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Estate & Elder Law Attorneys in Wilmington, NC

From simple wills to Medicaid planning and guardianship, these 37 firms serve Wilmington, NC — many offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Providers listed in Wilmington cover estate planning attorney and elder law attorney. Wilmington sits in New Hanover County, North Carolina. Other North Carolina cities covered include Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilson.

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1. Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC Estate Planning Attorney

★ 4.3 (9 reviews) · 1979 Eastwood Rd Suite 101, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

2. Lee Kaess PLLC Estate Planning Attorney

★ 4.0 (8 reviews) · 3414 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

3. LSM Estate Planning Attorney

★ 5.0 (1 reviews) · 6781 Parker Farm Dr #210, Wilmington, NC 28405, USA

4. Tayloe Ryal W Estate Planning Attorney

127 Racine Dr #101, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

5. Saffo Law Firm Pc Estate Planning Attorney

1508 Military Cutoff Rd

6. Sherman Law, P.C. Estate Planning Attorney

1213 Culbreth Dr

7. Elder Law Firm of Andrew Olsen Elder Law Attorney

6781 Parker Farm Dr

8. Darrough Law Firm Estate Planning Attorney

2802 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA

9. James Zisa Attorneys Estate Planning Attorney

709 Princess St

10. Kenneth A Shanklin Estate Planning Attorney

214 Market St

11. Shanklin & Nichols, Llp Estate Planning Attorney

214 Market St

12. Patricia M. Homa Estate Planning Attorney

410 Lakeview Dr

Estate planning attorneys in Wilmington, NC: a local guide

We currently track 12 estate planning, elder law, and probate attorneys serving Wilmington, NC in New Hanover County. Across the ones with public reviews, the average customer rating is 4.4★ from 18 total reviews, and 1 hold a 4.5★ rating or higher. Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC is among the most-reviewed locally, at 4.3★ across 9 reviews.

What estate planning costs in Wilmington

Rough planning ranges for the Wilmington area:

ServiceTypical range
Simple will package$350–$1,350
Revocable living trust package$1,700–$4,500
Full estate plan or probate work$3,350–$8,950+

Many Wilmington estate attorneys quote flat fees for wills and trusts and bill hourly (often $250-$500/hr) for probate. Ask for a written fee agreement before you engage.

How to choose an estate attorney in Wilmington

  • Read reviews and ask for references from recent Wilmington estate clients.
  • Pick a lawyer who focuses on estate planning and probate, not a generalist who dabbles.
  • Confirm they're licensed and in good standing with the state bar, and ask how long they've practiced near Wilmington.
  • Ask whether wills and trusts are flat-fee and what that covers (funding the trust, revisions, directives).
  • Ask who actually does the work — the attorney, a paralegal, or a form service — and who you'll call with questions.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you focus on estate planning and probate specifically?
  • Will you help fund the trust and store the documents?
  • How do updates work as laws or my family change?
  • Who will handle my file day to day?
  • What's the realistic timeline for my Wilmington matter?

Many Wilmington listings also handle wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate administration.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a will or living trust cost in Wilmington?

Many Wilmington estate attorneys charge flat fees, roughly $300 to $1,200 for a simple will package and $1,500 to $4,000 for a revocable living trust. Probate work is often billed hourly. Ask for a written fee agreement up front.

Do I need a will or a living trust?

It depends on your assets and goals. A will is simpler and cheaper; a living trust can avoid probate and keep matters private. A short consultation with a Wilmington estate attorney will tell you which fits.

How much does probate cost and how long does it take?

Probate cost and timeline vary by estate and county. Simple Wilmington-area estates can take several months, while complex ones run over a year. Ask the attorney for a realistic estimate for your situation.

What is the difference between estate planning and elder law?

Estate planning focuses on wills, trusts, and passing on assets; elder law also covers long-term care, Medicaid planning, and guardianship. Many Wilmington firms handle both.

Practice estate or elder law in Wilmington?

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