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        Executors of estates and Trustees of trusts are responsible for settling all liabilities, including taxes, and then distributing the remaining assets according to the terms of the will or trust agreement.   Executors and Trustees must travel through a maze of federal and state laws to fulfill their responsibilities.  Often they must resolve contentious claims of tax authorities and other creditors and deal with difficult beneficiaries.  We provide expert assistance to Executors and Trustees.  Two of our attorneys hold Masters degrees in Taxation, one of whom is a Board Certified Specialist in estate planning and probate law.  We assist Executors and Trustees in the resolution of settle all claims, including tax claims, according to the law and in a manner advantageous to the estate or trust.  We strive to assist Executors and Trustees close an estate or trust as quickly as the circumstances law will permit.  We assist with the preparation and filing of estate tax returns and all probate court documents, if a probate proceeding is required.  In the event that you or your family are affected by a trust or estate, please contact us to set up a consultation to facilitate the resolution of that matter.

     With attorneys in our firm who concentrate in estate planning, estate administration, and litigation, we are well placed to assist you with issues that arise from the administration of an estate, whether that involves protection of beneficiary interests, will contests (caveats or dissents), or the removal of administrators or executors for misdeeds or mishandling of the estate.  We are also available to help with wrongful death actions, contested insurance claims, collection of claims by the estates against debtors of the estate, and negotiation or litigation of claims against the estate.

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     It is possible that, despite your best efforts to the contrary, you will become involved in a dispute that results in your being sued or your having to file a lawsuit to protect your rights.  We have significant experience in civil litigation, having represented plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and businesses.  We are experienced in insurance disputes, business controversies, land disputes, estate disputes, and most civil issues.  For most matters, we work on an hourly basis, however we do work on a contingency fee basis in cases where there is a substantial likelihood of recovery and we are representing the party likely to recover.  If you do not recover in contingency fee cases, there is no fee owed, however you are still responsible for costs. 

     Sustaining an injury at work that renders you unable to perform your job duties can be financially devastating.  We can ensure that your rights are protected, keeping you informed throughout the process of handling your claim.  Our fee in a workers’ compensation case is 25% of the recovery we obtain on your behalf.  If you do not recover, no fee is owed, though you would still responsible for costs.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.

     We have experience in handling negligence claims and can efficiently investigate all aspects of your situation in order to effectively prosecute your claim.  We offer a free conference to discuss these types of claims, the anticipated length of time such an action will take, what evidence is necessary, and what elements of recovery are allowed in a given situation.  Please contact us regarding your case.

     We can assist in collecting amounts owed to you whether through negotiation or litigation.  We are experienced in asset searches, collection litigation and post-judgment proceedings to maximize the return of our clients including bank account freezes, execution against a debtor’s assets, and foreclosure.  We also have significant experience in preparing, filing, and enforcing mechanics and materialmens liens under the N.C. General Statutes.  This is an important tool for protecting your right to collect monies, and must be exercised, in most situations, within 120 days of the last date you rendered goods or services to the property in question.  Contact us if we can assist you in collecting funds wrongfully withheld from you.

     In order to protect your interests, a contract can clarify the responsibilities assigned to each party.  We can review and/or draft contracts for your specific situation to ensure you are protected to the greatest extent possible. 

     Many situations involving residential or commercial leases can be resolved efficiently and with less delay and expense when the parties have a comprehensive lease.  We can prepare a lease for you or review the lease you have been asked to sign.  We can also assist you in evicting problematic tenants in the most expedient manner to enable you to get a new tenant moved in as soon as possible.

      Traffic matters and other misdemeanors can have a startling impact on your ability to obtain reasonably priced auto insurance or even affect your job prospects.  We can help by providing effective representation to mitigate the effects of such a charge.  Please be sure to contact us as early as possible to allow for appropriate preparation.