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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.
Cecil Harvell from Harvell and Collins discussed the importance of three key medical documents: the health care power of attorney, the HIPAA release, and the declaration of desire for natural death (living will). He emphasized that these documents are essential for ensuring that individuals can make medical decisions on behalf of loved ones and access medical records, especially for young adults who have reached the age of majority. The conversation highlighted the need for proper documentation to avoid legal complications in medical emergencies. Read More
This episode focused on the importance of protecting the elderly from fraud, emphasizing the vulnerability of older individuals and the potential for undue influence from caregivers or close acquaintances. He recommended establishing trust agreements to safeguard assets, ensuring that a designated trustee manages them, which can help prevent unauthorized transactions. The conversation also highlighted the need for vigilance against fraudulent phone calls and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of such communications. Read More
At Harvell and Collins PA, we are proud to announce that Cecil Harvell, one of our distinguished attorneys, has been honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s most prestigious awards. This recognition is a testament to Cecil Harvell's dedication, leadershi… Read More
This episode focused on the concept of adverse possession, explaining its legal implications and requirements in North Carolina, including the necessary elements such as open, continuous, and hostile use of property for a specified period. They emphasized the importance of documentation, surveys, and evidence, such as aerial photographs, to support claims of adverse possession or prescriptive easements. They also discussed the potential legal processes involved, including actions to quiet title and declaratory relief, particularly in disputes arising from property boundaries and usage. Read More
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
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 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
