Cooney Law Firm

Jennifer R. Cooney, a native of Fayetteville, has been licensed to practice law in North Carolina since 2003. After graduating from Campbell University School of Law, she opened her own firm, focusing on residential and commercial real estate, as well as estate planning and estate administration. With her extensive knowledge and experience in real property and inheritance laws, Ms. Cooney provides her clients with expert advice on their most valuable assets and helps make the probate process as smooth and efficient as possible for their loved ones.

Practice Areas

At our firm, we specialize in the following practice areas:

Residential and Commercial Real Estate

Our real estate transactions involve performing title research to confirm ownership and liens, reviewing recorded documents, and generating an opinion of title to ensure the transaction. We work closely with local lenders and realtors to get real estate transactions closed in a timely and efficient manner.

Estate Planning

We believe that estate planning is an essential part of ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. At our firm, we meet with our estate planning clients on two separate occasions. The initial appointment focuses on getting to know our clients' family situations, assets, and wishes regarding distribution of assets upon their death. We also discuss the importance of durable powers of attorney. The second appointment is where we execute, witness, and notarize all estate planning documents, providing our clients with originals for safekeeping.

Estate Administration

Estate administration involves working with the Estates division at the courthouse to open an estate, pay debts, and distribute remaining assets. We guide our clients through this process, ensuring that all filing deadlines are met, and that creditors are handled if necessary. We also provide advice to personal representatives regarding estate assets and debts, making this potentially emotional time easier with our calm guidance and assistance.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of preparing a Will and Durable Powers of Attorney for making both financial and healthcare decisions. A Will allows you to control the disposition of your assets upon your death and choose the person to act as Executor of your estate. A Power of Attorney allows you to choose a trusted friend or relative to act on your behalf to manage your affairs in the event you are unavailable or incapacitated prior to your death.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney and Why is it Important?

A Durable Power of Attorney is a document where a principal appoints an agent to make financial or healthcare decisions if they are not capable of making them. This is important because it avoids the need for a lawsuit for the adjudication of incompetency and appointment of a legal guardian through the Court.

What Happens if I Die Without a Will?

If a North Carolina resident dies without a Will (intestate), the North Carolina Intestate Succession Act will determine the decedent's heirs and how estate assets will be distributed. Any heir of the decedent is entitled to apply to be the Administrator, and a bond must be posted unless all parties agree to waive that requirement.

Are There Any Alternatives to a Will for Distributing Assets?

Yes, many financial assets such as checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies have beneficiary designations that can be used to distribute assets. Additionally, prepaid funeral plans and beneficiary designations on bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies can be used to distribute assets.