The experienced GCGS real estate staff, led by our attorneys, is knowledgeable in all areas of commercial and residential real estate matters. The GCGS real estate team strives to provide professional and cost-effective residential real estate closings. Our team includes one of only three board certified residential real estate attorneys in the Greater Hickory Metro Region (Marty Steele). In addition to residential transactions, the firm is a leading provider of services to tax-deferred exchange, commercial and industrial real estate clients in the Greater Hickory Metro Region.
GCGS is dedicated to providing our clients with complete and effective "wealth care." We believe in a very personalized approach to assisting our clients reach their goals of protecting and enhancing their estates for themselves and their beneficiaries. We listen first for our clients' needs and wishes. Our experienced estate planning attorneys then evaluate issues relating to estate and gift planning, selection of fiduciaries, transfers of family businesses, life insurance, retirement planning, trusts, charitable giving, health care, education funding and gift techniques. We also provide personal support and counsel in the settlement and administration of estates.
Asset protection has been defined as "the process of organizing one's assets and affairs in advance so as to safeguard them from loss or dissipation by reason of potential threats or risks. Asset protection planning does not involve hiding one's property from creditors and/or the taxing authorities. Certain asset protection tools can yield estate, gift and income tax advantages; however, asset protection planning is generally tax-neutral.
Where appropriate, asset protection should be an integral part of estate planning. Often assets can be adequately protected using a few simple and inexpensive techniques. Although sophisticated asset protection trusts are not necessary for many of us, almost everyone can benefit from making basic asset protection planning a part of their overall estate plan. It is critical that asset protection techniques be put in place before any liability arises. GCGS can assist our clients with legitimate asset protection planning.
GCGS Elder Law attorneys focus on issues unique to the elderly and work as advocates for their senior clients. Proper planning and legal counsel can help seniors make the right decisions about financial security, healthcare, and the protection of their rights.
Elder Law encompasses areas such as the following:
GCGS can help guide you through these legal decisions.
GCGS advises our clients on the proper choice of business entity and assists with the formation of corporations, partnerships, family limited partnerships and limited liability companies; we counsel clients in the negotiation and preparation of employment contracts, non-competition agreements, shareholder agreements and deferred compensation agreements and insurance arrangements. We are involved in the representation of our clients in the purchase or sale of a business, the transfer of family business interests to subsequent generations, and the reorganization of business interests. GCGS has particular experience working with medical and dental practices in forming new relationships or ending old ones.
GCGS represents both individuals and estates in cases involving personal injury and wrongful death caused by the negligence or fault of others. We are experienced in settlement negotiations, mediation and arbitration with the focus on the full and complete compensation to our clients. We are often able to negotiate a complete settlement for our clients. However, if necessary, we will not hesitate to initiate litigation to insure the full and complete protection of the client's interests under the law.
GCGS litigation attorneys represent clients in hearings, trials and appeals in both state and federal court, as well as before administrative and regulatory agencies. We also provide successful negotiation, mediation and arbitration of settlement to secure the appropriate result. In those cases where a trial becomes the only available option to protect our client's interests, we have litigation experience in civil, banking, corporate, contract, construction, insurance, estate, medical malpractice, personal injury, real property, zoning and land use cases.
GCGS handles misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in State Court.
GCGS provides counsel to our clients on a personal basis through what is often a difficult time in their lives. We have experience and knowledge in all separation, divorce and related property and distribution areas. We also prepare pre-nuptial and post-nuptial property settlements.
GCGS represents businesses and individuals in bankruptcy proceedings (Chapter 11 reorganizations, Chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy cases) and bankruptcy litigation. We are experienced in negotiations and court representation to successfully restructure financial relationships in order to provide businesses and individuals with solutions to their financial problems. Our GCGS team includes the only board certified bankruptcy attorney in the Greater Hickory Metro Region.
GCGS assists in all categories of collection actions, including: assisting creditors in collecting delinquent accounts receivable; advising creditors in proper credit and collection procedures; drafting and revising commercial credit applications and related documents; assisting creditors with bankruptcy matters; and assisting creditors and out-of-state legal Counsel in collecting foreign judgments.
GCGS can assist in mediation of family financial matters such as equitable distribution cases. We accept Court appointments to mediate and are also available to mediate upon party selection in these cases. Daniel R. Green, Jr. is certified as a Family Financial Mediator by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. Although his certification pertains to family financial matters, he is also willing to mediate custody, child support, and alimony matters.