Peter B. von Stein
Trusts and Estates Attorney
Peter advises clients on a wide array of issues in the context of estate and trust planning and administration. He assists in the preparation of Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney to achieve each unique client’s objectives in planning for death, incapacity, and asset transfers. Peter has extensive experience formulating estate plans, and his experience brings significant value to clients with varying types of planning needs and levels of complexity—ranging from simple estates, where efficiency is the primary objective, to sophisticated estates requiring strategic business succession and transfer tax planning. He also devotes a significant portion of his practice to representing executors and trustees as they settle and administer estates and trusts.
Honors and Distinctions
- “Ones to Watch,” The Best Lawyers in America®, 2024-2026
- “Rising Star,” North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2024-2025
- 2022 Trailblazer, Business North Carolina, 2022
Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.
- J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 2015
- B.A., with distinction, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2012
- 3rd Judicial District Bar President
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, Inc., member; Advisory Council
- Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors Chair
- North Carolina Bar Association — Sections: Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law; Elder & Special Needs Law
- North Carolina, 2015
- All state courts in North Carolina
I try to live by the motto “Whatever you are, be a good one.” One of the best things about Ward and Smith is our team-oriented mentality. Our structure is focused on providing the absolute best service possible. I became a lawyer to impact people, and admire our clients’ recognition that good professional advice can be priceless.
Representative Experience
- Drafting estate planning documents, including Wills, Revocable Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Irrevocable Trusts;
- Facilitating all aspects of probate and estate and trust administration, including advising executors, trustees, and beneficiaries;
- Advising families, individuals, professionals, and business owners in estate planning, tax reduction, and business succession issues; and
- Preparation of gift and estate tax returns.