NC Fiduciary Litigation Commentary
Inheriting a parent’s home is one of the most common expectations in estate planning — and one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume that being named in a will means they will receive full ownership of the property. But some estate plans transfer only a life estate, which is a far more limited interest…
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A will is one of the most important legal documents a person can create, yet it is often one of the most overlooked. Many people assume they do not need one because they are young, do not have significant assets, or believe their family will “figure it out.” Unfortunately, that assumption can create unnecessary legal…
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The recent court battle over the estate of Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, reads more like a legal thriller than a probate case. After Hsieh’s death in 2020 without a known will, his $500 million estate was expected to pass to his parents under intestacy laws. Then, years later, a seven-page “surprise will” arrived…
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When most people think about court proceedings, they picture judges in a courtroom presiding over trials and hearings. In North Carolina, however, some of the most important legal decisions begin not with a judge—but with the Clerk of Superior Court. Under North Carolina law, clerks have original jurisdiction over specific types of matters, meaning those…
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When legendary actress and director Diane Keaton passed away on October 11, 2025, the world mourned the loss of one of Hollywood’s most distinctive talents. Known for her wit, style, and timeless roles in Annie Hall, Father of the Bride, and The First Wives Club, Keaton was also a devoted animal lover. Her beloved Golden…
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Collectibles often tell a story far richer than their price tag suggests. Whether it’s a Super Bowl ring, a vintage comic collection, or a signed baseball bat, these items can hold enormous sentimental and financial value. But when someone passes away without a clear estate plan, such prized possessions can become flashpoints in family disputes.…
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The unexpected death of singer Liam Payne shocked fans around the world. But the legal aftermath may prove just as unsettling—Payne reportedly passed away without a will, leaving behind an estate estimated at £24,279,728 (about $32 million). According to court documents, his estate now faces the complex process of intestate succession, where English and Welch…
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When it comes to estate planning, two of the most common legal tools used to manage the distribution of assets are trusts and wills. While they share a similar goal—ensuring assets are passed on according to your wishes—they are fundamentally different in their structure and operation. A will is a legal document that dictates how…
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Will caveats can complicate the estate administration process in North Carolina by challenging the validity of the Will. The caveat effectively stops the Will administration until the issue is resolved. A caveat is filed to attempt to safeguard the deceased person’s true intentions and ensure their assets are distributed according to their genuine wishes. Any…
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Are you a cat person or a dog person? The truth is many of us love animals. In fact, approximately 68 percent of American households own at least one pet. In some of those households, care for a pet is part of the estate plan. Consider, for example, millionaire head of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, who…
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