Estate planning is an important legal process for every adult, regardless of age or net worth. While it accomplishes the task of planning for the disposition of your assets, the real goal of estate planning is achieved through the peace of mind it brings to you and your family. Although each...
Category: Uncategorized

Top Ten Mistakes in Estate Planning
Originally written by Kim Whitley for Outlook Newspaper.
Proper Planning can reduce the difficulty of handling an estate. Avoid these mistakes to make the estate process easier:
1. Not adding beneficiary designations to assets, including bank accounts.
Assets which pass by beneficiary designation...

Shortcuts In Estate Administration
Originally written by Kim Whitley for Outlook Newspaper.
Handling an estate can be a difficult task. Fortunately, North Carolina offers some “short forms” of estate administration to make the process easier and avoid a full administration:
1. DMV Form MVR-317. If a vehicle is the only asset...

What is Elder Law?
As the average life expectancy continues to rise, so does the need for the branch of law known as elder law. This area of law focuses on protecting and advocating for the aging and elderly along with their caretakers and loved ones. It covers a wide range of legal services from basic...
Partner Elected Chair Of Real Property Section – NC Bar Association
Eloise D. Bradshaw, a partner with Patrick Harper & Dixon LLP, has been elected Chair of the Real Property Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. The Real Property Section has over 2,000 members and consists of attorneys and paralegals who practice or work in the residential, commercial or industrial real estate...
David Hood Receives Catawba County Distinguished Public Service Award
Partner, David W. Hood recently received the Government of Catawba County Distinguished Public Service Award at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Catawba County, North Carolina. He has served the citizens of Catawba County as a member of the Board of Elections for the past 20 years and has...
Kim Whitley Speaks At Catawba Valley Paralegal Association CPE
On April 10, 2018, Kim Whitley presented a program on Special Assistance and Medicaid to the Catawba Valley Paralegal Association. The presentation was held at Catawba Valley Community College. Ms. Whitley’s presentation discussed the differences between Special Assistance and Medicaid, how to apply for each type of assistance, and tips on...
City Splash Pad Named After Founding Partner Charlie Dixon
The City of Hickory has a new water splash pad for children thanks to the efforts and funding by the City of Hickory, the Hickory Kiwanis Club and the Western Catawba County Kiwanis Club. The new splash pad was recently named the “Charles D. Dixon Memorial Splash Pad” at Kiwanis Park. At...
Appalachian State University Student Completes Internship At Law Firm
Taylor Rodney a rising senior at Appalachian State University, completed an undergraduate internship with Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP this summer. Taylor, who is majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Professional Law and minoring in Criminal Justice, plans to begin her journey through law school in August of 2018.
Partner Certified To Conduct Mediations
Michael P. Thomas, a partner with the law firm of Patrick, Harper & Dixon LLP, has been certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission as a North Carolina Superior Court Mediator. Mediation is a structured settlement discussion among the parties to a lawsuit or other dispute. Courts frequently order participants in...