MEET
GARY ERNST

Knowing that critical decisions regarding wills, trusts, and probate often need to be made while people are struggling with overwhelming emotions, Gary Ernst strives to explain everything in “plain English” so that clients understand the issues. He takes the time to ensure that clients understand their legal rights and the future ramifications of their decisions.

Trust and estate matters are frequently triggered by tragic events such as the death of a loved one or the onset of a terminal illness. During this difficult time, Gary works to guide families forward and protect their options for the future.

Over the years, Gary has advised clients in hundreds of trust and estate matters ranging from fairly modest asset situations to those involving eight-figure wealth.  He has represented clients from all walks of life, including small business owners, widowed spouses, surviving descendants, individuals and couples of all ages, entrepreneurs, and large corporate entities.

Although he currently focuses his practice on estate planning, estate administration/probate, and trust administration, he also has significant experience with commercial litigation, corporate governance, commercial and residential real estate, and animal welfare.  This range of experience provides him with unique insight when developing estate plans for business owners and others facing unique challenges.

Gary grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving to the Triangle region and becoming a “double Tar Heel” by earning both his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A firm believer in the importance of service to others, Gary collaborated on an amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of “Blue Water” Navy Vietnam Veterans injured by exposure to Agent Orange.

When not assisting clients, Gary enjoys reading classic novels, exploring local trails and greenways, and spending time with his wife, their young son, and a growing menagerie of pets.