Asheville Estate Planning Lawyers

Matthew attended North Carolina State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2006 with a Juris Doctorate. He is a partner at Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC since the firm’s inception in 2014, and was a partner at The Law Offices of Benton & Welborn, PLLC from 2006 until 2011, and The Law Offices of Gottholm, Welborn and Benton, PLLC from 2012-2013. Matthew’s practice primarily focuses on family law, criminal law and civil litigation. Matthew is an experienced litigator, and tries...

Kimberly H. Whitley, Managing Partner of the Firm, concentrates her practice in Business and Corporate Law, Estate Planning and Administration, and Elder and Special Needs Law. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law. She received her undergraduate degree (B.A., 1990) with Honors and Distinction and a law degree (J.D., 1993) with High Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an undergraduate, Kim was a John M. Morehead Scholar, National Merit Scholar, and a Phi Beta Kappa member. During law school, she was a Staff Member of the North Carolina Law Review...

I specialize in employment litigation, representing employees and small companies across North Carolina during every stage of employment. I have widespread experience representing clients at unemployment appeal hearings and before courts and administrative agencies with cases concerning all facets of discrimination, workplace harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation, The Family and Medical Leave Act, and wage and hour disputes, among others. I also serve as counsel for local unions, advising and representing the union and its members in contract interpretation, the grievance process and a variety of employment issues. My secondary practice area is focused on civil litigation and...

Born in Shelby, NC July 18, 1978. I grew up in Kings Mountain, NC. Appalachian State University, 2002; University of South Carolina School of Law, 2008. Member: North Carolina Bar Association; Iredell County Bar Association Bio: I taught US History for three years at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia North Carolina. During my time as a teacher, I also coached the boys and girls soccer teams and participated in other school activities. I am an avid Appalachian State football fan and enjoy traveling to Boone, NC for the games. ...

Steve has practiced law since 1976. He represents companies and individuals in business matters and commercial real estate transactions, and individuals and families in estate planning and estate administration. In all of his work, Steve strives to apply his years of business experience and knowledge of tax law, to take into account any applicable tax considerations. Steve enjoys working with business owners, particularly when buying or selling a business, and has been involved in transactions where businesses have sold for a nominal consideration, as well as a sale to an international conglomerate for in excess of forty...

Attorney Brandon Jaynes is the managing partner and owner of JPS Law, primarily working in the areas of real property (closings), family law, business law, and estate planning. Brandon received a Bachelors of Computer Science and a Bachelors of Mathematics from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 where he graduated magna cum laude. While at Gardner-Webb, Brandon was President of both the SIGMA Math Association and the Association for Computing Machinery, Gardner-Webb chapters. In 2006, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree in 2009. While in...

Licensed to practice law in NC, SC, and GA.
Estate Planning and Elder Law attorney.

Born and raised in Charlotte, Attorney Michael Trotter graduated from Myers Park High School and went on to study Political Science at North Carolina State University. Upon graduating from North Carolina State Michael returned home to attend Charlotte Law. While in Law School Michael interned with the Gaston County Public Defenders Office and the Honorable Graham Mullen U.S. Senior District Judge. After graduating from Law School with High Distinction Pro Bono Honors, Michael opened the doors of Trotter Law PLLC intent on providing clients both small and large Practical Legal Advice in the areas of Family, Business, & Estate Planning. Communication is...

I have been practicing law in southwestern North Carolina since 1981, concentrating in family law, wills, estates and guardianships, and civil litigation. I am experienced in each of these areas, and have successfully tried hundreds of cases over the years. My practice covers Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Macon counties in North Carolina.

I’ve been working in Iredell and surrounding counites since 2019 and I’ve come to realize how much of a need there is for good, honest probate attorneys. Honestly, I think that statement applies to the greater Piedmont Triad area, generally. Because of this, I have made it my sole aim to provide clients with two critical things: first, a better understanding of the probate process, which can be quite complex and overwhelming, and second: friendly, responsive, and competent representation as we tackle the probate issues together. I got my start working with a well-known and well-respected attorney in Iredell County but...

Prior to joining Ralston, Benton, Byerley & Moore in 2021, Catherine worked as an insurance adjuster for two large national insurance companies, where she gained valuable insight and experience on the innerworkings of claim handling. Thereafter, Catherine became an insurance defense attorney, where she represented a variety of insurance companies and employers against claims filed against them. In 2016, Catherine switched sides and began representing individuals in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. Using her experience and insider knowledge, she now works vigorously to ensure each client is receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. Catherine’s practice primarily focuses...

Managing Partner and the founder of The Law Group, Melissa Gott is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law. Melissa is a licensed North Carolina attorney, D.R.C. Certified Mediator, Financial (family law) Mediator, and Collaborative Attorney with Coastal Collaborative Colleagues. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Melissa graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration concentrating in finance and the legal environment of business. Melissa then matriculated to Campbell University’s School of Law. While in law school, Melissa was an editor...

Paul is an experienced Estate Planning Lawyer. His focus on the client-attorney relationship and peace of mind of his clients sets Paul apart from other traditional lawyers. Paul takes his fiduciary role very seriously. His relationship-centered philosophy emphasizes a focus on solutions rather than just documents and deliverables. He believes in focusing on the client’s goals and pain points – not a stereotypical “one-size-fits-all” method. At the initial Strategy Session, Paul sits down with prospective clients, discusses their specific family and financial concerns, educates them on how the law works in North Carolina, and works with the clients to determine how...

I love practicing law. Guiding clients through the stress and upheaval of divorce, a custody battle or the aftermath of a death in the family is position of trust that I take seriously. Drafting an amicable separation agreement, or completing an adoption efficiently with as little drama as possible is equally important. I have been a NC Certified Family Law Specialist since 2009. My law firm handles divorce, custody, child support, alimony, property division, grandparents' rights, domestic violence, tort claims and personal injury, prenuptial and separation agreements, estate planning and administration in Chatham, Orange and Durham counties.

I represent clients going through divorce and family law issues, including separation agreements and prenuptial/premarital agreements, alimony, equitable distribution, child support and custody. I mediate cases for spouses that cannot reach a resolution on their own. My divorce practice across North Carolina gives me a wide range of experience on how judges rule.

I created a free downloadable North Carolina Child Support Calculator which reflects North Carolina's statutes. This can be found by contacting our firm.

Other attorneys also hire me to mediate their clients' disputes prior to going to court. I advance the practice and knowledge of law for...

Our motto is: "Compassion, Responsiveness and Accessibility" Stephen Robertson is a Board Certified Family Law Attorney in Greensboro NC with over 20 years of experience. The Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson PLLC specializes in Family Law and Bankruptcy Law for individuals, families, and businesses in North Carolina. Our Family Law Lawyers in NC are focused on: Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family, Alimony and Spousal Support. With our extensive experience, we can represent you in Parental Rights, Alimony in NC, Legal Separation, Divorce in NC, Child Support Calculator NC, Custody, Alienation of Affection; Invasion of Privacy, Nuptial or Post Nuptial, Qualified...

At Jesson & Rains, PLLC, we are committed to providing personal and cost effective legal services for individuals and businesses in the greater Charlotte area. Jesson & Rains focuses on three primary areas of the law: estate planning, business, and construction. For our estate planning clients, we offer a thorough consultation to go over all assets and liabilities to provide an individualized plan that is right for you, including will drafting, trust drafting, powers of attorney, healthcare agent designation, and advanced healthcare directives (also known as a "living will"). Our attorneys also represent personal representatives during...

Diane Ford is an Associate Attorney working in King Law’s Winston-Salem, North Carolina office. Diane primarily practices in the area of transactional law. Her practice areas include Elder Law and Estate Planning. Diane loved Campbell University so much she went twice and earned her bachelor’s in economics and her Juris- Doctorate from Campbell Law School. As part of her legal education, Diane was a member of Campbell Law’s distinguished advocacy program. She competed in the National Civil Trial Competition and the Annual Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition. As Campbell Law’s President of the Black Law’s Student Association, her chapter earned Chapter...

With more than 30 years experience in private practice, Mark Costley has helped hundreds of North Carolinians with estate planning, trust and estate administration, planning for children and adults with special needs, business succession planning and business transactions, and family charitable and philanthropic counseling. Mark’s work involves elements of teaching, strategic analysis and planning, negotiation, documentation, and assisting clients in executing their plans. A Duke University Alumnus, Mark has given back to his alma mater in numerous capacities, including serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. He has devoted his considerable energies to the Servant Center, Inc., a...

Attorney Ashley McDuffie is an experienced attorney committed to advocating for the rights of those in cases such as traffic tickets, driving with license revoked, DWI/DUI, misdemeanor, felonies, incompetency hearing, guardianship, social security, and personal injury. Attorney Ashley McDuffie is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. She is also a North Carolina certified mediator. Attorney McDuffie is a member of the NC Young Lawyers Division. She serves on the Wake County Adult and Home Advisory Committee. Attorney McDuffie also serves as a board member on the board of the Great Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. She is also...