Radio Show

A Tradition of Competence

For twenty years and counting, in an effort each and every week, to serve Eastern North Carolina, Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins of the law firm Harvell and Collins, P.A. lead a live talk radio show on Tuesdays to discuss a variety of legal issues. This successful weekly talk show is called "Let's Talk Legal". It is a live radio program broadcast on the Talk Station WTKF 107.1 FM. The live program is played at 6 pm on Tuesday evening and is repeated at 5 pm each and every Sunday afternoon.  If you have missed a previous radio show, you may listen to the weekly shows on the website or you may also call our office for past recordings.

Let's Talk Legal: Responsibilities of a Clerk of Court

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

Let's Talk Legal: Power of Attorney

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

Let's Talk Legal: Homeowner Association Documents

Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins discussed the complexities and legal implications of homeowners associations (HOAs) during the meeting, emphasizing the importance of understanding governing documents and the responsibilities of both developers and property owners. They highlighted the need for homeowners to be actively engaged in their associations to ensure proper governance and to protect their rights, especially during transitions from developer control. The speakers also advised potential buyers to thoroughly review HOA documents with legal counsel before purchasing property to avoid future disputes. Read More

Let's Talk Legal: Continuation on Administration of Estates

Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins discussed the administration of estates in North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the process. They outlined the roles of executors and fiduciaries, the timeline for settling estates, and the potential for legal challenges from the IRS after an estate is closed. The speakers also highlighted the significance of proper documentation and communication between beneficiaries and fiduciaries to ensure efficient estate management. Read More

Let's Talk Legal: Administration of an Estate

Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins discussed the administration of an estate, emphasizing the importance of locating the original will and the role of the executor in managing the estate's assets and liabilities. They highlighted the necessity of opening an estate for any legal proceedings and the accountability required from the executor, including filing inventories and accountings with the court. The conversation also addressed the potential for an executor to resign and the involvement of public administrators when no executor is available. Read More

Let's Talk Legal: The Importance of Estate Planning

This episode focused on the importance of estate planning, particularly during the holiday season when families gather. Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins emphasized the necessity of having essential documents like wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives to avoid costly and time-consuming legal issues later. They encouraged families to initiate discussions about these topics to ensure their affairs are in order, framing it as a valuable gift to loved ones. Read More

Let’s Talk Legal: Elective Shares and Durable Power of Attorney

This episode focused on the elective share rights of surviving spouses in North Carolina, emphasizing the complexities that arise, particularly in cases of second or subsequent marriages. Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins discussed the legal implications of elective share claims, including the necessity for timely filing and the potential for disputes involving children from previous marriages. They highlighted the importance of proper estate planning to navigate these issues and ensure that the intentions of the deceased are honored while adhering to statutory requirements. Read More

Let’s Talk Legal: Elective Shares

Cecil Harvell and Wes Collins discussed the elective share rights of surviving spouses in North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of understanding statutory rights and the implications of asset titling. They highlighted the short six-month deadline for filing an elective share claim and the complexities involved in determining the value of assets, particularly in cases of closely held businesses. The conversation underscored the necessity of proper estate planning to avoid adversarial situations and ensure that surviving spouses are adequately protected. Read More

Let’s Talk Legal: Minority Shareholder Rights

This episode focused on the rights and protections of minority shareholders in corporations and LLCs, highlighting the fiduciary duties of majority shareholders to act fairly and transparently. Wes Collins discussed specific legal provisions in North Carolina that allow minority shareholders to request financial information and take legal action if their requests are denied. The conversation also touched on the advantages of organizing a business as a corporation or LLC compared to a partnership, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and transparency to prevent disputes. Read More

Let’s Talk Legal: Deeds

Cecil Harvell discussed the distinctions between real property and personal property in North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of understanding property deeds, particularly tenants in common and tenants by entirety. He highlighted the complexities that arise in property ownership, especially in cases of inheritance and divorce, and the necessity of clear legal documentation to avoid disputes. The conversation underscored the need for individuals to review their estate plans following significant life events to ensure their intentions are accurately reflected in their property ownership. Read More

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