mcilveenfamilylaw.com

Second, since the start of the pandemic we have had two goals: 1) first and foremost, we are focused on keeping our employees and clients healthy and safe, and 2) we are committed to keeping the firm open to serve our clients and our communities. Fortunately, our case files are already scanned and uploaded into a secure, online document management system, our phone systems operate regardless of whether we are physically in the office, and employees are all assigned equipment that easily moves from office to home. While the courts are closed, we are preparing cases, negotiating with opposing counsel, and in some cases even mediating cases using video conferencing technology. We continue to encourage clients to call their attorneys and legal secretaries on their direct line, upload documents to our secure portal, and keep us updated about any changes in your life that may impact your case.

In sum, the Orders closed NC schools, closed restaurants except for carry-out and delivery, limited gatherings to under 10 people, ordered people to stay home except for essential businesses, directed everyone to stay 6 feet apart from others, increased social distancing in stores, prohibited utlity companies from disconnecting people for nonpayment, and increased protections for those in nursing homes. On March 13th, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley entered an order continuing cases scheduled for court and closing North Carolina Courts for the majority of cases. The North Carolina Supreme Court has entered four additional Orders extending the time that North Carolina courts are closed and extending filing deadlines. Courts are closed for most cases through the end of May. North Carolina courts provide guidance for child custody during the pandemic.

McIlveen Family Law Firm Attorneys Named to the 2020 North Carolina Rising Stars list. We are pleased to announce that Ashely Fillippeli Stucker and Richard W. Barnes, Jr., Associate Attorneys, at McIlveen Family Law Firm, have been selected to the 2020 North Carolina Rising Stars list. To be eligible for the Rising Stars list, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice 10 years or less. Attorneys are selected from more than 70 practice areas and all firm sizes, assuring a credible and relevant annual list.

Common factors that prompt someone to create a trust include privacy, tax benefits, avoiding probate, and caring for family members with special needs. Probate includes locating and determining the value of the deceased’s assets, paying off any outstanding bills and taxes, and then distributing the remaining value of the estate to the deceased’s rightful beneficiaries or heirs. While a living trust can help you avoid probate, it can also provide you with tax savings, especially if your estate is subject to death taxes (also known as estate and gift taxes). For these reasons, you will want to work closely with your estate planning attorney to make sure your assets are properly aligned with your trust.