WHAT SETS US APART IS EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE. With three offices across North Carolina, our elder law attorneys offer advice on many different aspect of elder law and related issues affecting seniors and their families. Our team is comprised of attorneys devoted entirely to the practice of elder law, experienced paralegals who are well-versed in elder law and probate, and a certified senior advisor, all of whom work with clients for advanced planning for asset protection or crisis planning. We strive to provide informed, relevant legal advice, and services in a compassionate, understanding environment.
Our team proudly provides comprehensive knowledge of the laws affecting older adults and people with special needs. We provide not just legal advice, but also assistance with other issues that impact clients, from overcoming mobility and physical limitations to family conflicts to placement in a long-term care setting. We take a holistic approach to your family’s legal, financial, and personal affairs to best support you and your family’s quality of life.
What We Do
- Estate Planning
- Wills & Trusts
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Asset Protection Planning
- Medicaid Planning, Eligibility, & Qualification
- Veteran’s Long-Term Care Benefits
- Geriatric Care Management
- Special Needs Planning
- Guardianship & Incompetency
- Trust, Estate, & Fiduciary Litigation Services
- Elder Care Referral Services
- Long-Term Care Placement
- Health Care Directives*
- Financial Powers of Attorney
- Trust Administration
Most Recent Posts
Kara Gansmann’s Insightful Discussion Available on Wilmington Business Journal
“Planning for Retirement and Beyond,” an Insightful Discussion by Kara Gansmann, is available from the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. The article… Read More
Kara Gansmann Recognized by JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards
Kara Gansmann, a Partner in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), was recognized as a Top Author in the area of Wealth Management by the JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards.… Read More
Kara Gansmann Presents at “Dementia Conversations” Program
Kara Gansmann, a Partner in the Cranfill Sumner Wilmington office, served as a presenter for the “Dementia Conversations Program” on Jan. 27. The webinar, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association®, was held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.… Read More
Kara Gansmann Reappointed to NCBA Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee
Kara Gansmann has been reappointed to serve on the Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee for the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA). Kara’s term began in July and continues for one year. This is Kara’s second term on the committee.… Read More
When Mom Moves in… Key Legal Considerations Before an Aging Parent Moves in with an Adult Child
As Americans are living longer, more and more seniors are turning to family members for care and support as they… Read More
COVID-19: Top 5 Estate Planning Essential Tools
Amid the chaos of COVID-19, estate planners and elder law attorneys across the country are busy fielding calls and questions… Read More
COVID-19: 3 Times When Your Estate Plan Should Be Reviewed
As the coronavirus has made its way to North Carolina, clients are reaching out to the Elder Law Practice Group… Read More
Durable Power of Attorney: Is yours “Hot” Enough?
Many states, including North Carolina, allow people to execute certain legal documents called Powers Attorney. In a Power of Attorney,… Read More
Senior Planning Checklist
When preparing for the future, seniors and their families can follow this check-list to ensure their needs have been addressed.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Announces Upcoming Free Estate Planning Forums
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) will host free forums about “Trust, Estate & Long-Term Care Planning.”… Read More
Kara Gansmann Named Chair of Cranfill Sumner Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group
Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been named the Chair of the Cranfill Sumner Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group.… Read More
Understanding Trusts: Do you need one? What are the? How do they work?
One of the most common questions clients ask is whether they need a trust. While they are usually seeking a… Read More
May is National Elder Law Month
Where the month of May celebrates mothers and the Kentucky Derby, the month of May has also been designated as… Read More
Top 5 Reasons that Seniors Should Avoid Sharing a Joint Bank Account with an Adult Child
As seniors age, many seniors believe that they should add an adult child to their bank account. Purely for ease… Read More
Long-Term Care Options: Paying for Long-Term Care
As a younger person, your fitness may have been at its all-time peak. However, the growing number of candles on… Read More
A Valentine’s Day Love Song Tribute to an Updated Estate Plan
At Valentine’s Day, we celebrate those we love whether our loved ones are our children or grandchildren, spouses, committed partners,… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Announces Upcoming Dates for Free Estate Planning Forums
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) has announced dates for free forums about “Trust, Estate & Long-Term Care Planning” through May 2019. … Read More
The Requisites for a Valid Will in North Carolina versus Texas: Blinking a Testator’s Estate Plan and Execution of a Will
Recently a Texas intermediate appellate court affirmed a trial court’s ruling to admit a Will for probate when the decedent… Read More
Kara Gansmann Co-Plans Elder Law CLE
Kara Gansmann served as co-planner for the 2018 Basics of Elder Law & Special Needs Law CLE seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association. The event was held Oct. 12 at the North Carolina Bar Center in Cary.… Read More
Essential Estate Planning Documents for Young Adults
When packing for college, don’t forget the Power of Attorney documents. In her latest Insights article, Kara Gansmann reviews estate… Read More
Relief Available for Medicare Part B Penalties
“Relief Available for Medicare Part B Penalties,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann is available now on the online… Read More
Top Estate Planning Tips for Loved Ones with Special Needs
“Top Estate Planning Tips for Loved Ones with Special Needs,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann is available now… Read More
The Low-Down on the Medicaid Spend-Down
“The Low-Down on the Medicaid Spend-Down,” an Insights article by Kara Gansmann, appears it the latest edition of the online… Read More
What’s the penalty applied by Medicaid for gifts or transfers?
The latest Insights article from Kara Gansmann appears in today’s edition of the online Greater Wilmington Business Journal. “What’s the… Read More
Estate Planning & Estate Administration Considerations for Bitcoin
How do you account for Bitcoin in estate planning? Kara Gansmann addresses that question in her latest Insights article in… Read More
National Elder Law Month
In recognition of May as National Elder Law Month, Kara Gansmann discusses the importance of Elder Law in her latest… Read More
NC Seniors Will Receive New Medicare Cards But Remain Susceptible to Fraud
In her latest Insights article, Kara Gansmann reviews the latest changes to Medicare cards and what senior citizens should be… Read More
What Can Happen to My Cremated Remains under NC Law?
“What Can Happen to My Cremated Remains under NC Law?” is the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann. In the… Read More
Using a Supplemental Needs Trust for the Benefit of a Disabled Person
“Using a Supplemental Needs Trust for the Benefit of a Disabled Person,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann, was… Read More
Use a Pet Trust to Ensure Your Pet’s Care
Kara Gansmann discusses how pet trusts can protect family pets after an owner passes away in her latest Insights column.… Read More
Kara Gansmann Appointed to NCBA Elder Law & Special Needs Council
Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was recently appointed to the NC Bar Elder Law & Special Needs Law Section Council, as a voting member of the council.… Read More
Kara Gansmann Plans 22nd Annual Elder & Special Needs Law Symposium
Kara Gansmann recently served as planner for the 22nd Annual Elder & Special Needs Law Symposium that was held Feb. 22-23, 2018 in Pinehurst. Kara is a co-planner for the CLE Committee of the NC Bar Elder Law & Special Needs Section where she oversaw planning for this event as well as another CLE event.… Read More
Impacts on Elder Law and Estate Planning Under the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act
Kara Gansmann examines the potential impact that the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may have on families considering estate… Read More
The New N.C. Power of Attorney Act: Its Impact on Estate and Elder Law Planning
In her latest Insights column, Kara Gansmann discusses the impact of the N.C. Power of Attorney Act on estate and… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Elder Law Team Volunteers at Fayetteville Veterans Event
Kara Gansmann and Vanita Young recently served as volunteers at a walk-in legal clinic held at the Fayetteville Vet Center on July 19, 2017. The event was sponsored by the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center.… Read More
Top 10 Reasons To Consult An Elder Law Attorney
An Insights article by Kara Gansmann was published in the July 5 edition of the online Greater Wilmington Business Journal. … Read More
Kara Gansmann to Co-Chair Elder Law CLE Committee for NC Bar Association
Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been selected to serve as the Co-Chair of the CLE Committee for the Elder & Special Needs Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.… Read More
Cranfill Sumner Announces Addition of Elder Law Practice Group
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that it has added an Elder Law Practice Group to its list of practice areas. The firm has hired Andrew Olsen to Chair the new practice group.… Read More
