Fletcher, NC asked in Estate Planning for North Carolina

Q: Is a will enough to make sure if either husband I pass away, the property goes to living spouse? Or must have trust?

We want 100% go to living spouse. Just need to make sure this. We have adult kids and grandchildren. In the event both of us died then we can let them have the asset.

But when one of us died, we want to make sure the living spouse is not left in a limbo and have to leave the house.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Ben Corcoran
PREMIUM
Ben Corcoran
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Yadkinville, NC
  • Licensed in North Carolina

A: Depends on what you mean by property, real property passes outside the estate unless specifically brought into the estate. However, with most married couples the property automatically passes to the surviving spouse by virtue of the deed. Bank accounts and stocks are very similar, where they frequently pass outside the estate but normally to the spouse.

I suggest that you speak to a local estate attorney to help you plan your estates and set up as much as possible to pass outside the estate as that is the most cost-efficient method.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.