Choosing the right power of attorney begins with a clear understanding of what decisions you want someone else to handle and who you trust to take on that responsibility. The right choice depends on your health, your finances, and how much authority you want to grant if you are unable to act...
Separation Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have a formal legal separation process. Instead, spouses must live separate and apart for at least one full year before they can file for an absolute divorce. That requirement affects nearly every part of the separation process, including finances, parenting arrangements, and property issues. Below is a straightforward...
Spousal Rights in Estate Administration
When a spouse dies in North Carolina, the surviving spouse has specific legal rights during estate administration, even if those rights conflict with a will. These protections are designed to prevent a surviving spouse from being left without financial support or excluded from the estate entirely. Understanding these rights early can affect...
What Are the Tax Implications of Inheriting Property?
Inheriting property does not usually trigger immediate income tax, but it can create tax consequences later depending on what you inherit and what you do with it. The rules for inherited real estate, investment assets, and retirement accounts are very different, and misunderstandings often lead to avoidable taxes.
Understanding...
Patrick, Harper & Dixon Welcomes Attorney Elizabeth A. Escobar
We’re pleased to welcome Attorney Elizabeth A. Escobar to Patrick, Harper & Dixon, L.L.P.
Elizabeth brings more than a decade of experience in family law, government service, and nonprofit advocacy. A graduate of Hawaii Pacific University (B.A., 2007, cum laude) and Regent University School of Law (J.D., 2012), she...
How Does Adultery Affect Divorce in North Carolina?
Adultery can significantly influence parts of a North Carolina divorce, especially alimony. A spouse who commits “illicit sexual behavior” before separation may be required to pay support, while an innocent spouse becomes eligible to receive it. Infidelity does not automatically affect property division or child custody, but it can factor into financial...
How to Dissolve a Business Partnership
When a business partnership ends in North Carolina, the process involves reviewing the controlling agreement, settling debts and liabilities, identifying who receives which assets, and completing required filings. Clear steps help reduce disputes and protect everyone’s financial interests. Understanding how state law handles partnership dissolution, especially when no written agreement exists, allows...
When Should You Hire an Elder Law Attorney?
Life changes quickly as we or our loved ones age. Legal planning that once felt straightforward—such as drafting a will or managing assets—can become far more complex when long-term care, health decisions, and incapacity issues arise. An elder law attorney can help address challenges like nursing home planning, Medicaid eligibility, and guardianship,...
Estate Tax Exemption Limits: What To Know
Understanding how estate tax exemption limits work is key to effective estate planning. The federal exemption amount determines whether your estate will owe taxes when you pass away. For 2025, the federal estate tax exemption is $13.99 million per person. In 2026, that amount rises to $15 million per person, adjusted...
Different Types of Powers of Attorney for Aging Parents
As parents get older, many families start to think about how to manage health care decisions, financial matters, and day-to-day needs if something unexpected happens. One of the most important tools for preparing ahead is a power of attorney (POA). These documents allow someone your parents trust to step in and act...
