There are two ways to complete an initial social security disability application.  You can go online to ssa.gov or you can make an appointment and go into your local office.  Here are some tips to help you through the initial application process.

The holidays can be a magical time of year, but they can also be difficult and stressful. The obligations can seem endless: children’s performances, parties, shopping for presents, and even family visits. Families are often surprised at just how tense the holidays can be. 

One of our community leaders recently told me that she is named personal representative of her father’s will but she did not know exactly what that entails.  As the generation of baby boomers gets older, their parents are inevitably and unfortunately getting closer to the end of their lives.  The issue and confusion of the logistics following one’s death can be quite unsettling on the surviving heirs.  This article is designed to provide an overview of the probate process in the State of North Carolina.

Mom passed away. What’s next?

Recently, I was presented a scenario wherein a Buyer and Seller entered into a standard Offer to Purchase and Contract with a substantial, non-refundable Due Diligence Fee.  Shortly after the Contract was executed, the Buyer began their due diligence inspections.  Prior to the completion of the inspection period, the Seller informed the Buyer that the Seller would not entertain any repair requests or reductions in the agreed upon purchase price - the property would be sold As-Is.The Buyer felt this pronouncement by the Seller was unfair.

Owning Property as Tenants by the Entirety: What Married Couples Should Know

If you are married and want to buy property in North Carolina, tenancy by the entirety - a type real property ownership - provides three important benefits to you:

7 Tips to Get Back in Motion

Accidents can happen at work no matter how hard you try to prevent them.  Here are some helpful tips so you can avoid complications with the workers’ compensation insurance company if you have been injured on the job.

Avoiding Probate to a Fault – Don’t Believe Everything Your Neighbor Tells You

If you follow social media, you have surely seen the trending topic regarding Justin Timberlake’s controversial selfie while casting his vote.  In our media age of constantly photo and video documenting our lives, our millennial mind set tends to be that our lives are an open book and nothing is off limits.  Surprisingly for so many facebookers, instragramers, snapchatters, and redditers, there are certain legal limitations.  

Unanimous Ruling on "Deputy Commissioners" Could Impact Hundreds of Workers Compensation Cases

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness month.   For over two decades, National Adoption Month has been celebrated across the country. Many national, state, and local agencies will arrange programs, events, and activities during the month of November to raise awareness for children who need a forever family.

While I am no expert in regards to social media, I do have accounts with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.  The question is “What happens to these type accounts after I am deceased?”  News about these types of situations recently came to light when the Twitter account of Ryan Dunn, of Jackass fame, was hacked and the alleged hackers “Tweeted” two years after his death.  As you can imagine, his family was none too pleased.

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Charitable giving allows one the opportunity to support philanthropic organizations, assist in revitalizing communities, potentially receive income and estate tax savings, and bring others along to further propel the efforts of charitable organizations.  However, no matter how large or small the gift of an individual may be, there is one common denominator regarding charitable giving: All Gifts to Charity Make a Difference!

Methods of Giving

There’s some good news in the real estate market.  While there are many homes on the market, homes are selling relatively quickly – some have even had offers the day after they go up for sale.  The smart home buyer will gather his weapons together before setting out for the hunt. Here are 8 tips to help you snare your dream home before someone else does: 

1. Before looking, get Pre-Qualified for a mortgage loan 

Yes, you can!  But, before you exchange funds for a Deed, you should investigate a few matters.  

The old days of writing checks for a real estate transaction are over and wires have replaced them. As a matter of standard practice, more and more law firms only accept closing funds issued via a bank wire directly to their trust account.  Moreover, many closing attorneys are sending mortgage pay-offs, agent commissions and seller proceeds via wire from their trust account.  Scammers and hackers alike have caught on to the fact that real estate transactions are an easy target for wire fraud.