Tune in Tuesday mornings at 7:30am on the Talk Station WTKF 107.1 FM for a live broadcast of our show. Call 800-818-2255 and ask your legal questions
Two of the most common client frustrations are lack of information and lack of communication. Here, at Harvell and Collins, P.A., we try to do our very best to disseminate useful legal information and increase communication. Our BLOG is just one way that we attempt to accomplish these objectives. Please read through our entries and if there are any particular topics you would like addressed let us know.
This episode focused on the concept of mediation as a required step in most legal disputes, particularly in family law and civil cases. Wes Collins explained the mediation process, emphasizing its role as a facilitator for parties to communicate and potentially settle cases without going to trial. The discussion also touched on the qualifications of mediators and the importance of understanding the mediation dynamics for effective legal representation. Read More
We are pleased to announce that Andrew Foster has received an AV rating! An AV certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence. Only ten percent of attorneys receive this… Read More
Cecil Harvell discussed the importance of having a last will and testament, emphasizing that it should focus on family relationships and distribution intentions rather than detailed asset listings. He highlighted the necessity of including contingencies for executors and beneficiaries to avoid potential legal complications and expenses. The conversation also addressed the legal requirements for executing a will in North Carolina, stressing the importance of proper witnessing and notarization to ensure validity. Read More
A Last Will and Testament is one of the most critical legal documents you can have in place, yet many misunderstand its purpose and function. Whether you are drafting your first will or updating an old one, understanding how a will works can save your family from unnecessary stress, legal complications, and unexpected costs. Read More
Cecil Harvell of Harvell & Collins discussed the concept of trusts, explaining that they are legal agreements involving a creator, a trustee, and a beneficiary, designed to manage assets for specific purposes. He highlighted various types of trusts, including those for minor children, special needs, asset protection, and those addressing concerns in second marriages, emphasizing the importance of having a valid reason for creating a trust. The conversation underscored the need for careful selection of trustees and the necessity of consideration in trust agreements, while encouraging listeners to seek professional guidance when considering trusts. Read More
A trust is often seen as a key estate planning tool, but do you actually need one? Many people assume that trusts are essential for every estate plan, but the reality is that trusts are only beneficial when they serve a specific purpose. At Harvell & Collins, we take a careful, individualized approach to estate planning, ensuring that each client receives the right guidance tailored to their needs. Read More
Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins discussed the responsibilities of the clerk of court in North Carolina, highlighting that the clerk has significant legal discretion and acts as a decision-maker in various legal matters, including estate administration and guardianship cases. They emphasized the importance of having proper legal documentation in place to avoid conflicts and delays in decision-making. The conversation also touched on the transition to an e-filing system in the court, which will change how legal documents are submitted and processed. Read More
The Clerk of Court plays a crucial role in North Carolina’s legal system, holding responsibilities that extend far beyond managing courthouse records. Unlike many states, where probate and estate matters are handled by a dedicated judge of probate, North Carolina’s Clerk of Superior Court has original jurisdiction over various legal matters, including estate administration, guardianship disputes, and property partition cases. Read More
Navigating life’s legal complexities can be daunting, but preparing for unforeseen circumstances is crucial. One of the most powerful legal tools at your disposal is a Power of Attorney (POA). Recently, attorneys Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins of Harvell & Collins discussed this critical document on Let’s Talk Legal, highlighting its significance, requirements, and potential pitfalls. Read More
This episode focused on the complexities and importance of powers of attorney, emphasizing the need for detailed and specific grants of authority to prevent confusion and potential legal issues. Speakers discussed the responsibilities of agents under a power of attorney, including the necessity for transparency and accountability in managing the principal's affairs. They also highlighted the differences between powers of attorney and executorship, noting that a power of attorney becomes invalid upon the principal's death and must be recorded to ensure its legality. Read More
