Trusts and Estates
Virginia S. Carter
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Virginia practices in the area of estate planning and estate administration. She assists in the preparation of all components of estate plans, wills, revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, and living wills. She also advises individuals, families, and closely-held business owners on estate and business succession planning issues, gift planning to reduce potential estate taxes, and the preparation of gift tax returns, as well as the administration of decedent's estates. Virginia's practice experience also includes a wide range of business law matters and corporate transactions, including advising sponsors of, and investors in, private investment funds.
Overview
Wilmington, North Carolina
- Washington and Lee University, B.A., graduated 2004
- Duke University, J.D., graduated 2009
- New Hanover County Estate Planning Council - Member
- New Hanover County Bar Association - Member, board of directors; president
- North Carolina Bar Association - Member — Section: Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law
- North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys - Member
- Good Sheperd - Board member
- Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Wilmington Alumnus, Class of 2015
- American Bar Association - Member — Section: Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
- American Bar Association - Member — Division: Young Lawyers
- All state courts in North Carolina
- New York, 2010
- North Carolina, 2013
Wilmington, North Carolina
- New Hanover County Estate Planning Council - Member
- New Hanover County Bar Association - Member, board of directors; president
- North Carolina Bar Association - Member — Section: Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law
- North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys - Member
- Good Sheperd - Board member
- Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Wilmington Alumnus, Class of 2015
- American Bar Association - Member — Section: Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
- American Bar Association - Member — Division: Young Lawyers
- Washington and Lee University, B.A., graduated 2004
- Duke University, J.D., graduated 2009
- All state courts in North Carolina
- New York, 2010
- North Carolina, 2013
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Trusts and Estates, Wilmington, NC (2025)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Trusts and Estates
Awards:
"Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2018 - 2020
The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers®, 2022 -2024
News & Media
Case History
Transactions
- Preparation of gift and estate tax returns
Preparation of gift and estate tax returns
- Modifying irrevocable trusts
Modifying irrevocable trusts, including by judicial action, to meet a client's updated planning goals
- Advising clients on strategies for retirement assets
Advising clients on strategies for retirement assets to reduce income taxes and maximize asset protection of these assets
- Planning for blended family situations
Planning for blended family situations with QTIPs and other strategies
- Advising on estate and business succession planning
Advising individuals, families, and closely-held business owners on estate and business succession planning issues
- Handling all aspects of administering estates and trusts
Handling all aspects of administering estates and trusts, advising both fiduciaries and beneficiaries
- Drafting all components of estate plans
Drafting all components of estate plans, including wills, revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, and living wills
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