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Zoning Variances vs. Rezoning: Which Path Is Right for Your North Carolina Development Project?

January 16, 2026

When you’ve found the perfect property for your North Carolina development project, discovering that current zoning regulations stand between you and your vision can feel like hitting a brick wall. Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand, a developer planning a new residential community, or a property owner hoping to use your land differently,…

Protecting Your Business Name and Brand: Trademarks, Trade Names, and Domain Names

December 18, 2025

Starting a business in North Carolina requires more than a great idea and solid financing. One of the most important steps entrepreneurs often overlook is protecting their business name and brand identity. Whether you’re launching a craft brewery in Wilmington, opening a retail shop in Southeastern North Carolina, or expanding your company’s digital presence, understanding…

Why Are Probate Bonds Essential for Estate Administration in North Carolina?

December 15, 2025

When someone passes away and leaves behind an estate, the administration process involves numerous legal requirements designed to protect beneficiaries and creditors. Among these safeguards, the probate bond stands as one of the most important, yet often misunderstood, instruments in estate administration. Whether you’re an executor, administrator, or fiduciary, understanding the role and importance of…

Legal Requirements for Carrying Passengers for Hire: What Do North Carolina Vessel Operators Need to Know?

December 10, 2025

Coastal North Carolina’s thriving tourism industry creates abundant opportunities for commercial passenger vessel operations. Charter fishing boats departing from Wrightsville Beach, sunset cruises along the Cape Fear River, and sightseeing tours through the Intracoastal Waterway all share one common requirement: strict compliance with federal and state regulations governing vessels that carry passengers for hire. Whether…

New North Carolina Law Highlights Why Every Parent Needs a Will

October 24, 2025

In Recognition of Estate Planning Awareness Week A recent change to North Carolina’s intestacy laws offers welcome relief to children born to unmarried fathers—but it also serves as a powerful reminder of why no one should rely on the state’s default inheritance rules. At Rountree Losee, LLP, our attorneys have helped families in Southeastern North…

Your Cyber Legacy: Planning for Digital Assets in Your Estate

October 23, 2025

For over 125 years, Rountree Losee, LLP has helped families in Southeastern North Carolina plan for the future and protect what matters most. While the fundamentals of thoughtful estate planning remain constant, the assets we help clients protect have evolved dramatically. Today, your legacy extends far beyond traditional property and financial accounts—it includes a digital…

Do Your Parents Have an Estate Plan?

October 21, 2025

If you are part of the sandwich generation—caring for both your children and your parents at the same time—it is crucial that you know whether or not your parents have an existing estate plan. While the final decisions within their estate plan rest with them, creating a comprehensive estate plan is an absolute necessity, regardless…

Understanding Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax: Protecting Multi-Generational Wealth in North Carolina

October 16, 2025

When families with substantial assets think about legacy planning, they often focus on avoiding probate and minimizing estate taxes. However, a less understood but equally important consideration lurks in the tax code: the generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT). This federal tax can significantly erode wealth intended for grandchildren and future generations if not properly addressed in…

Recreational Boating Accidents: Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Maritime Law

July 17, 2025

The pristine waters of coastal North Carolina offer some of the most spectacular recreational boating opportunities on the East Coast. From the Cape Fear River to the Intracoastal Waterway, thousands of boaters enjoy these waters year-round. However, with increased recreational boating activity comes the unfortunate reality of boating accidents.  Understanding your rights and responsibilities under…

How Blended Families Can Benefit From Estate Planning

July 3, 2025

Blended families have become increasingly common throughout North Carolina, bringing together children from previous relationships with new marriages and partnerships. While these family structures offer tremendous joy and fulfillment, they also create unique legal considerations that require careful estate planning to protect everyone involved. At Rountree Losee, LLP, our attorneys have provided counsel on estate…