Probate & Estate Administration - Serving Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Surrounding Areas
Help After You've Lost Someone
I'm sorry for your loss. Settling an estate means forms, deadlines and a lot of phone calls, often while you're still grieving.
If you've been named executor, or you're the family member who has stepped up to handle things, I can help. I'll explain what needs to happen, take care of the legal work, and guide you through each step.
What Probate Is
Probate is the court-supervised process for settling someone's estate in North Carolina. It confirms the will (if there is one), gives the executor or administrator legal authority to act, makes sure debts are handled, and transfers what's left to the people who should receive it.

It usually takes several months to a year or more, depending on the estate. Some smaller estates qualify for simplified procedures, and assets held in a trust or with a named beneficiary may not need to go through probate at all. Part of my job is figuring out what actually applies to your situation.
Planning Ahead Makes This Easier
Much of what makes probate slow and stressful can be avoided with good planning. A revocable living trust lets your family settle most of your affairs without probate, and a clear, current plan means fewer questions and decisions for the people you leave behind. If settling a loved one's estate has you thinking about your own plan, I can help with that too.
How I Can Help
• Executors and administrators: guidance and legal work from opening the estate to closing it
• Estates without a will: help applying North Carolina's intestacy rules and identifying the rightful heirs
• Trust administration: support for trustees settling a trust outside of probate
Schedule a free 15-minute call, and we'll go through what needs to happen.
Ready for Gentle Guidance?
Schedule your free 15-minute discovery call today no obligation, just compassionate next steps.