Creating a will helps protect your family, property, and financial assets. It ensures your wishes are clearly documented and explains how your estate should be distributed after your death.
An experienced will lawyer can help you prepare legally valid documents, avoid potential disputes, and make informed estate planning decisions.
To help you find the right legal support, here are 10 will lawyers in North Carolina who offer will preparation, estate planning, trusts, and probate services.
How We Select These Lawyers
We considered several important factors when selecting these will lawyers in North Carolina to help readers find qualified legal professionals for their estate planning needs. Our selection process focused on:
- Estate Planning Experience: Background in preparing wills, trusts, and estate plans.
- Knowledge of North Carolina Laws: Understanding of state-specific will requirements and probate regulations.
- Professional Qualifications: Relevant certifications, legal credentials, and professional experience.
- Range of Services: Availability of will preparation, trust creation, probate, and estate administration.
- Practice Locations: Representation of different communities across North Carolina.
This list is designed to help you compare available legal professionals. It is not a definitive ranking or a guarantee of legal outcomes.
List of 10 Best Will Lawyers in North Carolina
Here are 10 will lawyers in North Carolina offering estate planning, will preparation, trust, and probate services:
- C.W. Lachey
- Christian L. Perrin
- James E. Hickmon
- Eldridge D. Dodson
- Zachary B. Setzer
- Daniel Brinson Finch
- Blaire D. McClanahan
- Larry S. Hartley
- Samantha Reichle
- Brad Henry
Below, you’ll find more details about each lawyer’s background and legal services.
1. C.W. Lachey – C.W. Lachey Law, PLLC (Mint Hill)
C.W. Lachey is recognized as one of the leading will lawyers in North Carolina, offering personalized estate planning services through his boutique firm, C.W. Lachey Law, PLLC, in Mint Hill.
As the firm’s founding attorney, he works closely with individuals and families to develop estate plans that protect their assets, document their wishes, and provide for their loved ones.
His estate planning services cover several important areas:
- Will Preparation: Drafting wills that clearly outline how clients want their assets distributed.
- Trust Planning: Helping families establish trusts to manage and protect their assets.
- Estate Plan Updates: Reviewing and updating existing documents as family or financial circumstances change.
- Post-Death Consultations: Guiding families dealing with estate-related matters after a loved one’s passing.
Through his personalized approach and focus on estate planning, C.W. Lachey helps clients make informed decisions about their future and establish a clear legal plan for their families.
2. Christian L. Perrin – Perrin Legal (Charlotte)
Christian L. Perrin is an experienced estate planning attorney in Charlotte and a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law.
With more than 19 years of legal experience, he advises individuals, families, and businesses on protecting their assets and planning for the future.
His legal practice covers several important areas, including:
- Will Preparation: Creating legally sound wills that reflect clients’ wishes.
- Trust Planning: Establishing trusts to manage and transfer family assets.
- Asset Protection: Helping clients develop strategies to preserve their wealth.
- Estate Administration: Assisting executors and families with probate matters.
- Trust Litigation: Addressing disputes involving trusts and estate planning documents.
His experience in both estate planning and litigation gives him valuable insight into potential legal challenges, helping clients make informed decisions and prepare more effective estate plans.
3. James E. Hickmon – Charlotte Estate Lawyer (Charlotte)
James E. Hickmon is an experienced estate planning attorney in Charlotte with a JD, MBA, and Certified Financial Planner® designation.
He is also a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. His combination of legal and financial knowledge allows him to help individuals and families make informed decisions about protecting and transferring their wealth.
His practice covers several key areas of estate planning:
- Will Preparation: Drafting wills that clearly outline how assets should be distributed.
- Trust Planning: Creating trusts to manage and transfer assets according to clients’ wishes.
- Wealth Transfer: Developing strategies for passing family wealth to future generations.
- Business Succession: Helping business owners plan for ownership transitions.
- Probate and Fiduciary Matters: Advising executors and other representatives on their legal responsibilities.
His financial planning background makes him a valuable option for families with substantial assets, investments, or business interests.
4. Eldridge D. Dodson – Ward and Smith, P.A. (Wilmington)
Eldridge D. Dodson is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law based in Wilmington. She assists individuals and families with creating estate plans that protect their assets and address their long-term needs.
Her practice also includes estate and gift tax considerations, helping clients understand the financial implications of transferring wealth.
Her legal services cover several important areas:
- Will Preparation: Helping clients document their wishes for asset distribution.
- Trust Creation: Establishing trusts to manage and protect family assets.
- Estate and Gift Tax Planning: Addressing potential tax implications of wealth transfers.
- Estate Administration: Advising executors on managing and settling estates.
- Elder Law: Supporting older adults and families with future care and planning needs.
Her background in gerontology adds another dimension to her estate planning work, particularly when assisting older adults and families preparing for future care arrangements.
5. Zachary B. Setzer – Providence Wills and Trusts (Weddington)
Zachary B. Setzer leads Providence Wills and Trusts, an estate planning firm serving individuals and families in Weddington and Monroe.
His practice focuses on helping clients prepare personalized estate plans based on their family circumstances, financial goals, and future wishes. He emphasizes individual attention rather than relying on generic legal documents.
His practice includes several estate planning services:
- Last will: Preparing wills that explain how clients want their estates distributed.
- Trust Planning: Creating trusts to support long-term asset management and distribution.
- Probate Assistance: Helping families navigate the estate settlement process.
- Guardianship Planning: Addressing arrangements for minor children and individuals who may need assistance.
- Healthcare Directives: Preparing documents that communicate medical preferences.
His focus on personalized planning makes him an option for families looking for guidance with multiple aspects of estate preparation.
6. Daniel Brinson Finch – Pinna, Johnston & Burwell (Raleigh)
Daniel Brinson Finch is a partner at Pinna, Johnston & Burwell in Raleigh. He has experience in estate planning, trust administration, probate, and tax matters.
His previous service as a public administrator for Wake County also gave him practical knowledge of estate and guardianship administration. This experience helps him understand the legal responsibilities involved in managing and settling an estate.
His areas of legal practice include:
- Will Preparation: Helping individuals establish clear instructions for distributing their assets.
- Trust Administration: Advising trustees on managing trust assets and fulfilling their responsibilities.
- Probate: Assisting with the legal process of settling estates.
- Estate Administration: Guiding executors and families through estate-related responsibilities.
- Tax Matters: Addressing tax considerations connected to estates and trusts.
His combination of private legal practice and public administration experience provides useful insight for individuals planning their estates and families managing a loved one’s affairs.
7. Blaire D. McClanahan – Law Offices of Cheryl David (Greensboro)
Blaire D. McClanahan is the managing partner at the Law Offices of Cheryl David in Greensboro.
She helps individuals and families prepare estate plans, protect their assets, and plan for future care needs. As a Certified Medicaid Planner, she also has experience with long-term care and Medicaid planning.
Her key practice areas include:
- Will Preparation: Creating wills that reflect clients’ wishes.
- Trust Administration: Helping manage and administer trusts.
- Probate: Guiding families through estate settlement.
- Asset Protection: Helping preserve family wealth.
- Elder Law: Advising on Medicaid and long-term care planning.
Her experience in both estate planning and elder law makes her a useful option for families planning for their financial future.
8. Larry S. Hartley – Strauss Attorneys, PLLC
Larry S. Hartley is a partner at Strauss Attorneys and a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Elder Law.
Based in Asheville, he helps individuals and families with estate planning, asset protection, and long-term care arrangements. His experience is particularly relevant to older adults planning for future healthcare and financial needs.
His main practice areas include:
- Will Preparation: Drafting wills to outline asset distribution.
- Trust Planning: Creating trusts for managing and transferring assets.
- Medicaid Planning: Advising on Medicaid eligibility and long-term care.
- Veterans Benefits: Guiding veterans’ benefits.
- Retirement Planning: Addressing retirement assets in estate plans.
His elder law experience makes him a relevant choice for individuals looking to protect their assets and plan for later life.
9. Samantha Reichle – Strauss Attorneys, PLLC
Samantha Reichle is an attorney at Strauss Attorneys in Raleigh and a graduate of Duke University School of Law. She focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary income tax matters.
She helps clients understand their legal responsibilities and make informed decisions about managing and distributing their assets.
Her key areas of practice include:
- Estate Planning: Helping clients organize their assets and plan for the future.
- Will Preparation: Preparing documents that outline estate distribution wishes.
- Trust Administration: Assisting with trust management and administration.
- Fiduciary Tax Matters: Addressing tax responsibilities related to estates and trusts.
Her experience in estate planning and fiduciary tax matters is useful for individuals and families with more complex financial arrangements.
10. Brad Henry – Strauss Attorneys, PLLC
Brad Henry is a partner at Strauss Attorneys with experience in estate planning, probate, guardianships, and trust administration.
Before focusing on estate planning, he spent 12 years handling probate and fiduciary litigation. This experience gives him a strong understanding of common estate disputes and the importance of clear legal documents.
His main practice areas include:
- Will Preparation: Helping clients document their wishes for asset distribution.
- Estate Planning: Creating plans to organize and protect assets.
- Probate: Assisting executors with estate settlement.
- Trust Administration: Advising trustees on their responsibilities.
- Fiduciary Litigation: Handling disputes involving estates and trusts.
His background in probate litigation helps him recognize potential legal challenges and guide families toward clearer estate planning arrangements.
Comparison of These Will Lawyers
The following table provides a quick overview of the lawyers, their locations, and primary practice areas.
| Lawyer | Location | Law Firm | Main Services | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.W. Lachey | Mint Hill | C.W. Lachey Law | Wills and trusts | Custom wills |
| Christian L. Perrin | Charlotte | Perrin Legal | Wills and probate | Trust disputes |
| James E. Hickmon | Charlotte | Charlotte Estate Lawyer | Trusts and wills | Wealth transfer |
| Eldridge D. Dodson | Wilmington | Ward and Smith | Estate and elder law | Tax planning |
| Zachary B. Setzer | Weddington | Providence Wills and Trusts | Wills and trusts | Personalised plans |
| Daniel Brinson Finch | Raleigh | Pinna, Johnston & Burwell | Probate and wills | Estate management |
| Blaire D. McClanahan | Greensboro | Law Offices of Cheryl David | Wills and trusts | Medicaid planning |
| Larry S. Hartley | Asheville | Strauss Attorneys | Wills and elder law | Asset protection |
| Samantha Reichle | Raleigh | Strauss Attorneys | Trusts and estate planning | Fiduciary taxes |
| Brad Henry | North Carolina | Strauss Attorneys | Probate and trusts | Estate disputes |
What Services Do Will Lawyers in North Carolina Provide?
Will lawyers offer several legal services to help individuals organize their estates and protect their families. Common services include:
- Will Preparation: Drafting a last will that explains how assets should be distributed.
- Trust Creation: Establishing revocable or irrevocable trusts to manage and transfer assets.
- Probate Assistance: Helping executors settle estates, manage paperwork, and distribute property.
- Power of Attorney: Preparing documents that authorize someone to handle financial or legal matters.
- Healthcare Directives: Creating documents that communicate medical preferences if someone becomes unable to make decisions.
- Estate Dispute Resolution: Handling disagreements involving wills, beneficiaries, executors, or inheritance.
In North Carolina, a standard written will generally requires the testator’s signature and at least two competent witnesses. An attorney can help ensure the document meets the applicable legal requirements.
Cost of Hiring a Will Lawyer in North Carolina?
The cost of hiring a will lawyer in North Carolina depends on the complexity of your estate and the services required. A simple will may cost around 300–1,000, while a comprehensive estate plan can range from $1,000 to $3,500 or more.
Lawyers may charge a flat fee for preparing a will or an hourly rate for complex legal work. Trust creation, probate, and estate administration may cost extra.
Before hiring a lawyer, ask for a clear fee estimate and confirm what services and document revisions are included.
How to Choose the Right Will Lawyer in North Carolina
Finding the right attorney involves more than comparing prices. Consider these factors before making your decision:
- Estate Planning Experience: Choose a lawyer who regularly handles wills, trusts, and probate matters.
- Knowledge of North Carolina Law: Make sure the attorney understands state-specific will requirements and inheritance laws.
- Professional Credentials: Look for relevant certifications, qualifications, and professional memberships.
- Communication: Choose someone who explains legal terms clearly and answers your questions.
- Transparent Fees: Discuss the total cost and payment structure before signing an agreement.
- Personalized Services: Your lawyer should understand your family situation, financial goals, and wishes before preparing documents.
You can also check an attorney’s licensing status through the North Carolina State Bar before hiring them.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a will is an important part of protecting your family and deciding what happens to your assets in the future. An experienced will lawyer can help you create legally sound documents, understand North Carolina inheritance laws, and reduce the risk of future disputes.
The attorneys listed above offer different areas of experience, from basic will preparation to advanced estate planning, probate, and asset protection.
Compare their services, qualifications, communication styles, and fees to find someone who understands your needs. Most importantly, choose a lawyer who makes the estate planning process clear and helps you feel confident about your decisions.
