Peter B. von Stein
Trusts and Estates Attorney
Peter’s focus is advising clients and families on a wide array of estate planning, business succession, wealth transfer, and trust/estate administration matters. As legal counsel in the estate and private client areas, he guides North Carolina clients through all stages of the estate planning process. This includes formulating tailored plans and then implementing those plans through the careful preparation of wills, trusts (revocable and irrevocable), and powers of attorney.
For clients with more sophisticated needs, Peter assists with strategic asset transfers and tax compliance to promote long-term objectives of asset protection and tax mitigation. He also frequently represents executors and trustees in carrying out their obligations during periods of estate and trust administration. Peter’s experience can bring great value to a range of clients, from simpler estates where efficiency is key to more complex situations where families are facing intricate business and tax considerations.
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, past 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.