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Estate Planning & Real Estate Lawyers in North Carolina Helping Clients Protect Their Assets

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Big decisions like asset management and real estate purchases require legal knowledge and experience that the average person may not have. Creating a will or a trust can be integral in protecting and distributing your assets to heirs and beneficiaries. Similarly, making real estate transactions can help build your equity and your overall net worth. Having an attorney on your side ensures that you can confidently make the right legal decisions for you and your family.

Whether you would like to begin your estate planning process or are looking for a real estate attorney to guide you through buying or selling property, our team is here to help. We can review your finances and advise you on creating an estate plan that meets your needs. Or, if you’re looking to buy or sell real estate, we can represent you and recommend different strategies based on your financial situation. For more information, call Swindell Law Firm, PC today at 252-262-1325.

How Can We Help You?

Why is Estate Planning so Important?

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You’ve spent years amassing your assets and protecting your legacy to pass on to your family. But without a proper estate plan in place, that legacy could be eaten up by taxes or be delayed in the probate process for months after your passing. With the right estate planning lawyer, you can create an estate plan that protects your assets and minimizes your tax liability to leave as much to your heirs and beneficiaries as possible.

Consulting with an estate planning lawyer will help you craft an estate plan that’s unique to your financial circumstances. Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are just some of the options you can choose from for your estate. With the help of our experienced attorneys, you can file the right documents to ensure your estate plan is solid so your family can receive benefits after your death as soon as possible.

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CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
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Why is Real Estate Law so Important?

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Buying or selling property is one of the largest investments most people make in their lives. The legal paperwork and legal knowledge required can leave many individuals feeling overwhelmed and confused about such a large purchase. Contracts, loans, mortgages, title insurance, appraisals, and deeds are just some of the essential documents you must navigate before purchasing a home or land. With the help of a real estate attorney, you can ensure that the deal you are entering into is just and fair to both parties and that there is no hidden legal jargon you need to correct before signing.

Real estate lawyers also help in areas of real estate litigation. If you ever have an issue with a real estate deal gone bad, like title disputes or property liens, our team can represent you. We will work hard to hold at-fault parties accountable so you don’t get stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.

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What Makes Swindell Law Firm, PC Different?

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At Swindell Law Firm, PC, we are dedicated to fostering communication with all of our clients. We want to answer all of your questions and leave you confident in your legal representation. While we provide our legal knowledge and experience, we rely on our clients to tell us how they want their cases handled and what outcome they wish to achieve with our services. While other law firms may treat you like a number, we care for our clients on a deeper level.

We understand that hiring legal representation can be expensive. That’s why we offer free 15-minute strategy sessions to every potential client before you hire us. If you have special circumstances that bar you from paying for legal services, our attorneys can discuss a fee arrangement that works for your situation. No matter what kind of case you have and what your financial circumstances may be, our team is confident that we can assist you.

Why Choose Us?
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Free Consultations

We understand that hiring an attorney is a big financial responsibility. That’s why we offer free 15-minute strategy sessions to every potential client. We’ll review your entire case and examine your goals to determine if we can be of service to you and if we’re suitable for your legal needs.

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Experience and Reliability

Our team has decades of experience in a wide variety of cases. We pride ourselves on being there for clients, whether that’s to answer questions or to review a new aspect of your case. We know how to handle any complex issues that may arise, and we can adjust your legal strategy as needed.

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Constant Communication

At our firm, we believe all of our clients should feel empowered regarding their cases. Our attorneys will stay in constant contact with you, updating you every step of the way. If you have questions or need clarifications on anything, our attorneys are always available to talk.

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Personalized Legal Strategies

We understand that your case is unique, so your legal strategy will be, too. We spend time talking to our clients and getting to know them and their goals for every case we take on. We will always make adjustments based on your needs and fight for your best interests.

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Experienced Negotiation Strategies

Going to court to settle disputes can be expensive and time-consuming. Our team is experienced in strategic negotiation tactics to work with individuals or legal representatives and reach a compromise. If any disputes cannot be resolved informally, we can use mediation tactics to reach a common goal.

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Personal Attention

While our firm may be small, each of our lawyers is dedicated to our clients. We have the time and the resources to ensure you receive the best possible representation we can provide. We will always be available to answer your questions or address concerns throughout the process.

Why Choose Us?
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Does Experience Matter When Hiring a Lawyer?

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When looking for either an estate planning attorney or a real estate lawyer, find a professional who has experience in a diverse range of cases. Lawyers with plenty of experience know how to handle unique circumstances and difficult situations that pertain to the law. Without that experience, a lawyer may find it challenging to use uncommon strategies and do what’s best for their client.

At Swindell Law Firm, PC, our team has years of experience in a wide variety of cases. From creating wills to revoking trusts to representing buyers of a real estate purchase in court, we’ve been there. We understand that no two legal situations are the same, so our legal strategies aren’t, either. If you have a complex case or are feeling frustrated by the lack of legal options presented to you, give our team a call today for assistance.

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Is Swindell Law Firm, PC Right for Me?

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Whether you are protecting your assets for your family members or entering into a real estate transaction, hiring an experienced attorney is the best way to safeguard yourself and your family from legal issues. Our team at Swindell Law Firm, PC, is prepared to advise you on estate planning documents and help you make real estate transactions that are in your best interest. With our combined decades of experience, our team is knowledgeable about a diverse range of cases, so we are equipped to handle even the most complicated of circumstances.

We pride ourselves on remaining in close communication with clients and answering their questions at every step of the process. Whether you are a small business owner, homeowner, individual, or group, we are prepared to fight for your best interests. Call our office today at (252) 262-1325 to receive a free 15-minute strategy session from a member of our team.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purpose of an Estate Plan?

An estate plan is put in place to allocate assets and property distribution after you pass. Typically, an estate plan will contain a last will and testament dictating how all of your assets should be given to your heirs. Some individuals choose to use a trust instead, allocating assets to beneficiaries after their passing. Estate plans can also help reduce tax liability for your estate, distributing more money to your family members. There are many documents that an estate plan can include, and an experienced estate planning lawyer can recommend specific strategies that work for your unique situation.

What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?

An individual who passes away without a will is called “intestate.” Every state has its own rules and regulations for distributing assets after someone has died without a will. In North Carolina, the probate court will distribute your assets in accordance with probate law. This often means that the court will attempt to mimic the typical final wishes of an average person. However, it is always ideal to create a will yourself. Dying without a will could mean your money and property go to heirs or beneficiaries you wouldn’t have chosen otherwise.

What is Probate?

Probate is how the judicial system enforces a written will and deals with any disputes about the deceased’s estate. For the probate process to begin, the executor of the will must file paperwork with the court informing them that the individual has died. Then, the executor will provide an inventory of the estate, including all debts and named beneficiaries. They must also make decisions about selling or managing assets. The probate process can take up to a year because of the sheer amount of steps the executor must complete. Because of this, many individuals choose to use a trust instead of a will for estate planning.

What is a Trust?

A trust is an estate planning tool that transfers specific assets to a trustee while an individual is still alive. The person who creates the trust sets rules and regulations about how the assets are to be distributed. In some cases, the trust creator will assign a trustee, while in others, they themselves will take on the role of trustee. Any assets in the trust will then be distributed among named beneficiaries after the trust’s creator passes away. Many individuals prefer a trust to a will because a trust does not go through probate. Therefore, family members can receive assets much faster.

Does a Real Estate Attorney Represent the Buyer or the Seller?

When buying or selling real estate, a real estate attorney can represent either the buyer or the seller. Real estate lawyers may also represent the lender, the title company, or other interested parties. It is important to note that while a lawyer can represent either the buyer or the seller, they cannot represent both at the same time.

In North Carolina, if you are buying property, you are required to hire a real estate lawyer to represent you. This is to protect you so that you don’t enter into a contract you don’t fully understand.

When Should I Hire a Real Estate Attorney?

When most people think of a real estate attorney, they picture a lawyer helping them buy or sell a property. While this is likely the most common reason an individual would need a real estate lawyer, there are plenty of other scenarios that our team of real estate attorneys can assist you with. For instance, if you are purchasing a property and the seller backs out, you could potentially sue them for breach of contract with help from our team. Disputes over property boundaries can also be a big point of contention in real estate law. Our attorneys can help you establish clear boundary lines around your property.

Is Litigation the Only Option for Real Estate Disputes?

Litigation, or the process of taking a dispute to court before a judge, can be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, it is typically not the only option for real estate disputes. In most cases, real estate attorneys will attempt to settle disputes outside of court first. This could be through private negotiations, either with the other party or the other party’s legal team. It could also be through mediation or the assistance of an unbiased third party. If neither of those options works, then litigation will be used as a last resort to get the outcome you deserve.

What Qualities Should I Look for in a Real Estate Lawyer?

Hiring a real estate attorney is a big decision, and finding the right lawyer can mean the difference between a great transaction and a poor one. When looking for an attorney, find someone with experience in many types of real estate cases. The more experience they have, the better they’ll be able to handle the unique circumstances of your case. You should also look for an attorney who stays in contact with you and is always available to answer any questions you have during the process. Finally, look for a lawyer who offers free consultations before you hire them to ensure they’re right for you.

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