What Brings You Here?
Everyone’s estate planning needs are a little different — but most people come to us when they want to:
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Make sure their home and property are passed on smoothly
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Choose a guardian for their children
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Avoid probate court and delays for their family
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Prevent unnecessary taxes or legal costs
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Create a trust to simplify the process or protect privacy
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Ensure medical and financial wishes are honored if something happens
Whatever your reason, we’ll take the time to explain every option clearly — so you can build a plan that fits your life.
Estate Plannig Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming
Your Local Expert
Lee Laskody
I escaped from New York in 1986 to attend UNC as an undergrad. After graduating I fell in love with a beautiful research scientist, and settled in Chapel Hill to start a family. Our son is all grown up and we live in Carrboro in a co-housing neighborhood. I like to balance the mental work of lawyering with physical activities, especially basketball, taiji (tai-chi), and dancing.
I have been practicing law since 1998, after graduating from UNC law school. I have experience with many practice areas, including family law, criminal defense, bankruptcy, and civil litigation. After going through the end of life process with my parents, I became interested in elder law, and now focus on estate planning. After a career of helping people through crisis, I want to help people avoid crisis and experience more harmony in their lives.
What Clients are Saying
“Lee was great in updating our trust with some very useful suggestions. He was very patient with us and explained everything so that we could understand the options. We recommend him highly."
— E. P.
“We are very satisfied with the legal services provided by Lee Laskody. He was very professional and patiently explained the process of creating a Legal Trust. We are very satisfied and will definitely use his services again!! Highly recommended!!”
— I.S.
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What exactly is an estate plan?An estate plan is a set of legal documents that determines what happens to your assets after you die, who can make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, and how your healthcare wishes should be carried out. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, powers of attorney for healthcare and finances, an advance healthcare directive, and potentially trusts.
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Do I need an estate plan if I don't have many assets?Yes. Estate planning isn't just about distributing wealth—it's about ensuring your wishes are followed regarding your health care, guardianship of minor children, and distribution of any possessions, regardless of their value. Without a plan, state laws will determine what happens to everything you own, which may not align with your wishes.
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What's the difference between a will and a trust?A will is a document that becomes effective after death and directs how your assets should be distributed. It goes through probate court, which is a public process. A trust, however, takes effect as soon as it's created and can be used to manage assets during your lifetime and after death. Assets in a trust generally avoid probate, keeping matters private and often reducing costs and time delays.
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What happens if I die without a will?If you die "intestate" (without a will), your state's laws determine who inherits your assets. Typically, assets first go to a spouse and children, then to other relatives based on a predetermined hierarchy. This can lead to unintended beneficiaries receiving your assets and potentially higher costs and family disputes.
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How often should I review my estate plan?You should review your estate plan after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, or significant financial changes. Even without major life changes, it's advisable to review your estate plan every 3-5 years to ensure it still reflects your wishes and accounts for any changes in laws.
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What is probate and why should I try to avoid it?Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. Many people seek to avoid probate because it can be time-consuming (often taking months or years), expensive (with court costs and attorney fees), and public (all documents filed become public record). Certain assets like jointly owned property, accounts with designated beneficiaries, and assets held in trust typically bypass probate.
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Who should I name as my executor or trustee?An executor or trustee should be someone who is trustworthy, financially responsible, organized, and willing to serve in this capacity. While many people choose a family member, you can also name a professional fiduciary, trust company, or attorney. Consider naming alternates in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve when the time comes.
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What are advance healthcare directives and why do I need them?Advance healthcare directives specify your wishes for end of life treatment if you wish to die a natural death under certain circumstances. A healthcare power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. At Next Stage Legal, we typically combine the two into one document, to ensure your healthcare wishes are respected and reduce the burden on family members making difficult decisions.
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Can I create my own estate plan without an attorney?While DIY estate planning tools exist, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you navigate complex legal requirements, avoid common pitfalls, ensure documents are properly executed, and develop strategies specific to your situation. The cost of fixing mistakes in a DIY estate plan often exceeds the cost of having it done correctly from the start.
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