Wills Attorney in North & South Carolina — Virtual Guidance for Families Who Value Peace of Mind
A will is the foundation of every estate plan — and creating one is easier than you think.
At Estate Planning of the Carolinas, we help families across North Carolina and South Carolina draft clear, legally sound wills — all virtually, at a flat fee.
Why Every North Carolina & South Carolina Family Needs a Will
Without a will, the state decides who inherits your assets, who raises your children, and how your estate is handled. That’s not a decision you want to leave to a judge.
At Estate Planning of the Carolinas, we make the will-drafting process accessible to families across Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia, Greenville, and every corner of the Carolinas. Whether you’re a young couple, new parents, or empty nesters, our experienced estate planning attorney will help you create a will that reflects your wishes and protects the people you love.
Our process is virtual and flat-fee, so you’ll know what to expect from day one — no office visits, no hourly billing, and no unnecessary stress.
Start Your Will TodayWhat Your Will Covers
A properly drafted will gives you control over what happens to your assets, your children, and your legacy. Here’s what your will addresses:
Here’s what the process typically includes:
- Naming Beneficiaries: Decide exactly who inherits your property, savings, investments, and personal belongings — from real estate to family heirlooms.
- Appointing a Guardian for Minor Children: Choosing who will raise your children if something happens to you — one of the most important decisions a parent can make.
- Designating an Executor: Naming a trusted person to manage your estate, pay your debts, and distribute your assets according to your wishes.
- Handling Debts & Taxes: Providing clear instructions on how your debts, taxes, and final expenses should be paid.
- Reducing Family Disputes: Including specific instructions and no-contest clauses to minimize confusion and conflict among your loved ones.
We’ll guide you through every phase — explaining what’s required, preparing your documents, and helping you stay organized and compliant.
Learn About Our ProcessWhen You Should Create or Update Your Will
Life changes fast — and your will needs to keep up. You should create or update your will if:
- You recently got married, divorced, or remarried.
- You had a child or grandchild.
- You’re unsure about asset titling, creditor claims, or taxes.
- You started a business or changed careers.
- You’re administering an estate with no will (intestate estate).
We’re here to make sure nothing falls through the cracks — and that you can focus on your family while we handle the legal work.
Our Will-Drafting Services Include:
- Simple wills for individuals and couples
- Pour-over wills paired with revocable living trusts
- Testamentary trust provisions for minor children
- Digital asset and cryptocurrency instructions
- Pet trusts and guardianship provisions
- Will updates, amendments, and codicils
Our Virtual Will-Drafting Process
Creating a will doesn’t have to mean taking time off work to sit in a lawyer’s office.
Our virtual process makes it simple and secure for families across the Carolinas:
- Free Virtual Consultation: We’ll review your situation and determine what’s needed.
- Custom Will Drafting: We draft your will based on your instructions and North Carolina or South Carolina legal requirements.
- Review & Revision: You’ll receive step-by-step instructions and ongoing support from your attorney.
- Execution Guidance: Once all obligations are met, we’ll help you finalize your documents and make sure everything is properly executed.
All done from home, at your pace, with flat-fee pricing you know upfront.
Get Started on Your WillWhy Families Choose Estate Planning of the Carolinas
- Licensed in North Carolina & South Carolina – Experienced with estate planning laws in both states.
- Virtual Convenience – Meet, review, and sign documents from anywhere.
- Flat-Fee Transparency – Know your costs upfront.
- Clear Communication – We handle legal complexity in plain English.
- Compassionate Counsel – You’ll always be treated like family, not a file number.
Proudly serving clients in Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia, Greenville, Cary, Rock Hill, Concord, Huntersville, and across North and South Carolina — all through secure virtual meetings.
Wills FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in North Carolina?
The While you can technically draft your own will, having an attorney makes sure it meets all legal requirements and holds up in court. North Carolina has specific witness and execution rules that, if not followed, can invalidate your entire will.
What happens if I die without a will in North Carolina?
If you die without a will (called dying intestate), North Carolina’s intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets. The court picks who manages your estate and who raises your minor children. A properly drafted will puts those decisions back in your hands.
Can I update or change my will after it’s signed?
Yes. You can update your will at any time through a codicil (a formal amendment) or by drafting a new will that revokes the old one. We recommend reviewing your will after major life events like marriage, divorce, a new child, or significant changes in assets.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will goes through probate court and takes effect after death. A revocable living trust can skip probate entirely, offers more privacy, and can be managed during your lifetime. Many families benefit from having both. We’ll help you determine the right approach during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I die without a will in North Carolina?
If you die without a will (called dying intestate), North Carolina’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your property. The distribution depends on whether you have a surviving spouse, children, or other relatives. In many cases, the result does not match what you would have wanted. A will puts you in control of who receives your assets and who cares for your minor children.
What is the difference between a last will and a living will?
A last will and testament controls what happens to your property and minor children after you die. A living will (also called an advance directive) is a healthcare document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate. They serve completely different purposes, and a complete estate plan includes both.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in North Carolina?
North Carolina law does not require an attorney to draft a will, but there are strict requirements for a will to be valid — including proper witness signatures and notarization for a self-proving affidavit. Errors in execution can make a will unenforceable. Working with an attorney helps you avoid costly mistakes and confirms your wishes are clearly expressed and legally binding.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every three to five years, or whenever you experience a major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or a move to a new state. Estate laws vary by state, so even a simple relocation can make an update necessary.