North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law

08/24/2026

Attorney James Hickmon is being recognized in the 33rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America for Litigation - Trusts and Estates!

Congratulations!

08/21/2026

08/18/2026

🏛️ APPELLATE WIN: We're proud to share that James Hickmon and Jeremy Canipe secured a unanimous victory for our client before the North Carolina Court of Appeals in In re Russo, No. COA25-321 (Jan. 7, 2026).

Our client, Devin R. Russo, stood to inherit his late grandfather's home through a trust — but the law firm that drafted the will had named itself as trustee and successor executor, and for over five years no one administered the estate at all. When our client asked a court to sort it out, the other side tried to use the will's no-contest clause to shut him out entirely.

The Court of Appeals agreed with us on every point:

✅ Asking a court to enforce a will isn't “contesting” it — the no-contest clause didn't apply, and our client had standing.

✅ A law firm organized as a PLLC cannot legally serve as trustee under North Carolina's trust institution laws.

✅ That same law firm cannot serve as executor either — corporate entities need specific statutory authority that PLLCs don't have.

✅ The five-year delay in qualifying an executor deserved a real hearing, not a paper dismissal.

The trial court's dismissal was reversed, the denial of our client's costs and fees was vacated, and the case is headed back for further proceedings.

This decision is a big deal for estate planning: naming your own law firm as trustee or executor of a client's estate simply isn't legally effective in North Carolina. Only individual attorneys — not the firms they practice through — can serve in that fiduciary role.

Proud of this result for our client and grateful for the trust he placed in our firm.

📖 Read the opinion: https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/appellate-court-opinions/in-re-russo

08/18/2026

💼 Mergers and acquisitions involve more than reaching an agreement.

Financing, valuation, tax considerations, due diligence, and post-merger integration can all play an important role in a successful transaction.

North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law helps business owners navigate the complexities of M&A with experienced legal guidance from start to finish. Call us at 704-248-6325.

08/13/2026

Adult guardianship can provide important protection, but North Carolina law considers it a last resort.

North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law helps families evaluate guardianship, powers of attorney, trusts, and other alternatives while keeping their loved one’s rights and well-being at the center of the process.

Learn more on our blog: charlotteestatelawyer.com/firm-news-articles/articles/when-is-guardianship-necessary-and-what-are-the-alternatives

07/31/2026

Every successful business is built on strong agreements.

Whether you're hiring employees, forming partnerships, or closing a deal, a well-drafted contract helps protect your business and reduce future disputes.

Let our team help you build with confidence. Contact North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law at 704-248-6325 for guidance today.

07/22/2026

💼 Don't wait until it's too late to plan for the future of your business.

Whether you're retiring, selling, or passing your company to family, a solid succession plan helps ensure a smooth transition and protects what matters most.

Contact North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law at 704-248-6325 to get started.

07/17/2026

✍️ A contract is more than paperwork; it's protection.

North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law helps businesses create clear, enforceable agreements that protect their interests and support long-term success.

Contact us at 704-248-6325 to learn more.

07/16/2026

Your business is more than a company; it’s your legacy.

A thoughtful succession plan helps protect everything you've built while preparing the next generation for success.

Start planning today with guidance you can trust. Read more about business succession on our blog: charlotteestatelawyer.com/firm-news-articles/articles/preparing-for-a-smooth-business-succession-steps-owners-should-take-now

06/26/2026

Planning for the future isn't always easy, but having the right estate plan in place can provide lasting peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

At North Carolina Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law, we help individuals and families protect their assets, preserve their legacies, and ensure their wishes are honored.

With decades of combined experience and hundreds of successful estate plans crafted, our team is committed to helping you secure what matters most.

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