
You May Think Estate Planning Isn’t for You, But This is Why You’re Wrong
As someone who has no heirs, you may think estate planning is not for you. However, estate planning is for all adults, regardless of heirs. Part of this planning is preparing for the unexpected in your own life! In fact, there are many reasons why you need an estate plan even if you don’t have heirs. Learn why to start your estate plan today!

What is a POA Medical Abbreviation? How Does It Help You in Emergencies?
What is a POA medical abbreviation? It stands for Power of Attorney for Healthcare. A POA medical designation gives someone you trust the authority to make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot do so yourself. There are different types of POAs, and each has its own set of benefits if you become incapacitated. Let’s explore the different types of POAs and how they can help you in emergencies.

The Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Incompetency Determinations
A guardian ad litem (usually an attorney) investigates accusations of incompetence and makes a recommendation to the court. Let’s look at what exactly goes into making that recommendation and how guardian ad litems help adults in incompetency determinations every day.

How to Terminate a Guardianship in North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is not easy to end a court-ordered guardianship arrangement. In most cases, if there are allegations of abuse or neglect by the guardian, a court will grant an emergency removal. However, there are other reasons you may want to terminate a guardianship or remove a guardian. Let’s look at how hard it is to terminate a guardianship in North Carolina.

Wills vs Trusts: Pros and Cons
When it comes to estate planning, there are a few different options to choose from. Some of the most popular legal tools include wills and trusts. Both have their own pros and cons, making it difficult to decide which one is right for you. If you're confused about the...

When Does Guardianship Override Parental Rights in North Carolina?
Guardianship is a legal arrangement that gives an adult certain rights and responsibilities over a child. Depending on the situation, a court may grant this arrangement in many ways. In most cases, guardianship does not override parental rights. However, there are some instances where it does take precedence. Let’s explore when guardianship overrides parental rights in North Carolina.

Guardianship vs Custody: What’s the Difference in North Carolina?
Guardianship and custody are two legal terms that are often confused. A guardianship and a legal custody arrangement can both give authority to make decisions about a child’s welfare. When birth parents are not available to raise a child, the line between guardianship and custody can feel confusing. Let’s look at the definition of guardianship and how it differs from custody.

Adult Guardianship for Mental Illness in North Carolina
Mental illness can strike anyone at any time, and when it does, the effects can be devastating for both the individual and their loved ones. If the individual did not plan ahead by naming a power of attorney, you may need to file a petition for guardianship with the court. Let’s look at how guardianship works for adults with mental illness in North Carolina.

Who Can Override a Power of Attorney in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a power of attorney (POA) is a legal document allowing you to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf. A POA can help if you cannot make decisions for yourself due to illness or injury. There are different types of POAs, and each one gives your agent different types of authority. In this article, we will discuss who can override the authority of your POA agent in North Carolina.

Incapacity: What Happens If You Can’t Make Decisions for Yourself?
What would you do if you could no longer make decisions for yourself? This is an agonizing question to ask yourself. However, it’s essential to prepare for the unexpected. If you become incapacitated and can’t make decisions for yourself, who will step in to take care of your affairs? Let’s look at how to define incapacity and what happens if you can’t make decisions for yourself in North Carolina.