Pittsboro, NC asked in Estate Planning for North Carolina

Q: Do I need a lawyer to execute a will?

I'm executor of my father's will, he has no belongings to speak of as he is in assisted living, and has a couple of bank accounts, he is in failing health with Alzheimer's

Thank you

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2 Lawyer Answers
Amanda Bowden Johnson
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Answered
  • Jacksonville, NC
  • Licensed in North Carolina

A: It basically depends on whether you want assurance that it is done correctly. Typically, finalizing things under the circumstances you describe is not too difficult even for a lay person with no legal experience. Best of luck.

Steven J. Fromm
Steven J. Fromm
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Philadelphia, PA

A: The real issue is whether he has periods of lucidity where he has legal capacity to sign a will. This can be a real problem. You need to retain an estates lawyer who can determine whether your father has legal capacity to sign a will under his specific circumstances.

Ben Corcoran agrees with this answer

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