Estate planning helps you protect your assets and plan for your family’s future. It may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and other important legal documents.
An experienced estate planning lawyer in Asheville, NC, can help you understand North Carolina laws and create a plan that fits your family, finances, and long-term goals.
This guide covers 10 attorneys associated with estate planning, probate, elder law, trusts, and related services in Asheville and the surrounding area. It is designed to help you compare your options and find an attorney who fits your needs.
How We Selected These Estate Planning Attorneys
We selected these attorneys using publicly available information about their practice areas, experience, credentials, and connection to Asheville, NC.
We focused on estate planning and related services such as wills, trusts, probate, elder law, and powers of attorney.
Key factors included:
- Estate planning experience
- Relevant legal services
- Professional credentials
- Asheville or local-area connection
- Publicly available attorney and firm information
Legal services and office details can change, so verify current information directly with the attorney before scheduling a consultation.
List of 10 Estate Planning Attorneys in Asheville, NC
Based on publicly available information, here are 10 attorneys associated with estate planning and related legal services in Asheville, NC:
- C.W. Lachey
- Andrew D. Atherton
- April Burt Schain
- Eva Clement
- Ile Adaramola
- Cheryl R. Watkins
- Walter E. Daniels III
- Jeffrey Miles Cooper
- Richard J. Maita
- John G. Kelso
Below, we explain each attorney’s practice areas, experience, and relevant estate planning services.
1. C.W. Lachey
C.W. Lachey is a leading estate planning lawyer serving Asheville, NC, and clients throughout North Carolina.
He practices at C.W. Lachey Law, PLLC, where his work focuses on estate planning, probate, trusts, and related legal matters.
His key estate planning services include:
- Estate and Trust Drafting
- Partition Action
- Adult Guardianship
- Probate Administration
- Trust Administration
He is considered one of the notable estate planning attorneys in North Carolina, helping individuals and families protect assets and plan for the future.
His approach focuses on creating estate plans that reflect each client’s family circumstances, assets, and long-term goals.
2. Andrew D. Atherton
Andrew D. Atherton is an experienced estate planning and elder law attorney serving clients in Asheville, NC. His practice covers estate planning, probate, estate administration, and legal matters related to aging and long-term care.
His key services include:
- Estate planning and administration
- Wills and trusts
- Probate
- Elder law
- Medicaid and long-term care planning
- Special needs trusts and guardianship
He is recognized among Asheville attorneys who assist individuals and families with both future planning and complex estate matters.
His broad experience allows him to address estate planning alongside healthcare, long-term care, and family-related legal needs.
3. April Burt Schain
April Burt Schain is an established estate planning and probate attorney serving clients in Asheville, NC.
Her practice focuses on helping individuals and families prepare clear estate plans and handle estate matters when a loved one passes away.
Her key services include:
- Estate planning
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney and end-of-life planning
- Estate administration
- Probate and estate proceedings
Her practice provides legal support for both planning and navigating the estate administration process.
4. Eva Clement
Eva Clement is an experienced Asheville attorney with a practice that includes estate planning, probate, elder law, and business matters.
Her broad legal background can be particularly relevant for clients whose estate plans involve business interests, property, or more complex financial circumstances.
Her key services include:
- Estate planning
- Probate and estate administration
- Elder law
- Business planning
- Asset and property planning
This combination of services allows clients to address estate planning alongside other legal matters that may affect their overall plan.
5. Ile Adaramola
Ile Adaramola is an Asheville attorney who provides estate planning and related legal services for individuals and families.
His practice includes estate and trust planning, estate administration, elder law, and real estate matters, making his services relevant to clients with varied estate planning needs.
His key services include:
- Estate and trust planning
- Estate administration
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Advance directives
- Real estate planning considerations
His broader practice can help clients coordinate estate planning with property, healthcare, and other important legal considerations.
6. Cheryl R. Watkins
Cheryl R. Watkins is an experienced estate planning and probate attorney serving clients in Asheville, NC, and throughout North Carolina.
Her practice covers estate planning, probate, estate administration, and business succession, helping clients prepare for both personal and business-related future needs.
Her key services include:
- Estate planning and probate
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Living wills
- Estate administration
- Business succession planning
Her background in accounting also provides relevant financial insight when addressing complex estate and asset planning matters.
7. Walter E. Daniels III
Walter E. Daniels III is an Asheville attorney with experience in estate planning and related business and property matters.
His broader legal practice can be relevant to individuals and business owners who need to consider real estate, assets, or business interests as part of their estate plans.
His key services and practice areas include:
- Estate planning
- Business-related planning
- Real estate and asset considerations
- North Carolina legal matters
His broad legal experience can help clients address estate planning alongside other important personal or business concerns.
8. Jeffrey Miles Cooper
Jeffrey Miles Cooper is an Asheville attorney whose practice includes estate planning, elder law, and probate.
His experience across these areas can be particularly relevant for individuals and families planning for aging, future care, or the administration of an estate.
His key services include:
- Estate planning
- Probate
- Estate administration
- Elder law
- Aging and future care planning
His combined estate planning and elder law experience allows clients to address both current legal needs and future planning considerations.
9. Richard J. Maita
Richard J. Maita is an experienced estate planning attorney serving clients in Asheville, NC.
His practice covers estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, guardianship, and real estate, providing a broad range of legal support for individuals and families.
His key services include:
- Estate planning
- Wills and trusts
- Probate and probate avoidance
- Powers of attorney
- Real estate matters
- Asset protection planning
His combination of estate and real estate experience can be valuable for clients whose property and other assets are an important part of their estate plan.
10. John G. Kelso
John G. Kelso is a prominent estate planning and trust attorney in Asheville, NC, and a principal at The Van Winkle Law Firm.
His practice focuses on estate and trust planning, administration, taxation, charitable giving, and business succession.
His key services include:
- Estate and trust planning
- Estate and trust administration
- Tax-focused estate planning
- Charitable gift planning
- Business succession planning
- Elder law and estate matters
Kelso is also listed by the North Carolina State Bar as a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law, with certification dating to 2001.
Comparison of Estate Planning Attorneys in Asheville
Each attorney offers a different combination of estate planning and related legal services.
This quick comparison highlights their primary practice areas and planning focus to make it easier for clients to identify attorneys that may match their needs.
| Attorney | Estate Planning | Related Focus | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.W. Lachey | Wills, trusts | Probate, asset protection | North Carolina |
| Andrew D. Atherton | Estate planning | Elder law, Medicaid | Asheville |
| April Burt Schain | Wills, trusts | Probate, administration | Asheville |
| Eva Clement | Estate planning | Elder, business law | Asheville |
| Ile Adaramola | Wills, trusts | Elder law, real estate | Asheville |
| Cheryl R. Watkins | Wills, trusts | Probate, succession | Asheville / NC |
| Walter E. Daniels III | Estate planning | Business, real estate | Asheville |
| Jeffrey Miles Cooper | Estate planning | Elder law, probate | Asheville |
| Richard J. Maita | Wills, trusts | Probate, real estate | Asheville |
| John G. Kelso | Estate, trusts | Tax, succession | Asheville |
Estate Planning Services These Asheville Attorneys Provide
Estate planning is more than simply writing a will.
Depending on your situation, an attorney may help you prepare several documents and coordinate how your assets will be handled.
Common services include:
- Wills: Explain who should receive your assets and nominate an executor.
- Trusts: Help manage property and potentially avoid or simplify probate for certain assets.
- Powers of attorney: Allow someone you trust to make financial or legal decisions if you cannot.
- Advance directives: Communicate your healthcare wishes.
- Probate and estate administration: Help manage the legal process after someone dies.
- Elder law: Address legal issues related to aging, long-term care, Medicaid, and guardianship.
- Business succession planning: Help business owners prepare for ownership or management changes.
- Asset and real estate planning: Coordinate property and other assets with the overall estate plan.
How to Choose the Right Estate Planning Attorney in Asheville, NC
Start by identifying what you actually need. A simple will may require a different type of attorney than a complex estate involving trusts, a business, multiple properties, or long-term care concerns.
Before hiring an attorney, consider:
- Practice area: Does the lawyer regularly handle estate planning?
- Experience: How long have they worked with wills, trusts, probate, or related matters?
- Services: Can they handle all the documents you may need?
- North Carolina knowledge: Estate planning rules vary by state.
- Communication: Will the attorney explain documents in plain English?
- Fees: Is the fee flat-rate, hourly, or based on the complexity of the plan?
- Updates: How can you update the plan when your family, assets, or goals change?
A consultation is a useful opportunity to ask these questions before making a decision.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Attorney Cost in Asheville, NC?
Estate planning fees in Asheville vary based on your needs and the complexity of your estate.
A basic estate plan may cost around $1,000–$3,000, while plans involving trusts, businesses, property, or tax planning may cost more.
The main factors that affect the cost include:
- Type of plan: Wills are usually simpler than trusts.
- Estate complexity: Multiple assets or businesses may require more work.
- Attorney fees: Lawyers may charge flat fees or hourly rates.
- Extra services: Probate, tax, or trust services can increase the cost.
Before hiring an attorney, ask for a clear fee estimate and confirm what the quoted price includes.
How to Verify a Qualified Estate Planning Attorney in Asheville
Before hiring an estate planning attorney, take a few simple steps to check their qualifications and experience. Public records and professional directories can help you confirm important details.
Consider checking:
- NC State Bar: Confirm the attorney’s license and status.
- Credentials: Look for relevant certifications or specialist designations.
- Experience: Review their estate planning and probate experience.
- Practice areas: Make sure they handle the services you need.
- Current details: Confirm their office, services, and consultation fees.
These checks can help you make an informed choice and find an attorney whose experience matches your estate planning needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an estate planning lawyer in Asheville, NC, starts with understanding your own needs.
Whether you need a basic will, a trust, powers of attorney, probate assistance, elder law guidance, or business succession planning, the right legal professional should be able to explain your options clearly.
The attorneys in this guide represent different practice areas and approaches. Compare their experience, services, location, communication style, and fee structure before deciding who to contact.
Most importantly, make sure your estate plan reflects your current family situation, assets, and long-term wishes.
