Summit Legal Services

01/27/2026

𝐀 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬
How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Their Will, Advance Directives, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Power of Attorney

How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Their Will, Advance Directives, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Power of AttorneyA Guide for North Carolina FamiliesFew conversations feel as emotionally loaded as talking to a loved one about estate planning. Even when you know it’s important, bringing up wi...

12/26/2025

Happy Holidays from Charlotte at Summit Legal Services!

Thank you to my incredible clients for trusting me with your legal needs this year. I’m so grateful for your support and appreciate the opportunity to work with each of you.

12/20/2025

Excited to join the Jackson County Chamber and Visitor Center local business family!

New Member Spotlight on Summit Legal Services! Welcome to Membership!
Call or text Charlotte at 828.331.1151.
Visit her website www.summitlegalservices.con

12/11/2025

Yes, for real! In North Carolina, you can make sure your pets are cared for exactly how you want, even after you’re gone.

Through a pet trust or by including instructions in your estate plan, you can name who takes care of your pets, outline how you want them cared for, and even set aside funds to make sure they’re looked after.

Want to set something up for your pet? Let's talk about it.

12/09/2025

Yep — in North Carolina, having a will doesn’t mean your family skips probate. A will still has to be reviewed and approved by the court before anything can be transferred.

If you want to actually avoid probate (which is neither fast, nor free), that’s where a living trust comes in. Assets placed in a trust can pass directly to your loved ones without court delays, extra costs, or headaches.

And no — trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. They’re a most practical tool for everyday families who want things to be simple and stress-free.

A little planning now = a much smoother process later. Let's talk!

Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce

12/04/2025

Yep, you read that right!

If someone passes away and their car is only in their name, North Carolina can require that asset to pass through probate before anyone else can lawfully own it. And probate isn’t quick or free — it can take months and comes with paperwork and fees.

A little planning now (like choosing the right way to title your car or putting it in your trust) can save your family a lot of time and hassle later.

Let's talk about it!

Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce

11/29/2025

10/03/2025

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗲-𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿.
Your estate plan shouldn’t be either.
I make the law easy to understand and the will-making process simple. Whether we meet in person or virtually, I’ll guide you step by step—asking the right questions, drafting your will, reviewing it with you, and finalizing it together with your signature. Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce

10/02/2025

⏰Don't miss these important deadlines for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

More recovery information is available on our website: pisgahlegal.org/helene

If you need help with disaster-related legal issues, call us at 828-253-0406 or apply online.

08/11/2025

𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧!

Even seemingly small events, like buying a new car or acquiring a special piece of art or jewelry, can affect your will or trust. Regularly review and update your estate planning documents to ensure all your assets, including new and sentimental items, are properly accounted for and distributed according to your wishes.

Reach out if you want down to earth legal help with that process!

07/14/2025

If you’ve ever wondered who would care for your pet if you couldn’t—you're not alone. 🐾

A pet trust is a legal way to make sure your furry (or feathered!) family members are cared for if something happens to you. You can name a trusted caregiver, set aside funds for food, vet care, and other needs, and leave clear instructions for how your pet should be treated.

Honestly, helping clients create pet trusts is one of my favorite parts of the job. ❤️ It’s a small step with a big impact—and it’s more affordable than most people think.

If your pet is part of your family and you live in North Carolina, let’s talk about how to protect them with a plan.

07/10/2025

A living will is more than just a document—it’s a legal way to make your voice heard when you can't speak for yourself. In short - it outlines your medical wishes.

In North Carolina, a properly signed and witnessed living will is legally binding and helps loved ones make decisions with clarity and confidence.

Age doesn’t matter—accidents and illness can happen to anyone. Most of us know someone who faced a medical crisis unexpectedly.

Having a plan in place protects you and takes the pressure off those you love if something ever happened.

Text or call me at 828-331-1151 if you want to chat further about one.