Dear Clients and Friends of Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC,
After much reflection, I am writing to share a deeply personal transition in my life and in the life of the firm I have been so honored to build and serve.
Serving you has been one of the most meaningful, fulfilling, and transformative chapters of my life. Each client entrusted to me something deeply personal—your family, your legacy, your business, your loved ones, your estate, or often a difficult and uncertain season of your life. I have never taken that trust for granted.
I am truly grateful for the confidence you placed in me and in Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC. Your stories, your families, your successes, and even the difficult moments we navigated together have shaped me as an attorney and as a person. It has been a privilege to sit across the table from you, listen to what mattered most, and help you protect the people and things you love.
Effective August 14, 2026, I will be stepping away from the practice of law and from the day-to-day operation of Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC. Although this is a significant personal transition for me, I am incredibly comforted knowing that the work of caring for our clients will continue.
Attorney Jessica Plummer will continue serving clients and managing the practice under its new name, Grissom Plummer Law. Jessica and the same dedicated team you have come to know and trust will continue providing the same thoughtful, highly personal, service that has always been central to our approach. The firm will continue serving clients in the same core practice areas, including estate planning, probate and estate administration, guardianship, and related matters.
Most importantly, your transition will be handled with care. Each client will receive a separate letter confirming the status of his or her matter and explaining the available options. You will have the opportunity to continue your representation with Grissom Plummer Law or, if you prefer, to retrieve or transfer your file and make other arrangements for your legal representation. Your choice will be respected, and every effort will be made to make the transition as smooth as possible.
While my name will no longer be on the door, I hope the values that inspired me to build this firm will remain: compassion, excellence, integrity, education, and an unwavering commitment to serving people well.
When I think about the years I have spent practicing law, I will remember far more than cases and documents. I will remember the families who invited me into some of the most important moments of their lives. I will remember the clients who became friends. I will remember the celebrations, the difficult conversations, the lessons learned, and the privilege of helping people create plans that gave them greater peace of mind.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives.
Thank you for trusting me with your families, your businesses, your legacies, and your futures.
And thank you for believing in Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC.
I leave this chapter with an extraordinarily full heart and immense gratitude. I am proud of what we built together, proud of the team that will continue this work, and deeply grateful for every person who allowed me to serve them.
With heartfelt appreciation and warmest wishes for you and your families,
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Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC's Quarterly Brief
Reflecting on Community, Growth & Planning for the Future
As we move through the third quarter of the year, we are grateful for the trust our clients continue to place in Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC. It is our privilege to help individuals and families navigate life's important transitions while protecting what matters most.
Whether you're welcoming a new family member, preparing for retirement, caring for aging parents, or updating your estate plan, thoughtful planning today can provide peace of mind for tomorrow. Estate planning is more than legal documents—it's about protecting your loved ones and preserving your legacy.
This season also reminds us of the importance of family, community, and preparation. From celebrating Independence Day to the excitement of a new school year and the appreciation of hard work on Labor Day, these moments encourage us to look ahead and plan for the future with confidence.
Thank you for allowing Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC to be part of your planning journey. We look forward to continuing to serve you with compassionate, personalized legal guidance and wish you and your family a season filled with health, happiness, and peace of mind.
Sincerely,
Your Trusted Legal Team at Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC
At Grissom Plummer Law, PLLC, we're proud to recognize Attorney Jessica Plummer for her dedication to serving clients with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
Attorney Jessica's practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate
Administration, Adult Guardianship, and Family Law, including Premarital, Postnuptial, and Separation Agreements. She also serves as a CourtAppointed Guardian ad Litem, advocating for individuals in guardianship proceedings.
She is also committed to community outreach. She recently served as a featured speaker at the Financial Literacy Masterclass hosted by The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches, where she shared practical guidance on financial and estate planning.
Through her legal knowledge, educational leadership, and dedication to serving others, Attorney Jessica Plummer continues to make a meaningful impact on both her clients and the community.
📣ANNOUNCEMENTS 📣
Mercy brings prior experience in administrative support, client communication, and document management, along with a strong background in training and creating learning simulations. Her professional experience has helped her develop strong attention to detail, clear communication skills, and the ability to design structured processes and support efficient workflows in fast-paced environments.
She is currently expanding her knowledge in the legal field and building handson experience with legal processes, firm operations, and legal practice management systems such as Clio Grow and Clio Manage.
Mercy is passionate about learning, growth, and providing reliable support to ensure smooth operations within the firm. She takes pride in contributing to a team that is committed to serving clients with care, accuracy, and professionalism.
Outside of work, Mercy values family life and enjoys balancing her professional growth with being a working mother, embracing both roles with dedication and purpose.
ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALSÂ
What Are the Next Steps in My Estate Planning Matter?
Taking the first step toward creating an estate plan is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. At Hicks-Guinn Law, we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never worked with an attorney before. That's why we strive to make the process clear, collaborative, and personalized from start to finish.
Our goal is not simply to prepare legal documents—we help clients create a comprehensive plan that reflects their values, protects their families, and preserves their legacy for future generations.
Step 1: Understanding Your Goals
Every estate plan begins with a conversation. During your initial consultation, Attorney takes the time to learn about your family, financial circumstances, and long-term goals. No two families are alike, which is why every estate plan we prepare is tailored to your unique needs.
Topics often discussed include:
- Protecting your spouse and children
- Naming guardians for minor children
- Planning for incapacity
- Avoiding unnecessary probate
- Preserving family wealth
- Protecting business interests
- Planning for retirement and long-term care
- Charitable giving and legacy planning
Our objective is to understand what matters most to you before recommending legal solutions.
Step 2: Gathering Information
After your consultation, our legal team works with you to collect the information needed to prepare your estate planning documents. This may include:
- Real estate information
- Bank and investment accounts
- Retirement assets
- Life insurance policies
- Business ownership interests
- Existing estate planning documents
- Beneficiary information
- Family details and important contacts
Providing complete and accurate information allows us to create a plan that reflects your wishes and minimizes potential issues in the future.
Step 3: Drafting Your Customized Estate Plan
Once we've gathered the necessary information, Attorney prepares legal documents specifically designed for your situation. Depending on your needs, your estate plan may include:
- Last Will and Testament
- Revocable Living Trust
- Durable Financial Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Advance Directive (Living Will)
- HIPAA Authorization
- Trust Funding Documents
- Deeds transferring property into your trust
Every document is carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with your goals and complies with North Carolina law.
Step 4: Review and Revisions
Before any documents are signed, you'll meet with Attorney to review your estate plan together.
This is your opportunity to:
- Ask questions
- Clarify legal terminology
- Discuss different planning options
- Request revisions
- Confirm that your wishes are accurately reflected
We encourage our clients to take their time during this process because we want them to feel confident and comfortable with every decision.
Step 5: Signing Your Estate Planning Documents
Once you're satisfied with your documents, we'll schedule a signing appointment. Our team ensures that all documents are properly executed, witnessed, and notarized as required by law.
This step is essential because even a well-prepared estate plan can become invalid if documents are not signed correctly.
Step 6: Trust Funding
If your estate plan includes a Revocable Living Trust, creating the trust is only part of the process. Assets must also be transferred into the trust—a process known as trust funding.
Depending on your estate, this may include:
- Your residence
- Rental property
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business interests
- Other qualifying assets
Proper trust funding helps ensure that your trust functions as intended and may reduce the need for probate.
Step 7: Reviewing Your Plan Over Time
Estate planning is not a one-time event. As your life changes, your estate plan should change with it. We recommend reviewing your documents after major life events, including:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a loved one
- Retirement
- Purchasing or selling property
- Starting or selling a business
- Significant financial changes
Keeping your estate plan current helps ensure it continues to protect the people and assets you care about most.
Why Estate Planning Matters
An effective estate plan provides more than legal protection—it provides peace of mind. With a thoughtful estate plan, you can:
- Protect your loved ones and provide clear instructions for your family.
- Help avoid unnecessary probate and simplify the administration of your estate.
- Ensure your financial and healthcare decisions are honored if you become unable to make them yourself.
- Preserve your legacy and protect the assets you've worked hard to build.
- Reduce stress and uncertainty for your family during difficult times.
We're Here to Help
At Hicks-Guinn Law, we believe estate planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Whether you're creating your first estate plan or updating existing documents, our team is committed to providing compassionate guidance, personalized solutions, and exceptional service every step of the way.
If you have questions about your current estate plan—or you're ready to begin planning for the future—we're here to help.
PROBATE FAQ’S
How Long Does Probate Take?
The answer depends on the unique circumstances of each estate. While every case is different, understanding the probate process can help reduce uncertainty during an already difficult time.
At Hicks-Guinn Law, we understand that probate often comes during one of life's most emotional seasons. Our goal is to guide families, executors, and personal representatives through the legal process with compassion, clarity, and confidence.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of administering a deceased person's estate.
Depending on the circumstances, probate may involve:
- Validating the Last Will and Testament.
- Appointing an Executor or Personal Representative.
- Identifying and valuing estate assets.
- Notifying beneficiaries and creditors.
- Paying valid debts and expenses.
- Preparing required inventories and accountings.
- Distributing assets according to the Will or North Carolina law.
While the process can seem overwhelming, having experienced legal guidance helps ensure that each step is completed accurately and efficiently.
How Long Does Probate Usually Take?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Several factors can influence how long probate lasts, including:
- The size and complexity of the estate.
- Whether a valid Will exists.
- The number of beneficiaries involved.
- Outstanding creditor claims.
- Real estate or business interests that must be transferred or sold.
- Tax considerations.
- Court schedules and filing requirements.
- Family disagreements or contested matters.
Some estates may move through probate relatively quickly, while others require additional time due to more complex circumstances.
Responsibilities of the Personal Representative
Serving as an Executor or Personal Representative is
an important responsibility. Duties often include:
- Gathering and protecting estate assets.
- Managing financial accounts.
- Paying legitimate debts and expenses.
- Communicating with beneficiaries.
- Maintaining accurate financial records.
- Filing inventories, reports, and accountings with the court.
- Distributing assets according to the law.
Many people are surprised by the amount of paperwork and legal requirements involved. Working with an experienced probate attorney can help ensure these responsibilities are handled correctly.
Can Probate Be Avoided?
While probate is necessary in many situations, thoughtful estate planning can help minimize the assets that must pass through probate.
Planning tools may include:
- Revocable Living Trusts.
- Proper beneficiary designations.
- Payable-on-Death (POD) accounts.
- Transfer-on-Death (TOD) registrations.
- Joint ownership with rights of survivorship.
Attorney works with clients to develop estate plans that reflect their goals while helping loved ones avoid unnecessary delays and expenses whenever possible.
How Hicks-Guinn Law Can Help
Whether you have recently lost a loved one or have been appointed as an Executor or Personal Representative, you don't have to navigate probate alone.
Our team assists clients with:
- Probate administration
- Estate administration
- Trust administration
- Fiduciary guidance
- Court filings
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Beneficiary communications
- Asset distribution
We are committed to helping families move through the probate process with professionalism, compassion, and personalized legal guidance.
Did You Know?
Estate planning isn't something you do once and forget. As life changes, your estate plan should evolve with you.
Review Your Estate Plan Every 3–5 Years
Even if your circumstances haven't changed significantly, reviewing your estate planning documents every few years helps ensure they continue to reflect your wishes and comply with current laws.
Major Life Events May Require Updates
You should review your estate plan whenever significant life events occur, including:
- Marriage or divorce.
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild.
- Death of a spouse, family member, or beneficiary.
- Purchasing or selling a home.
- Starting or selling a business.
- Retirement.
- Receiving a substantial inheritance.
- Significant changes in your financial situation.
- Moving to another state.
Keeping your documents current helps avoid confusion and ensures your loved ones are protected.
Beneficiary Designations Matter
Many valuable assets—including retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain financial accounts—pass directly to the beneficiaries you've named rather than through your Will.
If your beneficiary designations haven't been updated in years, they may no longer reflect your current wishes.
Regularly reviewing these designations helps ensure they align with your overall estate plan and prevents unintended consequences.
Estate Planning Is About More Than Documents
An effective estate plan helps:
- Protect your loved ones.
- Preserve family relationships.
- Plan for incapacity.
- Minimize unnecessary probate.
- Protect assets.
- Provide peace of mind.
At Hicks-Guinn Law, we encourage clients to think of estate planning as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Our team is here to help you review, update, and strengthen your plan whenever life changes.
Peace of mind begins with a plan.
As part of our annual planning update, Hicks-Guinn Law Firm is sharing our scheduled office closures for 2026. During the dates listed below, our office will be closed in observance of federal holidays.
2026 Ǫ3 Holiday Closures
We encourage clients and partners to plan ahead for these dates. Our office will resume normal business operations on the next business day following each closure.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
