A trust can help protect your assets, manage family wealth, and make it easier to pass property to your loved ones. An experienced trust lawyer can guide you through the process and help you choose the right trust for your needs.
North Carolina has many attorneys who specialize in trusts, estate planning, probate, and asset protection. Finding the right one depends on your goals, financial situation, and legal requirements.
This guide highlights 10 trust lawyers in North Carolina, along with their areas of focus, services, and tips for choosing the right attorney.
How We Selected These Trust Lawyers
To identify trust lawyers worth considering in North Carolina, we focused on their legal experience, estate planning knowledge, professional qualifications, and range of trust-related services.
We also considered how their expertise may match different client needs, from creating a living trust to resolving disputes.
The main factors to consider when evaluating these attorneys include:
- Experience in trust law: Background in creating trusts, managing estates, or resolving trust disputes.
- Professional qualifications: Licensing and relevant certifications, including Board Certification in Estate Planning and Probate Law.
- Range of services: Ability to assist with wills, probate, asset protection, and trust administration.
- Client support: Clear communication, accessibility, and guidance throughout the legal process.
This list is intended to help you compare potential attorneys, not to establish a definitive ranking. Before hiring anyone, verify their current credentials, practice areas, and availability.
List of 10 Best Trust Attorneys in North Carolina
Here are 10 trust attorneys to consider in North Carolina, based on their legal backgrounds and areas of practice.
- C.W. Lachey
- Zachary B. Setzer
- Mark O. Costley
- Adam Gates Kerr
- Andrew A. Strauss
- Eldridge Dodson
- Kathryn E. Duffy
- Orly Reznik
- Christian Perrin
- Philip S. Anderson
Below, we explore each attorney’s background and areas of focus.
1. C.W. Lachey
Christopher William Lachey of C.W. Lachey Law, PLLC, is one of the trust attorneys to consider in North Carolina.
Based in Mint Hill, he assists clients with estate planning, trusts, probate, and estate administration.
His practice also covers guardianship, helping individuals and families address important legal and financial decisions.
Key areas of his practice include:
- Trust planning: Preparing trusts to help manage and transfer assets.
- Estate administration: Guiding clients through the process of settling an estate.
- Probate: Assisting with legal requirements after a person’s death.
- Guardianship: Addressing legal arrangements for individuals who need assistance.
His broad estate planning background makes him worth considering if you need help creating a living trust or managing an existing estate.
Contact his office to confirm current services and discuss your specific needs.
2. Zachary B. Setzer
Zachary B. Setzer is associated with Providence Wills and Trusts, serving clients in Weddington and Monroe, North Carolina.
His practice focuses on wills, trusts, and estate planning, helping individuals and families organize their assets and plan for the future.
His areas of focus include:
- Trust planning: Establishing trusts to manage and transfer assets according to individual goals.
- Will preparation: Documenting how assets should be distributed to beneficiaries.
- Estate planning: Developing plans that reflect family needs and long-term financial objectives.
Setzer’s focus on wills and trusts makes him a relevant option for individuals and families seeking professional guidance on estate planning in the greater Charlotte area.
3. Mark O. Costley
Mark O. Costley practices with Clarity Legal Group in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
His legal practice covers estate planning, living trusts, elder law, probate, and trust administration, offering guidance to individuals and families managing their assets and planning for the future.
His areas of focus include:
- Living trusts: Helping clients structure trusts to manage and transfer assets.
- Elder law: Addressing legal and planning needs associated with aging.
- Probate and trust administration: Assisting with the legal responsibilities involved in settling estates and managing trusts.
Costley’s experience across estate planning and trust administration makes him a potential choice for clients seeking comprehensive support with long-term asset management and estate matters.
4. Adam Gates Kerr
Adam Gates Kerr is the owner of Kerr Law in Greensboro, North Carolina, and a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law.
His practice covers trusts, wills, probate, powers of attorney, and comprehensive estate planning.
His key areas of focus include:
- Trust planning: Structuring trusts to support asset management and distribution goals.
- Probate: Guiding clients through the legal process of settling estates.
- Estate planning: Preparing wills, powers of attorney, and related legal documents.
Kerr’s board certification and broad estate planning practice make him a strong option for individuals seeking coordinated legal support for their trusts and long-term estate plans.
5. Andrew A. Strauss
Andrew A. Strauss is a partner at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC, serving clients across several North Carolina locations.
He is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law and brings more than four decades of legal experience to estate and wealth planning matters.
His areas of focus include:
- Trust and estate planning: Developing strategies for managing and transferring wealth.
- Asset protection: Helping clients plan for the preservation of their assets.
- Tax and business succession planning: Addressing tax considerations and planning for business ownership transitions.
Strauss’s extensive experience in estate planning and wealth preservation makes him a relevant choice for families, investors, and business owners with detailed financial planning needs.
6. Eldridge Dodson
Eldridge D. Dodson practices with Ward and Smith, P.A., in Wilmington, North Carolina.
As a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law, she assists clients with estate planning and the legal responsibilities involved in managing and transferring assets.
Her primary areas of focus include:
- Trust planning: Structuring trusts to reflect clients’ estate planning goals.
- Estate administration: Managing the legal process of settling an estate.
- Elder law and tax planning: Addressing later-life planning needs and estate and gift tax considerations.
Dodson’s background in trust planning, administration, and tax matters makes her a relevant option for individuals and families managing substantial assets or complex estate arrangements.
7. Kathryn E. Duffy
Kathryn E. (Katie) Duffy is associated with Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Her practice includes trust and estate administration, estate planning, charitable planning, tax planning, and business succession.
Her areas of focus include:
- Trust and estate administration: Helping manage trusts and estate-related legal obligations.
- Charitable and tax planning: Incorporating charitable goals and tax considerations into estate plans.
- Business succession: Planning the transfer of business ownership and related assets.
Duffy’s experience across wealth transfer, tax planning, and business succession may be particularly relevant to high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners seeking a coordinated estate planning strategy.
8. Orly Reznik
Orly Reznik is an estate planning attorney based in Cary, North Carolina, and the founder of Reznik Law, PLLC.
She is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. Her practice focuses on helping individuals and families organize their assets and plan for the future.
Her key areas of focus include:
- Wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that reflect clients’ wishes for asset distribution.
- Estate planning: Developing plans to manage and transfer assets effectively.
- Business succession planning: Preparing for the transfer of business ownership and related assets.
Reznik’s specialized credentials and focus on estate planning make her a relevant option for individuals, families, and business owners seeking structured trust and succession planning.
9. Christian Perrin
Christian L. Perrin is a trust and estate attorney with Perrin Legal in Charlotte, North Carolina.
His practice covers estate planning, probate, asset protection, business succession, and fiduciary litigation. He also represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries involved in trust disputes.
His areas of focus include:
- Trust and estate planning: Helping clients prepare for the management and transfer of assets.
- Asset protection: Developing strategies to preserve assets within applicable legal frameworks.
- Fiduciary litigation: Representing clients in disputes involving trustees, beneficiaries, and estate administration.
Perrin’s combination of estate planning and litigation experience makes him a relevant choice for clients who need help establishing an estate plan or resolving disagreements involving trusts and fiduciary responsibilities.
10. Philip S. Anderson
Philip S. Anderson is a principal at The Van Winkle Law Firm in Asheville, North Carolina.
His practice includes trust and estate litigation, contested wills, and related civil disputes. His work is particularly relevant to cases involving disagreements over estate documents or the administration of trusts.
His areas of focus include:
- Trust litigation: Addressing legal disputes involving trusts and their administration.
- Will contests: Representing parties in challenges concerning the validity or interpretation of wills.
- Estate disputes: Handling conflicts related to estate administration and beneficiary rights.
Anderson’s litigation-focused practice may suit individuals, trustees, or beneficiaries seeking legal representation in contested trust and estate matters.
Comparison of These Trust Attorneys
The table below compares the 10 attorneys by location, primary legal focus, and relevant credentials to help you identify options that align with your needs.
| Attorney | Location | Main Focus | Key Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.W. Lachey | Mint Hill | Trusts and probate | Estate planning practice |
| Zachary B. Setzer | Weddington / Monroe | Wills and trusts | Estate planning practice |
| Mark O. Costley | Chapel Hill | Trusts and elder law | Estate planning experience |
| Adam Gates Kerr | Greensboro | Estate planning and probate | Board Certified Specialist |
| Andrew A. Strauss | Multiple NC locations | Trusts and asset protection | Board Certified Specialist |
| Eldridge Dodson | Wilmington | Trusts and tax planning | Board Certified Specialist |
| Kathryn E. Duffy | Charlotte | Wealth and estate planning | Trust administration experience |
| Orly Reznik | Cary | Trusts and succession | Board Certified Specialist |
| Christian Perrin | Charlotte | Trusts and litigation | Fiduciary litigation experience |
| Philip S. Anderson | Asheville | Trust and estate litigation | Estate dispute experience |
Services Offered by Trust Attorneys in North Carolina
Trust lawyers provide services that help individuals and families manage assets and prepare for the future. Common services include:
- Trust creation: Drafting revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and other arrangements suited to your goals.
- Estate planning: Preparing wills, powers of attorney, and related legal documents.
- Trust administration: Helping trustees manage assets, follow trust terms, and distribute property to beneficiaries.
- Probate assistance: Guiding executors and families through the legal process of settling an estate.
- Asset and tax planning: Exploring lawful strategies to preserve wealth and manage potential tax obligations.
- Trust disputes: Representing trustees or beneficiaries in disagreements over trust terms, distributions, or fiduciary duties.
Not every attorney offers all these services, so confirm that the lawyer you choose handles your specific legal matter.
How to Choose a Trust Lawyer in North Carolina
Choosing the right trust lawyer starts with understanding your legal needs.
Whether you want to create a living trust, manage an existing trust, or resolve a beneficiary dispute, look for an attorney with relevant experience in North Carolina trust and estate law.
When comparing estate planning lawyers in North Carolina, consider these four important factors:
- Relevant experience: Choose a lawyer experienced in the specific service you need, such as trust creation, estate administration, or trust litigation.
- Professional credentials: Check the attorney’s standing with the North Carolina State Bar and look for Board Certification in Estate Planning and Probate Law where relevant.
- Fees and services: Ask about billing methods, estimated costs, and what the legal service includes.
- Communication and approach: Choose an attorney who explains legal options clearly, answers your questions, and understands your estate planning goals.
Finally, schedule a consultation to discuss your circumstances and assess whether the attorney’s experience and approach align with your needs.
Cost of Hiring a Trust Lawyer in North Carolina
The cost of hiring a trust attorney depends on the complexity of your estate, the type of trust, and the amount of legal work required. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for preparing documents, while others bill by the hour.
As a general estimate, a basic attorney-prepared revocable living trust may cost around $4,300 to $6,500. More complex estate plans, tax planning, and trust litigation can cost considerably more.
Before hiring a lawyer, request a written fee estimate and clarify whether it includes document preparation, revisions, trust funding guidance, and follow-up services.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right trust lawyer in North Carolina can help you protect your assets, organize your estate, and make your wishes clear.
The attorneys listed in this guide offer different areas of experience, from creating trusts to managing estates and resolving disputes.
Compare their qualifications, services, location, and fees before making your decision.
Most importantly, choose an attorney who understands your goals and explains your options in straightforward language. A well-prepared trust can provide greater clarity for you and your family for years to come.
