Compassionate, Experienced Counsel for Your Legal Needs
At Ray, O'Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC, we are a dedicated team of attorneys who specialize in providing exceptional legal services to our clients in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area. Our firm was founded on the principles of professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have developed a reputation for providing top-notch legal counsel to individuals, families, and businesses throughout the region.
Our Practice Areas
Our practice is concentrated in the following areas:
Estate Planning
Our Estate Planning practice involves the preparation of all components of estate plans, including wills, revocable trusts, generation skipping transfer tax trusts, durable financial powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, declarations of a desire for natural death (living will), and advice on minimizing potential estate and income tax liabilities. We also provide advice on charitable planning and gifting, including outright gifts to charity, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable lead trusts. Additionally, we counsel on estate and income tax planning for retirement benefits and life insurance planning, including the use of irrevocable life insurance trusts.
We prepare pre-marital and post-marital agreements and advise on lifetime gift planning to reduce estate taxes, including the use of limited liability companies, family limited partnerships, and other fractional interests.
Administration of Estates and Trusts
Our Administration of Estates and Trusts practice includes the administration of estates and trusts, including the preparation and probate of wills, the administration of trusts, and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries. We also provide guidance on estate and income tax planning for retirement benefits and life insurance planning, including the use of irrevocable life insurance trusts.
Business Law
Our Business Law practice involves the representation of individuals and businesses in a wide range of commercial transactions, including contract negotiations, entity formations and reforms, and business litigation. We also provide counsel on matters related to commercial transactions, including sales and purchases, leases, and financing agreements.
Professional Memberships
Our attorneys are members of the Cumberland County Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association. We are also certified as a Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the North Carolina State Bar.
About Our Attorneys
Our attorneys have extensive experience in their respective fields and are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. They are:
- Robert G. Ray (1943 - 2022), a veteran attorney with over 40 years of experience in the practice of law. He was a respected Estate Planning and Probate attorney, who was recognized as one of North Carolina's Super Lawyers (Estates and Trusts) annually for over 16 years.
- Steven J. O'Connor, who has over 25 years of experience in Estate Planning and Estate Administration. He has been recognized as one of North Carolina's Super Lawyers (Estates and Trusts) annually for over 10 years.
- Deanna L. Coleman, who has over 15 years of experience in Estate Planning, Administration of Estates and Trusts, and Business Law. She is a certified Public Accountant and has experience in tax planning and preparation.
- Isaac C. Halverson, who has over 10 years of experience in Estate Planning, Administration of Estates and Trusts, and Business Law. He is a certified Public Accountant and has experience in tax planning and preparation.
Positive Experiences
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with numerous clients praising the law firm and its attorneys for their exceptional service, professionalism, and expertise. Clients have praised the firm's ability to break down complex legal concepts into understandable language, provide thorough and timely advice, and offer a welcoming and caring atmosphere.
Expertise
The attorneys at the law firm have extensive knowledge in their fields of specialization, including estate law, property transactions, and business issues. Clients have praised the firm's ability to handle complex legal matters, including estate planning, trust creation, and real estate transactions.
Communication
Clients have praised the law firm's communication style, noting that the attorneys are responsive, friendly, and easy to talk to. The firm's staff is described as courteous, professional, and caring.
Weaknesses
However, there are a few instances where clients have expressed dissatisfaction with the firm. One client felt that the attorney was unresponsive and did not explain the legal process clearly. Another client felt that the attorney was drawing out the process longer than necessary and did not properly bill for services.
