Wilmington, NC Estate Planning Attorney
Protecting What
Matters Most
Boutique estate planning, probate, and elder law for Wilmington families. Work directly with David E. Anderson — a ChFC®-credentialed attorney and veteran committed to your family's future.
Meet Your Attorney
David E. Anderson
"Estate planning is one of the most personal things I do. My goal is to make sure every family I work with has a plan that truly reflects their wishes — and the peace of mind that comes with it."
David E. Anderson is a Wilmington-based estate planning attorney with nearly a decade of experience helping coastal North Carolina families protect their legacies. His practice focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate administration, and elder law — giving clients the depth of expertise that comes from specialization.
A U.S. military and law enforcement veteran and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), David brings a rare combination of legal and financial expertise to every client engagement. This dual credential allows him to craft plans that address not just legal documents, but the full financial picture of your family's future.
What We Do
Estate Planning & Elder Law Services
We offer a focused range of estate planning and elder law services for individuals and families throughout Wilmington and coastal North Carolina.
Estate Planning
Comprehensive plans tailored to your family — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives drafted with precision and care.
Learn moreWills & Trusts
Protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored with a properly drafted will or revocable living trust.
Learn moreProbate & Estate Administration
Guiding executors and administrators through the North Carolina probate process with clarity and efficiency.
Learn morePowers of Attorney
Durable financial and healthcare powers of attorney that protect you and your loved ones if you become incapacitated.
Learn moreElder Law & Medicaid Planning
Strategic planning to protect assets and qualify for Medicaid benefits while preserving your family's financial security.
Learn moreAdvance Directives
Healthcare declarations and living wills that ensure your medical wishes are known and legally protected.
Learn moreWhy Families Choose Us
A Different Kind of Estate Planning Firm
100% Estate Planning Focused
Unlike general practice firms, we focus exclusively on estate planning, probate, and elder law — giving you deeper expertise and more attentive service.
ChFC® Financial Credential
David holds the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, enabling him to integrate financial planning with legal strategy for a truly comprehensive plan.
Veteran-Owned & Community-Rooted
A proud veteran and longtime Wilmington resident, David brings discipline, integrity, and genuine community investment to every client relationship.
Personal, Boutique Service
You work directly with David — not a paralegal or associate. Every plan is custom-drafted to your family's unique circumstances and goals.
Simple & Transparent
How Estate Planning Works With Us
Initial Consultation
We start with a focused, no-pressure conversation to understand your family, your assets, and your goals.
Custom Plan Design
David designs a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your specific situation and long-term wishes.
Document Drafting
Your documents are carefully drafted, reviewed with you, and explained in plain language — no legal jargon.
Sign & Protect
We coordinate proper execution and signing, then guide you on keeping your plan current as life changes.
What Clients Say
Trusted by Wilmington Families
"I cannot truly express the level of gratitude that I feel toward David and his amazing team (Whitney, Jeanie and Jessica). The pinnacle of service excellence that was provided to me throughout the estate process was and should be the standard, it was superb. Their sincerity, friendliness and constant communication from the first day that I called until the final paperwork was filed has been nothing short of a blessing and amazing, especially during the most difficult time in my life. I highly recommend him and his team for any and all of your estate related needs. 5 star and 2 thumbs up!!!"
— Eric Cardamone
"David Anderson is so knowledgeable and explains everything so you can understand it. He has a very good personality. His staff is wonderful too. They are very friendly and willing to help in any way. I highly recommend David Anderson. You won’t be sorry."
— Rita Raynor
"Mr. Anderson and staff treated Angie and I like family. Our journey to creating a trust was a wonderful one because of their patience, professionalism, and courtesy. We couldn't be any happier!"
— James Varrone
"Very professional firm. Extremely knowledgeable about estate affairs, highly organized, stepped me through a very thoughtful and helpful process….and they listened! Very pleased with the results we produced."
— Bill Griffin
Client testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
Resources
Estate Planning Insights
What Happens If My Personal Representative or Executor Moves Out of State?
When most people choose a personal representative for their estate, they pick someone they trust completely, often a spouse, sibling, adult child, or close frie
What Assets Should Go in My Trust Versus My Will?
If you have started thinking seriously about estate planning, chances are you have run into the trust versus will question. It sounds like a straightforward sor
How Long Does Estate Administration Take in North Carolina?
Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences, and the legal and financial responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. One of the first
Common Questions
Estate Planning FAQs
Have more questions? We're happy to answer them in a consultation with our team.
Ask a QuestionDo I need an estate plan if I'm young and healthy?
Yes. Estate planning is not just for the elderly or wealthy. A basic plan — will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — protects you and your family at any age. Without one, North Carolina law determines who inherits your assets and who makes decisions for you.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how your assets are distributed after death and goes through probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to a trustee during your lifetime, allowing them to pass to beneficiaries without probate — often faster and with more privacy.
How much does estate planning cost in North Carolina?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your plan. We offer transparent flat-fee pricing for most estate planning packages. Contact our office for a consultation to discuss your specific needs and receive a clear fee quote.
What happens if I die without a will in North Carolina?
North Carolina's intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets — which may not match your wishes. Your estate will go through probate, and the court will appoint an administrator. A will gives you control over these decisions.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, significant changes in assets, or the death of a beneficiary or named executor.
In The Media
Estate Planning on WECT Cape Fear Business Break
David E. Anderson joins WECT 6's Cape Fear Business Break to explain how Wilmington families can protect what they have built, and why estate planning is about far more than a will.
Prepare for the Future
Our television spot on planning ahead for the people you love, from wills and trusts to probate and elder law guidance across coastal North Carolina.
Take the First Step
Your Family Deserves a Plan That Protects Them
Don't leave your family's future to chance. Schedule a consultation with David E. Anderson today and get a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your life.
9111 Market St, Suite A, Wilmington, NC 28411 · Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM
Request a Consultation
Call us at 910-509-7287 or fill out the form below.