“After my husband died I didn't know which envelope to open first. Clare made a list with me, and Jonah called every couple of weeks so I always knew where things stood.”
Margaret L.Estate administration
Estate planning and elder law in Asheville
Wills, care plans and estates, explained in plain English
Clare Whitlock helps families write wills and trusts, choose who decides if they can't, plan for care later in life, and settle an estate after someone dies. One unhurried conversation at a time.
If you're not sure where to start
Most people come to us at a turning point
A parent's memory is starting to slip. Someone you love has just died and the mail is piling up. A diagnosis, a new grandchild or a move has made the will in the drawer feel out of date.
You don't need to know the legal words before you call. Tell us what's happening in your family, and we'll explain which documents or steps usually apply, what they involve, and what we'd need from you.
Many of the people we meet are helping someone else: a son or daughter, a spouse, the niece who lives closest. You're welcome to come together.
Practice areas
What we help with
Five kinds of work, all about planning ahead and settling affairs. Each has a page on who it's for, what's involved and what to bring.
Who receives what, who looks after young children, and who you trust to carry it out.
For property that needs looking after over time, a family member who needs support, or land in more than one state.
Who can sign for you and speak for you, about money and about medical care, if you can't.
Help for executors and families after a death, from the first visit to the Clerk of Superior Court to the final account.
How care at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home might be paid for, and what to put in place first.
Your attorney
You'll work with Clare from the first meeting to the last signature
This is a solo practice. Clare Whitlock meets with you herself, writes your plan, and is the person you call with a question.
Jonah Price, our paralegal, keeps the paperwork moving. He's often the voice that answers the phone, schedules your meeting and reminds you what to bring.
Clare Whitlock
Attorney
Working together
How it goes, step by step
Planning is a short series of conversations, not a single appointment. You'll always know what comes next.
- 01
Step 1: A first meeting
We talk about your family, what you own in broad strokes, and what worries you. Bring what you have, even if it's incomplete. You leave knowing which documents might fit.
- 02
Step 2: A written plan and quote
Afterward you get a short letter: what we suggest, why, and the fee for the work. Nothing starts until you say yes.
- 03
Step 3: Drafting and review
Clare drafts your documents and sends them to read at home. We go through them together, in person or by video, and change anything that isn't right.
- 04
Step 4: Signing
North Carolina has rules about witnesses and notaries, so we sign together with both present. If someone can't travel, ask us about other arrangements.
- 05
Step 5: Keeping it current
Marriages, deaths, moves and new grandchildren change things. We suggest a look every few years, or sooner when life changes.
Before you come in
What to bring to a first meeting
Bring what's easy to find. Copies are fine, and we can fill in the gaps later.
Any wills, trusts or powers of attorney you already have
The names of close family members, and where they live
A rough list of what you own and owe, with recent statements or deeds if they are handy
Who you'd want to put in charge, and a second choice
For an estate: the death certificate, the will if there is one, and recent mail about accounts
Your questions, written down
Fees
What it costs, said up front
Every family's work is different, so we don't publish prices. We do tell you the fee in writing before any work starts.
The first meeting
When you call, we'll tell you whether there's a charge for the first meeting and how long it runs, so nothing comes as a surprise.
Planning
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney and directives are usually a flat fee. You get it in writing after the first meeting, with exactly what it covers.
Probate and estates
Settling an estate may be billed by the hour or as a flat fee, depending on what it involves. We explain which, and why, before you decide.
In their words
From families we've worked with
“My brother and I live in different states. Clare met with Dad and both of us by video, and wrote everything down in words all three of us could follow.”
Tom H.Planning with his father
“I'd put off a will for twenty years. The first meeting took an hour, and the letter afterward said exactly what it would cost.”
Priya S.A will and directives
Clients describe their own experience. Every family's situation is different.
Questions
A few things people ask first
Do I need a will if I don't own much?
Often, yes. A will isn't only about money: it names who handles your affairs and, if you have young children, who you'd want to raise them. Without one, North Carolina's default rules decide. We can talk through whether it makes sense for you.
Can I come with my parent, or on their behalf?
You're welcome to come together. For documents your parent signs, Clare will also spend some time with them alone, to be sure the wishes are their own. That protects everyone.
Someone has just died. What should we do first?
Most estate steps can wait a week or two. Keep the mail, look for the will, and ask the funeral home for several copies of the death certificate. Then call us and we'll explain what usually comes next.
Do you meet by video?
Yes, for most conversations. Signing usually happens in person, because North Carolina has rules about witnesses and notaries.
Tell us what's going on, and we'll explain the next step
Call or send a short note. Clare or Jonah will get back to you to find a time to talk.