How to Contest a Will in North Carolina: The Basics
January 20, 2026
We all know that a person can control who will own his or her property after death by signing a will. But when questions…
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Firm News
25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Shine in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
February 18, 2025
Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that 25 of its attorneys have earned spots on the prestigious North Carolina Super Lawyers and North…
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Weathering the Storm: How to Get Your Affairs in Order
November 12, 2024
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in 2018, I wrote this article to help individuals and families navigate the legal and financial issues that…
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Ward and Smith Ranked in 2024 “Best Law Firms”
November 2, 2023
Ward and Smith has been ranked in the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list regionally in 27 practice areas. Firms included in the 2024 “Best Law Firms”…
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52 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2024
August 17, 2023
Ward and Smith proudly celebrates an incredible achievement—over half of our esteemed attorneys have gained recognition from one of the nation’s most respected legal…
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Take a Bite Out of the Estate Tax: Estate Planning with Life Insurance
February 8, 2023
In the movie The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Inspector Clouseau asks a hotel clerk standing near a dog whether his dog bites. The clerk…
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Ward and Smith Celebrated in 2023 Edition of Best Law Firms
November 3, 2022
Ward and Smith shines bright in the 2023 edition of “Best Law Firms.” U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® released their annual rankings that recognize…
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7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
September 12, 2022
Best Lawyers® has selected seven Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. This honor recognizes some…
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“Generation-Sharing” – Tax Planning That Benefits the Entire Family
July 15, 2022
Historically, only the very wealthy engaged in generation-skipping estate planning. Families and individuals who do not think of themselves as “very wealthy,” however, also…
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Making a Difference: Charitable Trust Planning
June 8, 2022
The past few years have exposed a lot of needs in our communities, and many of us feel even more compelled to give back…
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Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2022 Business North Carolina Legal Elite
January 4, 2022
Business North Carolina has selected several Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in its 2022 Legal Elite edition. The annual publication lists the state’s top lawyers…
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7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as “Ones to Watch” by Best Lawyers®
September 9, 2021
Best Lawyers® has named seven Ward and Smith attorneys as “Ones to Watch” in its 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in America®. This honor…
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Preventing Trust and Estate Disputes
August 13, 2021
The death of a loved one should be a time for a family to come together. As a trust and estate litigator, unfortunately, I…
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Yours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Planning for Blended Families
April 14, 2021
According to recent statistics, four out of every ten families are blended families. As you might expect, estate planning for blended families is often…
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A Farewell to the Current Gift and Estate Tax Exemption?
March 29, 2021
We recently wrote about a window of opportunity to take advantage of the rising estate and gift tax exemption before it sets. It is becoming…
Firm News
41 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to “Best Lawyers in America®” for 2021
August 20, 2020
Ward and Smith is proud to announce that nearly half of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by one of the most respected and trusted…
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New NC Law Relaxes Requirements for Execution of Estate Planning Documents
May 5, 2020
Unusual times call for unusual measures. On May 4, 2020, the North Carolina General Assembly passed Session Law 2020-3 to relax the legal requirements…
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Estate Planning Resolutions for 2020
January 2, 2020
The holiday season has come and gone, and it’s hard to believe that we are on the brink of a new year and decade. …
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Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Making Them
June 12, 2019
As estate planners, we have seen it all over the years. What we have learned is that people make some common mistakes. Whether due…
Firm News
Ward and Smith Expands, Adds Two New Attorneys to Wilmington Office
August 13, 2018
Tax and business attorney Richard Crow and family law and trusts and estates litigation attorney Paige Inman joined Ward and Smith on August 13,…
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Why Do You Need a Buy-Sell Agreement for Your Closely Held Company?
November 18, 2016
Why do you need a Buy-Sell Agreement for your closely held company? In a nutshell, your business partner might die, become disagreeable, or just simply…
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Being Dismissive: The Realities of Having a Lawsuit Dismissed
November 10, 2016
We often hear the phrases “frivolous case” or “thrown out of court,” and, as these sayings imply, we make broad assumptions about the procedural…
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How Non-Probate Assets Can Affect Your Estate Plan: A Few Cautionary Tales
June 1, 2016
When you think about the control of your possessions and assets after your death, you probably think of a Will and probate. A Will…
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“Not in My Family”: Will Disputes in North Carolina: Caveats, Testamentary Capacity, and Other Phrases You Should Know
October 20, 2010
Almost everyone recognizes the importance of having properly prepared will and estate documents. Among other things, they ensure that your property and assets are…
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Facing The Uncomfortable to Reduce Family Discord After You Are Gone
May 7, 2009
Family Discord Unfortunately Is Common In almost every family, the potential for dispute exists when a member dies, particularly if the member is the…
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Are the Terms of Your Trust Still Trustworthy? Opportunities for Trust Modification in a Down Market
March 25, 2009
Have you ever looked back on a decision that you made and thought, “I wish I had … ” The complexities and uncertainties of…
