Areas of Practice
Real Estate
Purchases • Sales • Refinances • Deeds • Easements • Homeowner’s Associations • Leases and Evictions • Foreclosures
For most people, purchasing a home is the greatest investment they will ever make. It should be made wisely and with the assistance of an attorney. Title to real property is not a single document like title to an automobile. It is an ownership right that may be affected by easements, liens, and restrictions imposed over time. Certifying title requires an extensive review of the public records and a thorough knowledge of many areas of the law. With a title certification from Sneed & Stearns, you can be certain that you have received good title to your property, and that you are well-informed about any legal rights affecting title.
The attorneys at Sneed & Stearns are also skilled at preparing easements, restrictive covenants, leases, and other documents affecting real estate, as well as prosecuting or defending evictions or foreclosures
*To protect yourself, you should never sign documents pertaining to your property interests or rights without having them prepared or reviewed by an attorney. This includes contracts, easements, deeds, deeds of trust, and estate planning documents. Signing loan documents without an attorney may obligate you to a high cost loan; fail to adequately pay off, close and cancel outstanding loans; or create title defects which are very costly to correct.*
Municipal and Local Government Law
Zoning Matters • Subdivision Matters
Ron Sneed has served as attorney for the Town of Black Mountain for more than 40 years. Allow us to put that expertise to work for you in matters before boards and commissions in other jurisdictions involving zoning, assessments, land use or land planning.
Estate Planning
Wills • Powers of Attorney • Health Care Powers of Attorney • Living Wills • Trusts
A Last Will and Testament allows you to specify who receives your assets after your death. Reviewing your wishes with an estate planning attorney will allow you to be informed about the most cost efficient and simple estate plans. We will also discuss options for powers of attorney. These important planning documents can help relieve legal and financial stress for your loved ones if you ever become incapacitated or unable to handle your own affairs.
Estate Administration
When a loved one dies, the estate must be administered through the office of the Clerk of Court to transfer assets to the estate’s beneficiaries. The administrator or executor must notify creditors and beneficiaries, gather assets, pay debts, account to the court for all property that comes into and goes out of the estate, and properly distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. Allow us to assist with this particularly stressful time so that you can focus on your family.
Business Law
Corporations • Partnerships • Limited Liability Companies
There are several types of business entities available in North Carolina, including Sub-S corporations, non-profit corporations, limited liability companies, joint ventures and partnerships. Each type of entity carries its own advantages and disadvantages. Making the right decision is vital to protecting your personal assets from the liabilities of the business.