Finding the right estate planning lawyer in Fayetteville can be hard. You may need help with a will, trust, power of attorney, or probate.
To make your search easier, we have compiled a complete list of 10 estate planning lawyers in and around Fayetteville, NC. Each entry highlights their main estate planning services.
This is an informational, non-ranked list. Check each lawyer’s current services, location, and experience before making your decision.
How We Selected These Estate Planning Lawyers
We used a few simple factors to create this list. The goal is to highlight lawyers with relevant estate planning experience in or around Fayetteville, NC.
We considered:
- Estate planning experience: Attorneys who work with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related matters.
- Relevant legal services: Lawyers who also handle probate, estate administration, business planning, or other related services.
- Fayetteville-area connection: Attorneys and firms located in Fayetteville or serving clients in the surrounding area.
- Publicly available information: Practice areas and services listed by law firms and legal directories.
This is an informational list, not an objective ranking. Always confirm an attorney’s current services, location, and availability before scheduling a consultation.
List of 10 Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Fayetteville, NC
Here is a quick list of 10 estate planning attorneys and firms to help you start your search.
- C.W. Lachey
- Christopher Douglas Foster
- Jennifer Kirby Fincher
- Mark D. Vaughn
- Emily Rebekah Greene
- Christina E. Baker
- L. Holt Felmet
- David F. McRae
- William W. Doster
- Robert B. Gilleland
More details about each attorney are provided in the sections below.
1. C.W. Lachey – C.W. Lachey Law, PLLC
C.W. Lachey is a prominent estate planning attorney serving North Carolina clients and is recognized as one of the leading estate planning lawyers in and around Fayetteville, NC.
He is the founding attorney of C.W. Lachey Law, a boutique firm focused on estate planning, trusts, probate, and estate administration.
His core estate planning services include:
- Estate and Trust Drafting: Wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
- Partition Actions: Legal guidance for jointly owned property.
- Adult Guardianship: Assistance with guardianship matters.
- Probate Administration: Support through the probate process.
- Trust Administration: Guidance in managing and settling trusts.
With a focused estate-planning practice and direct attorney involvement from planning through document signing, C.W. Lachey provides comprehensive guidance for individuals and families preparing for the future.
2. Christopher Douglas Foster – Foster Law, PLLC
Christopher Douglas Foster has a broad legal practice that includes estate planning, wills, trusts, and estate matters in Fayetteville, NC.
His experience also extends to business and tax-related legal work, which can be important when creating an estate plan involving business interests or more complex assets.
His main estate planning areas include:
- Wills and living wills: Helping clients document their wishes and important decisions.
- Trusts and estates: Assisting with estate organization and asset planning.
- Estate planning: Developing plans around individual and family circumstances.
- Business and tax matters: Addressing related issues that may affect an estate plan.
This combination of estate, business, and tax-related experience allows Foster Law, PLLC to address a range of legal considerations that may arise during the estate planning process.
3. Nichole Cotton – The Cotton Law Firm
Nichole M. Cotton brings a broad legal practice to estate planning in Fayetteville, NC.
As the founder of The Cotton Law Firm, she leads a boutique law office that lists estate planning among its areas of practice and offers customized North Carolina wills, powers of attorney, and estate plans.
Her estate planning services include:
- Wills: Preparing customized documents to help clients plan for the future.
- Powers of attorney: Addressing financial and personal decision-making needs.
- Estate plans: Developing plans designed around a client’s family and assets.
- Related estate matters: Providing legal support for broader planning needs.
With a Fayetteville office on Dick Street and estate planning included in her current practice areas, Nichole Cotton offers local legal support for individuals and families preparing their North Carolina estate plans.
4. Jennifer Kirby Fincher – Jennifer Kirby Fincher, PLLC
Jennifer K. Fincher provides estate planning and administration services to clients in Fayetteville, NC.
Her practice also covers real estate and business law, giving clients access to related legal support when planning their estates.
Her estate planning services include:
- Wills and trusts: Helping clients organize and protect their assets.
- Powers of attorney: Preparing documents for financial and personal decisions.
- Estate planning and administration: Assisting with both planning and the legal handling of estates.
- Probate matters: Providing guidance when an estate goes through probate.
Her combination of estate, real estate, and business law experience can be useful for clients with different types of assets and planning needs.
5. Mark D. Vaughn – Clarke Phifer, PLLC
Mark D. Vaughn focuses on estate planning and related legal matters as part of Clarke Phifer, PLLC’s Estates and Trusts practice.
His work covers several areas that can help clients prepare for both the management and transfer of their assets.
His key estate planning services include:
- Estate planning: Helping clients create plans suited to their personal and financial goals.
- Trusts: Assisting with trust-based estate planning and asset management.
- Estate administration: Providing legal guidance during the administration of an estate.
- Powers of attorney: Preparing documents for financial and personal decision-making.
Clarke Phifer, PLLC is based in Pinehurst, so clients should confirm current service areas and consultation availability before making an appointment.
6. Emily Rebekah Greene – Hutchens Law Firm
Emily Rebekah Greene handles estate planning and related legal matters through Hutchens Law Firm.
Her practice includes planning documents that can help individuals prepare for future financial and personal decisions.
Her main areas of estate planning include:
- Estate planning: Helping clients organize their assets and future wishes.
- Powers of attorney: Preparing documents for financial and healthcare decisions.
- Wills and trusts: Supporting clients with key estate planning documents.
- Estate-related services: Assisting with other legal matters connected to an estate.
Hutchens Law Firm has a Fayetteville presence, making it a local option for clients seeking estate planning and related legal services.
7. L. Holt Felmet – L. Holt Felmet, P.A.
L. Holt Felmet has a legal practice that includes estate planning, wills, and related estate matters.
His experience can be relevant to individuals who want to organize their assets and prepare for the future.
His estate-related services include:
- Estate planning: Helping clients put a clear legal plan in place.
- Wills: Preparing documents that outline how assets should be handled.
- Estate and probate matters: Providing guidance when an estate must be settled.
- Related planning services: Addressing other legal needs connected to estate planning.
His office is listed in Lillington, NC, so prospective clients should confirm current service areas and appointment details.
8. David F. McRae – Bain & McRae, LLP
David F. McRae brings estate planning and probate experience to Bain & McRae, LLP.
His practice also connects estate planning with family, business, and succession matters, which can be helpful for clients with more involved legal needs.
His main estate planning services include:
- Estate planning: Creating plans for the management and transfer of assets.
- Wills and trusts: Preparing core documents for long-term estate planning.
- Estate and probate matters: Assisting with estate administration and probate.
- Business and family planning: Addressing legal issues that may affect an estate or succession plan.
Bain & McRae also handles powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, and business succession planning, giving clients access to related legal services in one practice.
9. William W. Doster – Doster Post Silverman & Foushee, PA
William W. Doster handles a range of estate-related legal matters, including estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate. His practice also includes powers of attorney and estate administration.
His primary estate planning services include:
- Estate planning: Helping clients organize assets and plan for their families.
- Wills and trusts: Preparing key documents for asset distribution and management.
- Estate administration: Providing legal guidance when managing an estate.
- Probate and powers of attorney: Assisting with probate proceedings and decision-making documents.
His practice is listed in Sanford, NC, so prospective clients should confirm current availability and service areas before scheduling a consultation.
10. Robert B. Gilleland – Harrington, Gilleland, Winstead et al.
Robert B. Gilleland combines estate planning experience with broader business and real estate legal services. His practice can be relevant to clients whose estate plans involve property, business interests, or other complex assets.
His key areas include:
- Estate planning: Helping clients prepare for the management and transfer of assets.
- Estate-related matters: Providing legal guidance on various issues affecting an estate.
- Business organization: Assisting with legal structures and business-related planning.
- Real estate planning: Addressing property matters that may form part of an estate.
Based in Sanford, Harrington, Gilleland, Winstead et al. serves families and businesses across the surrounding North Carolina region.
Comparison of These Estate Planning Lawyers
The following table gives a quick overview of the practice areas publicly associated with each attorney or firm. It is intended to make research easier rather than rank one lawyer above another.
| Attorney | Firm | Estate Planning Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.W. Lachey | C.W. Lachey Law, PLLC | Estate and trust planning | North Carolina |
| Christina E. Baker | The Baker Law Firm | Estate planning, wills | Fayetteville area |
| Christopher Douglas Foster | Foster Law, PLLC | Wills, trusts, estates | Fayetteville |
| Jennifer Kirby Fincher | Jennifer Kirby Fincher, PLLC | Wills, powers of attorney, estate planning | Fayetteville |
| Mark D. Vaughn | Clarke Phifer, PLLC | Estates, trusts, administration | Pinehurst |
| Emily Rebekah Greene | Hutchens Law Firm | Estate planning, powers of attorney | Fayetteville |
| L. Holt Felmet | L. Holt Felmet, P.A. | Estate planning, wills | Lillington |
| David F. McRae | Bain & McRae, LLP | Estate, probate, planning | Lillington |
| William W. Doster | Doster Post Silverman & Foushee | Estate planning, probate, trusts | Sanford |
| Robert B. Gilleland | Harrington, Gilleland, Winstead | Estate planning, business matters | Sanford |
Estate Planning Services Available in Fayetteville, NC
Estate planning is about more than writing a will. An attorney can help you prepare the right documents for your family, assets, and future needs.
Common services include:
- Wills and trusts: Planning how your assets will be handled.
- Powers of attorney: Choosing someone to make financial or personal decisions.
- Living wills: Stating your wishes for future medical care.
- Probate and estate administration: Handling legal matters after death.
- Business and tax planning: Addressing business interests and tax concerns.
Your needs will depend on your family and financial situation. Some Fayetteville-area firms also provide estate administration, asset protection, and business succession services.
How Much Does an Estate Planning Attorney Cost in Fayetteville, NC?
The cost of estate planning depends on the type of legal help you need. A simple will usually costs less than a plan that includes trusts, property, business interests, or other complex matters.
In Fayetteville, a basic estate planning package may cost around 300–5,000. More detailed plans can cost more based on the documents and services involved.
Before hiring an attorney, ask about the total fee. Also check what documents are included and whether updates, trust funding, or probate services cost extra.
How to Choose the Right Estate Planning Attorney in Fayetteville, NC
Start with your needs. A simple estate may only require a will and powers of attorney. More complex estates may need trusts, probate planning, or business planning.
When comparing attorneys, look at:
- Experience: Wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration.
- Services: Make sure the attorney offers the documents and planning you need.
- Fees: Ask about the total cost and what is included.
- Credentials: Confirm current North Carolina licensing, office location, and consultation details.
Choose an attorney whose services match your estate and family needs.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning can make your wishes clearer and give your family a legal framework for managing property, finances, and important decisions.
Fayetteville residents have access to attorneys and firms offering different combinations of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, estate administration, and related services.
The names above provide a starting point for research rather than an objective ranking.
Because practice areas, office locations, and availability can change, verify the attorney’s current services and discuss your specific circumstances before retaining legal counsel.
