Congress has passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (“SECURE ACT”), effective as of January 1, 2020. The SECURE Act contains some major changes for distributions relating to retirement accounts, including the following: Stretch payments. In general, a spouse ben…Read More
Originally written by Kim Whitley for Outlook Estate Planning does not end with signing the documents. The following tips will help your family in the event of death or emergency: Document Distribution-Make sure you have distributed copies of your Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of At…Read More
Although planning in advance for facility care is best, an unanticipated health event may necessitate instant action to protect assets. Some techniques which may work are set forth below: Purchasing a one-percent (1%) interest in the homesite or other real property as joint tenants with right of s…Read More
Estate planning is an important legal process for every adult, regardless of age or net worth. While it accomplishes the task of planning for the disposition of your assets, the real goal of estate planning is achieved through the peace of mind it brings to you and your family. Although each estate …Read More
Originally written by Kim Whitley for Outlook Newspaper. Proper Planning can reduce the difficulty of handling an estate. Avoid these mistakes to make the estate process easier: 1. Not adding beneficiary designations to assets, including bank accounts. Assets which pass by beneficiary designation in…Read More
Kim Whitley Originally written by Kim Whitley for Outlook Newspaper. Handling an estate can be a difficult task. Fortunately, North Carolina offers some “short forms” of estate administration to make the process easier and avoid a full administration: 1. DMV Form MVR-317. If a vehicle is the onl…Read More
As the average life expectancy continues to rise, so does the need for the branch of law known as elder law. This area of law focuses on protecting and advocating for the aging and elderly along with their caretakers and loved ones. It covers a wide range of legal services from basic financial manag…Read More
Eloise D. Bradshaw, a partner with Patrick Harper & Dixon LLP, has been elected Chair of the Real Property Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. The Real Property Section has over 2,000 members and consists of attorneys and paralegals who practice or work in the residential, commercial …Read More
Partner, David W. Hood recently received the Government of Catawba County Distinguished Public Service Award at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Catawba County, North Carolina. He has served the citizens of Catawba County as a member of the Board of Elections for the past 20 years and has …Read More
On April 10, 2018, Kim Whitley presented a program on Special Assistance and Medicaid to the Catawba Valley Paralegal Association. The presentation was held at Catawba Valley Community College. Ms. Whitley’s presentation discussed the differences between Special Assistance and Medicaid, how to app…Read More
