Rick E. Graves

Major Practice Areas:

Estate planning, trusts, asset protection, taxation, generation skipping transactions, and taxation of, and planning with, IRAs and Qualified Plans.

Admitted:
US Tax Court
Federal Court: Eastern District of NC

Licenses and Certifications:
North Carolina State Bar (1997)
Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law (2003)

Education:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), magna cum laude , Clearwater Christian College
Master of Tax, summa cum laude, University of Akron, Ohio
Juris Doctorate (JD), University of Akron, Ohio

Member:
North Carolina Bar Association (2009-2010 Chair of the Tax Section)
New Hanover Bar Association
New Hanover County Estate Planning Council (past Chair)

Recognitions:

Martindale Hubble BV® Rated

Rick’s work in this field for over 25 years has resulted in a reputation for experience, effectiveness and problem-solving.  He has always emphasized a mastery of the fields of the law in which he practices along with his work as a financial planner.  He has demonstrated this aspiration through his board certification as a Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law and through the organizations with which he has worked and the positions he has held within these organizations.  He is a past Chairman of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Tax Section, has served on the Legislative Committee of the Estate Planning Section, and contributed as an author to both the Estate Planning and Tax Section Newsletters.  He is a member of the New Hanover County Estate Planning Council and is a past chair.  Mr. Graves is a speaker in his field and has taught the Estate Planning module of the Certified Financial Planner education program at the UNCW School of Business. 

More importantly, Rick’s service to his clients with an uncommon combination of technical expertise and practical advice has resulted in a focus on clients who value this type of approach to legal and financial services.  He is proud to be the primary attorney and/or financial advisor for many residents in the Wilmington area, as well as throughout the state of North Carolina.

Rick has demonstrated a life of commitment and excellence beyond the law.  He served for 21 years in the United States Army National Guard.  In his years in the United States Army, he completed extensive training and served as an Army Green Beret, and then as a JAG officer when he graduated from law school.  He assists many charitable organizations, particularly those focused on the Heavenly Kingdom.

Rick and his family came to Wilmington in 2001 and he and his wife, Becky, raised their children here. Rick and Becky are happy to call Wilmington their family’s home. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and snowboarding.

Rick is based out of the Wilmington office.