I would never recommend leaving a substantial inheritance directly to a minor child.

Not because the child shouldn’t inherit. Quite the opposite. If you are leaving money for a child, I want that inheritance to actually accomplish what you intended it to accomplish.

And simply naming a minor child as a beneficiary can create problems that most parents never see coming.

Blending a family is an act of love. But, when it comes to estate planning, it can also be a legal and emotional minefield. Without the right plan in place, assumptions, unspoken promises, and outdated documents can lead to painful surprises, strained relationships, and long-lasting legal battles. In North Carolina, where intestacy laws don’t account for stepchildren or second spouses the way many families assume, it’s especially important to be proactive.