Wills & Trusts Attorney Serving Western North Carolina and the North Georgia Region

Guidance for Every Season of Life

At Blue Ridge Legacy Law, we offer focused estate planning services tailored to the unique needs of families and individuals in Western North Carolina and the North Georgia mountains. Whether you’re starting fresh, planning for aging parents, or protecting your children’s future, our mission is simple: to help you protect your people, your wishes, and your legacy.


We’ll help you protect what matters—clearly, quickly, and confidently, with in-person and virtual appointments available.

Schedule a Free 15‑Minute Consultation

How We Help You

At Blue Ridge Legacy Law, we believe estate planning should feel clear—not overwhelming. We work closely with clients throughout Highlands, Cashiers, and the surrounding region to create wills and trusts that protect what matters most.

Custom Will Drafting by Your Lawyer

We prepare a last will and testament that reflects your wishes and names guardians, executors, and beneficiaries you trust.

Revocable Living Trust Setup

Our attorney can establish a living trust to avoid probate and ensure a smoother, more private transfer of assets.

Beneficiary & Trustee Planning

We help you choose trusted individuals to carry out your plan and protect your family’s future.

Asset Protection & Trust Funding Guidance

We provide funding strategies to protect your estate and ensure your trust functions as intended—especially protecting the generational homes and mountain land that anchor your family's legacy.

Regular Review & Update Services

We offer complimentary reviews every three years so your plan stays aligned with life and law changes.

Education and Clear Legal Explanations

We make legal concepts understandable—whether explaining probate or comparing wills vs. trusts.

Our Process – Simple, Clear, Client‑Focused

Step 1

Free 15‑Minute Consultation

We begin with a short, no-pressure call to learn about your goals and share how we can help.

Step 2

2-Hour Planning Session (First 45 Minutes Free)

You’ll meet one-on-one with Attorney Julie Upshaw for up to two hours. The first 45 minutes are focused on education—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Step 3

Plan Implementation & Ongoing Support

If you decide to proceed, we’ll create your personalized plan and offer complimentary reviews every three years to ensure it remains current.

What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Let’s break it down—no legal jargon. Just answers.

Feature Will Trust
Goes into effect After death Immediately (can continue after death)
Avoids probate No Yes
Controls distribution Yes, after probate Yes, privately
Covers incapacity No Yes
Privacy level Public record Private
Court involvement Yes – through probate No
Best for Basic estate needs, naming guardians More complex needs, privacy, avoiding probate
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will I work directly with Julie, or with support staff?

    You’ll always work directly with Julie—no handoffs, no call centers. Your estate planning is personal, and so is our service.

  • What’s the benefit of using a local wills and trusts attorney?

    We understand the unique needs of mountain families in Western NC and North Georgia. You get personalized, region-specific guidance—not a generic plan from a large law firm.

  • Can a trust help me avoid probate in North Carolina and Georgia?

    Yes. A properly created and funded revocable living trust can help you avoid probate in both North Carolina and Georgia.


    When assets are titled in the name of your trust, they do not go through probate court at your death. Instead, your trustee can transfer or manage those assets privately and more efficiently according to your instructions.


    This is especially helpful if you:


    Own property in North Carolina, Georgia, or both


    Want to avoid multiple or out-of-state probate proceedings


    Prefer privacy and faster access for your loved ones


    It’s important to note that a trust must be properly funded to work as intended. Real estate and certain accounts must be placed in the trust, while others may pass by beneficiary designation.


    Bottom line: A trust is an effective way to avoid probate and simplify estate administration in both North Carolina and Georgia.

  • What happens after my plan is signed?

    We keep your documents secure and offer complimentary three-year reviews. You can update your plan as your family or life circumstances change.

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plan@brlegacylaw.com

Ready to Secure Your Future?

“Because your family deserves protection you understand.”

At Blue Ridge Legacy Law, we help you build a plan that protects what matters and provides peace of mind for the people you love. Let’s get started.