Firm Information

The Hart Law Group, P.C. is a North Carolina Professional Corporation formed by Mary Hart in 2006. Our firm focuses its practice in the areas of estate and trust planning and administration; probate; civil litigation; business and contract law; residential and commercial real estate closings, transactions, and contracts; property disputes; guardianships; medicaid planning; 1031 tax-deferred exchanges; self-directed IRAs; domestic partnership planning; IRS tax matters, and family law including custody matters and collaborative divorce.

This blog and our website have been developed to provide you information in the matters you are currently facing and to help you through your process. Please browse through these postings, get to know a little about us and make use of the tools we have available here and on our main website.

Thank you for your interest in our firm and we look forward to meeting you.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Communicating A Loss

"I held the envelope and stared at it for what seemed like an eternity.  Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Townsend - the line pierced my heart.  I know it wasn't sent intentionally to hurt my feelings, but it is hard enough being the first Holiday Season without him.  I didn't expect to be getting cards addressed to us both."

Coping with the loss of a loved one is always challenging – but especially during this season of Joy and Celebration.  For those left behind, even small incidents can cause feelings of isolation.  We've learned from thousands of families who have been there before - details such as notifying friends and family (even distant relatives) often get overlooked.The result can be unexpected, painful moments. 

Learn about best practices(https://hartlawgroup.myestatemanager.com/#step/notify-family-and-friends/10) and helpful tips on subjects such as “notifications”  and other life planning topics at EstateManagerPRO: https://hartlawgroup.myestatemanager.com/, a FREE RESOURCE that helps you plan prepare for and manage life's transitions.

If you are coping with a loss this Holiday Season we are thinking of and praying for you.  You are not alone.  The following ideas may help:

  • Offer Yourself Grace: Don’t fall prey to the belief that you should have to feel a certain way.  Allow yourself to feel sad, let the tears flow if they need to, and if a hint of joy and happiness appear – don’t feel guilty about enjoying those moments as well.  Be kind to yourself and allow your feelings to just be what they are, not what you or anyone expect them to be.   
  • Ask for and Accept Help: In times of need others want to help – but often don’t know how.  Don’t be afraid to speak up - let them know what you need and how to help you.  If you want to talk about what you are experiencing or just want to be left alone – let them know. 
  • Make An Impact: One of the best ways to cope with sadness and grief is to shift the focus to someone else.  Choose a person or organization that could use your compassion and help this season.  Donate your time or financial resources.  You may be surprised at the joy these actions can bring to your Holiday. 
  • Remember that this too will pass: As hard as it is right now, you will make it through, and you will be stronger on the other side.  Your pain will not always be as intense and with time it will get easier.