Alexander J Palme

Trained as a real estate and estate planning attorney initially in my career, my practice areas have expanded to encompass estate administration, special proceedings, and corporate formation, as well as, real estate and estate planning. I am a young, energetic attorney determined to become the best in my field through excellent representation of each and every client. I am constantly learning new aspects of the law and surrounding myself with opportunities for growth. Have you reviewed your estate plan lately? If not, maybe it’s time we take a peek at it!

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North Carolina

North Carolina State Bar

ID Number: 58229

Associate Attorney

Taylor Law Office

2021 - 2024

Acted in the role of Managing Attorney, running my own office and supervising staff in a thriving real estate and estate planning practice.

Legal Clerk

Office of the Juvenile Defender

2020 - 2020

Worked as a legal clerk for the Office of the Juvenile Defender, where I helped create literature as reference material for practicing attorneys in the field of Juvenile Law.

North Carolina Central University

J.D. | Law

2018 - 2021

University of North Carolina - Greensboro

B.A. | Anthropology

2014 - 2018

University of North Carolina - Greensboro

B.A. | Anthropology

2014 - 2018

North Carolina State Bar  # 58229

Member

Current

Q. Executor of will changed named beneficiary on retirement account for personal gain? Durable POA not filled. Wake, NC

May 28, 2024

A: The answer to your question will hinge upon the Power of Attorney document’s language. Because your father was living at the time of this beneficiary change, the executor would have been acting in his or her potential role as agent under the Power of Attorney.

An agent has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the principal (your father in this case). The Power of Attorney document will be controlling, as it is possible your father granted the executor the ability to make such changes.

North Carolina does not require a Power of Attorney to be recorded, though it is sometimes common practice for them to be recorded in the county in which the principal resides or has property.

I would recommend speaking to a local attorney if you believe the executor may have been acting outside of your father’s wishes and the specifications in the Power of Attorney document. ... Read More