Estate Planning

Do I Have to Share My Inheritance in a Divorce?

Published on: September 20, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do I Have to Share My Inheritance in a Divorce?

When you divorce, you know that you will need to share your property and divide it between each of you. While you hoped your marriage would last forever, you are now facing the fact that your union is coming to an end. Both you and your spouse need to abide by the law while also making sure that you each receive the property that you are entitled to from your marriage, including any inheritance. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will help guide the process and assist you through a fair uncoupling.

Division of Property in North Carolina

Your Introduction to Digital Estate Planning in North Carolina

Published on: August 7, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can any attorney help me with my family law needs in North Carolina?”

Estate planning often conjures up images of legacy and wealth planning. While this is true, estate planning directives are evolving with technology. However, many people are unaware of what happens to their digital assets upon death. It is for this reason that digital assets tend to go unaddressed at the time of one’s death.

Important Changes for Divorced Couples in New North Carolina Financial Power of Attorney Law

Published on: February 14, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

Estate planning is something that many couples fail to take seriously until it is too late. It is common for people to think they are too young or too busy or too poor to bother to construct a plan to protect their family in the event something bad happens. The reality is that an estate plan can benefit almost everyone, regardless of age or income. Bad things can happen to anyone and when they do, they often happen without warning.

Slayer Statutes: Distributing Trust Funds after Murder-Suicide

Published on: November 8, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What happens when a person’s income is not guaranteed and fluctuates from year to year”.

When Derek Morris was a teenager, he was severely injured in a car wreck and received a large personal injury settlement. The money from that settlement was put into a trust in Derek’s name, with his mother Martha listed as trustee.

Is A Religious Deathbed Marriage Valid for Estate Planning Purposes?

Published on: October 25, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How Can I protect myself from my spouses spending habits?”

A bedside marriage ceremony conducted one day before the husband’s death is valid, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled this June—even though the couple never obtained a marriage license, and the pastor officiating for the ceremony only intended the rites to be religiously symbolic.

Can I Leave Assets to My Pet in My Will?

Published on: September 13, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How will the judge divide our property?”

To many of us, our pets are like our family members. It’s only natural that when making an estate plan that you would want to include provisions for your trusted furry (or feathered, or scaled) sidekick in the event that you are around no longer. Estate planning is encouraged even for young people for the sake of their loved ones and dependents in the event of an unexpected tragedy, and the same logic applies for pets.