The Importance of Estate Planning for New Families

News Summary

Attorney Christopher M. Craig highlights the necessity of estate planning for new families in a recent article featured in the Asheville Citizen Times. He addresses the common hesitance among young parents to discuss such topics due to discomfort with mortality and incapacity. Craig emphasizes the need for structured estate planning to prepare for unforeseen circumstances, advocate for clear legal frameworks regarding guardianship, and view estate planning as an ongoing process to assure peace of mind for parents concerning their children’s futures.

Asheville – Attorney Christopher M. Craig, founder of Craig Associates, PC, emphasizes the critical necessity of estate planning for new families in a recent article featured in the Asheville Citizen Times. The article, titled “Back to basics: Legal basics for parents,” highlights the importance of preparing for unforeseen circumstances that can impact young families.

Published on March 21, 2025, the article sheds light on the common tendency among younger adults to postpone or avoid estate planning due to discomfort surrounding discussions of mortality and incapacity. Craig notes that while many young parents require estate planning, their reluctance stems from discomfort with the topic, which can lead to a lack of preparedness for unexpected events.

Craig advocates that estate planning should be a comprehensive and individualized process that considers the specific needs of young families. He points out the need for parents to anticipate both short-term and long-term contingencies, particularly for their minor children. He emphasizes the importance of families establishing clear legal frameworks that outline who will act as emergency contacts and long-term guardians in case of disability or death.

The Role of Estate Planning

Estate planning serves more than just a precautionary function; it provides peace of mind for parents concerned about their children’s futures. Craig underscores the necessity of having conversations about guardianship and emergency procedures, such as ensuring that babysitters are informed about whom to contact in case of emergencies. Proper estate planning documentation is essential to ensure that wishes are honored and responsibilities are clear.

Legal Framework in North Carolina

North Carolina provides a robust legal framework for parents to designate emergency contacts and guardians for their children. Craig stresses that these designations must be formally documented in legally binding documents, ensuring that all parties involved are adequately informed and prepared to uphold these responsibilities. Referring to these guardian relationships, he describes them similarly to a “godparent relationship,” emphasizing the serious responsibility and trust involved.

Ongoing Process of Estate Planning

Craig advocates for viewing estate planning as a continual discussion rather than a one-time task. As families evolve and circumstances change, regular reviews and adjustments to guardianship appointments and estate plans are essential. Ensuring plans remain relevant and responsive to a family’s needs can help alleviate fears surrounding the future and offer confidence in navigating life’s uncertainties.

Services Offered by Craig Associates, PC

Craig Associates, PC provides a wide array of services tailored to meet the estate planning requirements of families in Western North Carolina. The firm specializes in basic wills, guardianship documentation, and more complex trust structures, with a focus on accessibility and clarity. The firm is committed to fostering strong relationships with clients to ensure their estate plans effectively reflect their wishes.

Community Engagement

As part of its mission to educate and assist the community, Craig Associates, PC holds free estate planning seminars open to the public. These seminars aim to introduce foundational concepts of estate planning in a welcoming and informative environment, making the essential knowledge accessible to all families.

Contact Information

Families in the Asheville area can reach Craig Associates, PC at their office located at 149 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. For more information or to schedule a consultation, individuals can visit their website or call their office directly.

Emphasizing that “there’s a whole lot of terror that can be eliminated by having good guidance,” Craig’s push for estate planning among new families aims to ensure that individuals are prepared for life’s unexpected challenges while securing peace of mind for their loved ones.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Rising Tariffs Impact Mother’s Day Flower Prices
Tropical Storm Helene Disrupts Asheville’s Short-Term Rental Market
Asheville Residents Rally to Rebuild Tourism After Storm
Marion, North Carolina, Receives Generous Gift from Philanthropist
Asheville City Council Addresses Affordable Housing Crisis
Asheville and Winston-Salem: Top Southern Destinations for 2025

Additional Resources

• Press Advantage: Attorney Chris Craig Featured in Citizen Times
• Ward and Smith: Business North Carolina Legal Elites
• Artnet News: Biltmore Estate Design
• Charlotte Observer: Travel Article
• Wikipedia: Estate Planning