approachable estate planning lawyer in Charlotte, I’d love to help you get started.

Having lived in Charlotte for some time, it has been important for me to get involved in civic organizations like Leadership Charlotte, Arts and Science Council, and my church. In my legal practice, I strive to make the extra effort to grow my career, by giving seminars and volunteering for law articles.

Drawing on my skills as an Attorney and CPA, I have a passion for working with business owners who are looking to grow and improve their companies. Personal estate planning is a natural extension to ensure that the company’s growth benefits the entrepreneur and his family. I have been personally involved with Strategic Coach in Chicago and other entrepreneurial coaching and am a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. I am admitted to practice law in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and maintain active licenses in both of the Carolinas.