Winston-Salem Journal columns by Wells Law attorney Mike Wells covering estate planning, personal injury, long-term care, and legal news for the Triad area.
September 15th, 2026
R. Michael Wells has been recognized by his peers in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 12th, 2026
Some of us struggle with the importance of finding a path to resolution in many disputes. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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September 29th, 2025
You are equal in the eyes of the law, and more specifically, the creditor which made the loan in the first place, more than likely, because of your good credit.
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August 6th, 2025
Your property will be divided among your spouse and your children, even if they are minors. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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May 7th, 2025
But added to that in contemporary life is the higher cost of health care and long-term care for an aging citizenry. Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
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January 3rd, 2025
They were making their way toward Berlin to end the devastating WWII in the European Theatre. Wells Law serves families throughout Winston-Salem and the Triad.
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December 10th, 2024
Following this is a discussion of the most important questions about the process: 1. Who should purchase a long-term care policy; 2. Wells Law serves the Triad.
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December 10th, 2024
This is the second of two columns dealing primarily with long-term care options and related elder law issues. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
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October 23rd, 2024
Because the odds are a good percentage of those who reach their seventies are going to need long-term care. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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September 25th, 2024
The benefits take the place of wages. But there are benefits when workers are disabled as well as when one retires. Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
September 25th, 2024
law, depending on the circumstances, to file a claim in court. But why does the insurance adjuster encourage you to settle soon? Learn more from our attorneys.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 19th, 2024
consider hiring an attorney? Attorneys represent clients with these claims on a contingent (percentage) fee basis. Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
May 5th, 2024
Why is it important to document that you received timely and necessary medical treatment if you are injured? Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
April 7th, 2024
In a recent column we addressed the basic steps to complete your estate planning. Here are other practical planning steps that are less involved than you think.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
February 9th, 2024
A little-known fact is that more than half of adults in America do not have estate planning documents in place. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 8th, 2024
And how to change their family's habits to avoid their financial challenges getting worse. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
June 21st, 2023
Part of the problem with American law is it is derived from Roman law (Latin) and English law. This is why there are so many Latin phrases in legal documents.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 6th, 2022
I have been privileged to write a monthly legal column for the Winston-Salem Journal for nearly 20 years. Contact the attorneys at Wells Law to talk it through.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 3rd, 2022
law, depending on the circumstances, to file a claim in court. But why does the insurance adjuster encourage you to settle soon? Learn more from our attorneys.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
June 8th, 2022
But when should you consider hiring an attorney? Attorneys represent clients with these claims on a contingent fee basis. Read more columns from Wells Law.
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May 1st, 2022
Property damage generally: The legal test of your damages is what was the value of your vehicle immediately before the wreck and what was the value afterward.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
April 10th, 2022
Why is it important to document that you received timely and necessary medical treatment if you are injured? Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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February 28th, 2022
Any adult, including those who speak Spanish. The callers are not limited because of their level of income. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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January 31st, 2022
Most of the relatively minor issues people face can be resolved without venturing into a court of law, but by taking your issues to the court of common sense.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 3rd, 2022
Here are some practical tips to help. This is often the major question. They think they are alone, or that they really should have figured it out on their own.
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December 6th, 2021
All gifts count, and even a gift the giver may think is modest can provide a profound benefit to the recipients. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
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November 8th, 2021
When citizens do not have the physical and mental ability to engage in gainful employment, despite their strong will to do so, how will they support themselves?
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
September 5th, 2021
What COVID-related questions may an employer ask an employee (current or prospective)?... The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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August 6th, 2021
But through the vision of President Trump, and others, Project Warp Speed brought us... The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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August 1st, 2021
This is the third of a three-column series to discuss commonsense ways to plan your estate and to avoid many unforced, and sometimes very expensive, errors.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 2nd, 2021
And we really should reflect on their extraordinary service and be especially grateful for their sacrifices. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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June 24th, 2021
was recently inducted the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society for 2020 by the Supreme Court of North Carolina. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
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June 1st, 2021
With some exception, the homeplace is sold when both parents have passed, and the net proceeds are divided. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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April 6th, 2021
As one can imagine, the removal of billions of dollars otherwise subject to federal income tax for generations had a significant impact on the federal deficit.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
March 1st, 2021
This Friday, March 5, you can do just that during the 14th 4ALL event, a public service program of the N.C. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 3rd, 2021
was not an ideal time, I agreed to do so. But the show caught on, and in time it was moved to a higher listening weekday slot. Read more columns from Wells Law.
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December 6th, 2020
In this column, we will discuss when (and if) you need a revocable trust, which is sometimes called a living trust. Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
November 1st, 2020
If you do not have a will, you are not alone. One recent national study estimates that nearly 60% of adults have no estate-planning documents in place at all.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
October 12th, 2020
As they faced the fear of those times, they learned not to be intimidated by fear, or to take its counsel. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
October 12th, 2020
But it's also sound advice for a more serious game of chance: a jury trial in a civil lawsuit. Wells Law serves families throughout Winston-Salem and the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
October 6th, 2020
Who were those who declined even to consider hiring these two obviously brilliant women? The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
September 5th, 2020
Contact them at 336-896-1191 or info@financialpaths.org to set up a remote, confidential and generally courtesy initial session. Learn more from our attorneys.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 3rd, 2020
You may receive a confidential courtesy initial session via telephone or a virtual session. C ontact them at 336.896.1191 or at info@financialpathways.org.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
June 30th, 2020
This first column will address some valuable community resources you can access before. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
June 11th, 2020
Sleep on it, do not make any quick decisions, and ask a credible source what they think. (Some credible non-profit sources for direction are also noted below.).
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
May 1st, 2020
The tips in this third and final column on the subject should help you take the best planning steps to avoid common problems in the administration of an estate.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
March 26th, 2020
Here is the second column to discuss practical how-to tips to ensure a smooth estate administration. Contact the attorneys at Wells Law to talk it through.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
March 1st, 2020
A terrific opportunity for all citizens to get free legal advice is set for this Friday. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 29th, 2020
Over the next few columns, we will provide some practical tips on ensuring a smooth estate administration. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 28th, 2020
And there is a good chance that the injured party had a long-forgotten previous injury for which they got medical treatment. Read more columns from Wells Law.
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January 28th, 2020
What other decisions might you face, and what steps should you take going forward to monitor the level of care of your loved one? Important contract issues.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 28th, 2020
Simply creating a new POA does not revoke the prior one, unless the language of the new POA states that it does. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 28th, 2020
Encourage your regular lawyer to discuss with you a fair amount to settle your property-damage claim, and to do so as a courtesy. Learn more from our attorneys.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 28th, 2020
(Email ASKSAM@wsjournal.com.) Any number of people comment on the value of this service the Journal provides. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
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August 15th, 2019
"Do you need to speak English to get SSD benefits? " from Michael Wells's Album by Michael... Wells Law serves families throughout Winston-Salem and the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 15th, 2019
Social Security telephone scam: Mike Wells warns about callers impersonating the Social Security Administration and what to do if you get one of these calls.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 15th, 2019
"Social Security won't go bankrupt by 2035" from Michael Wells's Album by Michael Wells. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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July 24th, 2019
Here are a few of them that offer free or cost-efficient venues to ask for direction on important legal matters: Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 10th, 2019
What other decisions might you face, and what steps should you take to monitor the level of care of your loved one? Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 10th, 2019
This issue has been discussed before, but it bears repeating, as I regularly get questions about this. Contact the attorneys at Wells Law to talk it through.
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July 10th, 2019
Many referral companies now tout the contractors on their vetted list, which is a start. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 10th, 2019
Hopefully, the suggestions below will spare you the frustration and bad surprises that go with many disputes. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 10th, 2019
But added to that in contemporary life is the higher cost of health care and long-term care for an aging population. Contact Wells Law to discuss your options.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 10th, 2019
This column is the second in a series of the most important legal issues most of us encounter. Wells Law serves families throughout Winston-Salem and the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
July 10th, 2019
Third in a series covering the most important subjects on which I've given citizens direction over the 15 years I have been privileged to write this column.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
December 31st, 2018
Among his recommendations is confirmation of the contractors' Certificate of Insurance: See example here Example COI. Contact Wells Law to discuss your options.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
September 10th, 2018
It has been my privilege to write a monthly column on the law for the Winston-Salem Journal for 15 years. Contact the attorneys at Wells Law to talk it through.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 16th, 2018
Mike Wells on the high costs, both financial and emotional, of legal disputes, with practical tips on how to resolve a dispute before it ever reaches court.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 16th, 2018
In the first installment of a two-part series, Mike examines the sweeping 2018 federal tax law reforms, and how they might impact tax payers. Contact Wells Law.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
August 16th, 2018
Part two of a two-part series: Mike Wells outlines the 2018 North Carolina Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act and what it means for North Carolina families.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
May 31st, 2018
Replacement cost coverage on your homeowner's policy. Most of us will have a claim of some kind on our homeowner's policy. Read more columns from Wells Law.
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May 6th, 2018
Here are some major areas of personal legal and financial risks, and ways to protect yourself: Wells Law serves families throughout Winston-Salem and the Triad.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
March 19th, 2018
But Legal Fact And Fiction can be fun, too. Michael enjoys learning about and evaluating absurd and seemingly nonsensical laws. Learn more from our attorneys.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 20th, 2018
If you do not have a FPOA, there is NO ONE named in the law by default in charge of your financial affairs while you are living should you become incompetent.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
October 30th, 2017
The locations will be the Reynolda Manor Branch Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive, and the Southside Branch Library, 3185 Buchanan St. Learn more from our attorneys.
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July 10th, 2017
Michael Wells, Sr., sworn in as a member of the board of trustees of the Piedmont Authority... Wells Law serves families throughout Winston-Salem and the Triad.
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June 20th, 2017
Maybe your decision involves a key relationship or your career. Your most viable choices may be beyond what you see and know. Read more columns from Wells Law.
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June 6th, 2017
Part one of a two-part series: Mike Wells offers practical advice on the selection process for long-term care in his Winston-Salem Journal column that week.
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May 22nd, 2017
The post-hearing brief is a brief or memo written after the hearing takes place that addresses a specific issue(s). Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
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May 8th, 2017
If so, Mike offers some simple tips for working successfully with contractors in his Sunday, May 7th Winston-Salem Journal column. Wells Law serves the Triad.
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April 3rd, 2017
Here is a helpful article I wrote for my April monthly column in the Winston-Salem Journal on resolving back tax issues with the IRS. Learn more from Wells Law.
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March 16th, 2017
Please read more about it via the link below, and see Mike's listing among those who have served all ten years. Wells Law serves families throughout the Triad.
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March 1st, 2017
If you've got a legal question and can wait until Friday, March 3rd. for an answer, have we got an event for you! Get practical legal guidance from Wells Law.
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February 28th, 2017
The Triad Business Journal announced Mike Wells' nomination to the North Carolina Department of Transportation Board by Governor Roy Cooper. Wells Law can help.
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February 20th, 2017
Please read the Saturday, February 18th Winston-Salem Journal report, here, to learn more... The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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February 13th, 2017
Did you know that you could be held responsible to both visitors and trespassers for accidents that happen on your property? Read more columns from Wells Law.
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February 6th, 2017
The VE is neutral, but, if properly questioned by the lawyer, the VE can become a tool to positively impact the case. Contact Wells Law to discuss your options.
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February 6th, 2017
Poets and preachers tell us to be on the lookout for it. The problem is Ego does not come to us with a sign draped around its neck. It comes in clever disguise.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 30th, 2017
"Got Plans?" Free Seminar. "Got Plans?" is a free advanced care workshop in Winston-Salem. February 7th from 1:00-2:00 pm Where: Multipurpose Room, Kate B.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
January 30th, 2017
Scantland-Lall received her BA degree from Duke University and her JD degree from the University of Denver. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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January 30th, 2017
Read the notice in the Winston-Salem Journal's. Business Milestones section for January 15, 2017 here. Contact the attorneys at Wells Law to talk it through.
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January 23rd, 2017
Classes on heart failure and preventive cardiology are the perfect match. will present seminars, free and open to the public, to explain estate administration,.
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January 3rd, 2017
Mike Wells shares his thoughts about how to do so, thanks to new federal and state laws. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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January 3rd, 2017
Our senior partner, Mike Wells, was honored by the Triad Business Journal as one of the most influential leaders in the Triad region of North Carolina in 2016.
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December 27th, 2016
Leadership for the future will require us to take principled chances to find common ground. The attorneys at Wells Law help North Carolina families plan ahead.
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December 13th, 2016
Don't get bitten by the Humbug this holiday season: Mike Wells on the legal complications that can arise from holiday travel, gift giving, and year-end plans.
Posted in: Winston-Salem Journal Articles
November 7th, 2016
Common causes of motor-vehicle accidents and injuries and how to avoid them - legal insight from the attorneys at Wells Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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October 28th, 2016
Your support of Forsyth County Bonds is needed to ensure the improvement and viability of essential Forsyth County resources including: Read the full column.
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October 26th, 2016
In other words, it tells you how a particular judge has decided cases in the past, at least statistically. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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October 18th, 2016
Disinformation and misinformation abound about the Social Security Disability process, which is unfortunate. Wells Law helps North Carolina families plan ahead.
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October 3rd, 2016
From the Sunday, October 2, 2016 Winston-Salem Journal: Mike Wells outlines the ways in which using online legal documents may be practical--or problematic.
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September 19th, 2016
Wake Forest Baptist Health Best Health October community seminars, including Mike Wells on 10 things you should know about the law, free and open to the public.
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September 14th, 2016
Mike Wells' Winston-Salem Journal column on assumption law - how the everyday assumptions we all make about other people can carry unintended legal problems.
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This publication is intended as a forum for general information about the law and other topics of interest to the authors and its readers but is not intended to provide specific legal advice or opinion, or to establish an attorney-client relationship. The author's statements are not attributable to Wells Law, PLLC and may fail to represent the law or other topics of interest precisely or broadly.
