Chapel Hill, NC: 919-493-6351

Naples, FL: 239-933-2097

A Gift of Active Love 

that Lasts Generations.

From our offices in North Carolina and Florida, the team at TrustCounsel serves clients throughout North Carolina, Florida, New York and Tennessee.

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

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Estate Planning

An estate plan is an essential consideration for all individuals, no matter your age or situation. A basic estate plan can help to provide certainty for various scenarios in the event that you become incapacitated or upon your death.

Trusts

While you may think trusts are only for the extremely wealthy, they are a great legal tool for managing and protecting your assets. Our trust attorneys help you through the process of creating a trust that will best protect your family and your assets.

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Probate

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated, and their assets are distributed according to the terms of the will or, in the absence of a will, according to applicable laws. The primary goals of probate are to ensure the proper distribution of the deceased person's assets, settle their debts, and resolve any claims against the estate.

Business Entity Formation

Business entity formation refers to the process of legally establishing a distinct and separate organization that conducts business activities. Choosing the right business structure is a critical decision for entrepreneurs and business owners, as it affects various aspects of the business, including liability, taxation, and management.

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Asset Protection

Asset protection refers to a set of legal strategies and financial planning techniques designed to safeguard an individual's or a business's wealth and assets from potential risks, threats, or liabilities. The goal of asset protection is to minimize the impact of unforeseen events, such as lawsuits, creditor claims, bankruptcy, or other financial challenges, by legally and strategically organizing assets in a way that makes them less vulnerable to seizure or loss.

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Tax Law

Tax law encompasses the body of laws and regulations that dictate how taxes are imposed, assessed, and collected by governmental authorities. It is a complex and multifaceted field that governs the taxation of individuals, businesses, and other entities.

TRUSTCOUNSEL

WHO WE ARE

Our team of attorneys at TrustCounsel has well over 100 years of combined experience. As estate planning attorneys, we like to say that we specialize in Peace of Mind. Whether you are just starting out or looking back at a life well-lived, we can craft a comprehensive estate plan based on your goals and wishes. We can help you protect your family, preserve your assets, and save taxes, not to mention avoid probate.


When a loved one has passed away, we can ease the legal and financial burdens that follow. We have handled thousands of estate and trust administrations, including related tax planning and compliance. Let us help you with the probate process – our attorneys can even serve as personal representative (executor or administrator) and or trustee.

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READ OUR ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE

Navigating Change: How to Update Your Estate Plan After Receiving an Inheritance

Receiving an inheritance can be a significant event in your life, often bringing both financial growth and the need for thoughtful planning. Updating your estate plan after receiving an inheritance is crucial to ensure that your new assets are properly managed and distributed according to your wishes. Here are some key steps to consider: Review and Update Your Will: With new assets in your possession, it’s crucial to review your will to reflect any changes in how you want your estate to be handled. You may want to include new beneficiaries or adjust the share of existing ones based on your new financial situation. Consider Trusts: Depending on the size and complexity of the inheritance, you might consider setting up trusts to manage your assets. Trusts can be useful for minimizing estate taxes, protecting assets from creditors, and managing assets for beneficiaries who might not be ready to handle a

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CONTACT

TRUSTCOUNSEL

CHAPEL HILL, NC

1414 Raleigh Road
Ste. 203
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

CHATHAM COUNTY, NC

50101 Governors Drive
Ste. 155
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NAPLES, FLORIDA

1415 Panther Lane
Ste. 534
Naples, FL 34109

239-933-2097

( BY APPOINTMENT ONLY )

TrustCounsel now includes attorney David Frankstone and the former Higgins, Frankstone, Graves & Morris. Attorney Dean Broz has retired.