Substantive Law
Wrongful Death Claims Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act: Who Gets the Money?
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (“CLJA”) created a rare and unusual window for filing claims that would otherwise be long barred. For wrongful death claims, that window carries consequences that North Carolina lawyers need to think through carefully. Under the CLJA, all claims for injury or death had to be filed by August 10, 2024.…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Enacts Electronically Stored Wills
Reprinted with permission of the NC Bar Association – originally published in the Estate Planning Section newsletter in February 2026. The Will and The Way – Estate Planning Section Beginning January 1, 2026, North Carolina estate planning and probate attorneys will have a new tool to offer clients that can potentially reduce litigation surrounding lost…
Read MoreA Real Estate Perspective on Odyssey’s Search Challenges
For real estate attorneys, the integrity of court searches is foundational. Title opinions, lien searches, judgment reviews, estate matters, and foreclosure work all depend on the ability to locate complete and accurate court records. Now that North Carolina has completed its transition to electronic filing, many lawyers – particularly those handling real estate matters –…
Read MoreThe Importance of Securing a Probate Bond in Estate Administration
In the administration of a decedent’s estate, few safeguards are as critical – yet sometimes underestimated – as the probate bond. Whether referred to as an executor’s bond, administrator’s bond, or fiduciary bond, this instrument functions as both a legal requirement and a practical protection mechanism. For attorneys advising fiduciaries or beneficiaries, understanding the role and importance of…
Read MoreWhen Privilege Doesn’t Cover Plus-Ones
We’ve all had clients who want their spouses or children involved in discussions about their legal matters. Often, this is because the family member helps manage finances, oversees a business, or simply “knows the details better.” While this impulse is understandable, the well-meaning inclusion of a client’s spouse or child in an attorney-client conversation can…
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