Kara O. Gansmann

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Kara O. Gansmann: Attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP
Attorney Awards
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Kara Gansmann devotes her entire practice to elder law and estate planning in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP. Kara is especially well-suited for this practice thanks to her strong interpersonal skills, her diplomatic demeanor, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. She brings a solid sense of collegiality to her work with both clients and professionals, alike.

In private consultations, Kara counsels individuals and families on tactics for estate planning and long-term care planning. Kara drafts Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts, including Pet Trusts, Revocable and Irrevocable Living Trusts, and Special Needs Trusts. Kara also advises clients on eligibility for public benefits like Veterans’ Aid & Attendance and prepares applications for Medicaid and Special Assistance.

In the courtroom, Kara represents clients in trust and estate administration matters, Will caveats, guardianship/incompetency proceedings, and fiduciary litigation. Kara also represents clients in administrative hearings for denials of public benefits such as Medicaid.

Kara leads a team of experienced professionals who also focus on elder law needs. The team’s paralegals assist clients in matters ranging from probate to care-giver agreements to promissory notes or real estate deed transactions intended for long-term care planning. Kara’s team also includes a certified geriatric care senior advisor, who assists with placement in care facilities. Kara’s entire team understands the urgency and stress associated with seniors’ needs.

Prior to joining CSH Law, Kara served as a staff attorney on an appellate court in Houston, Texas. There she managed all aspects of complex civil and criminal appellate matters and drafted over 200 judicial opinions for court justices in six years.

Kara frequently presents on elder law issues to community organizations, churches, and neighborhood associations across Southeastern North Carolina. She is a prolific writer on legal issues affecting seniors. Kara volunteers for and actively supports local and state organizations that benefit seniors’ lives.

Kara hails from a small town in North Carolina, where she grew to appreciate the value of a hand-shake, hard work, and the trust placed in someone’s word. As a proud North Carolina native, she’s happy to raise her family in her home state where her favorite people call her wife, mom, daughter, sister, niece, and cousin.

Articles, Presentations, and Publications

•Presenter, “Durable Powers of Attorney Insights” and “Advanced Directive Tips: making Healthcare Wishes Explicit,” for National Business Institute’s CLE “Estate Planning: Top 7 Tools to Know” (June 17, 2019, Wilmington, North Carolina)
•Presenter, “Medicaid: New Rules in Benefits, Eligibility, and More” for National Business Institute’s CLE (June 12, 2019, 90-minute, nation-wide webinar)
•Featured in NC Lawyer, “Renaissance Woman: World Traveler, Lawyer, Writer, Volunteer Kara Gansmann Can’t Be Stopped,” by Russel Rawlings (August 2018)
•Presenter, “Documenting Long-Term Care, Incapacity, and End-of-Life Decisions,” for National Business Institute’s CLE “Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting Wills and Trusts” (June 18, 2018, Wilmington, North Carolina)
•Author of manuscripts, “Marshalling Assets: Key Complications,” and “Creditors’ Claims Frustrations,” presented by Andrew W. Olsen for the National Business Institute’s CLE, “Top Challenges in Estate Administration” (May 10, 2018, Raleigh, North Carolina)
•Author of manuscript, “Medicaid Planning Strategies,” presented by Andrew W. Olsen for the North Carolina Bar Association Elder Law & Special Needs Basics CLE (October 27, 2017, Cary, North Carolina)
•Presenter, The New North Carolina Power of Attorney Act, Cranfill Sumner Firm Seminar (November 9, 2017, Raleigh, North Carolina)
•Author of manuscript, “Medicaid Estate Recovery” presented by Andrew W. Olsen for National Business Institute’s CLE “Medicaid Update 2017” (November 7, 2017, Raleigh, North Carolina)
•Author, How Seniors Can Afford Long Term Care Without Spending Their Life Savings, Business North Carolina (August 2017)
•Author of manuscript for CLE “What are Trusts? Main Trust Principles” as presented by Andrew W. Olsen for National Business Institute’s CLE “Trusts from A to Z” (June 30, 2017, Wilmington, North Carolina)
•Kara is a regular contributor to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal Insights column.
•Author, A Retailer’s Guide to Use of Video Surveillance Evidence to Defend itself in Litigation, The Retailer magazine (2017)
•Presenter, Liability Issues with Free-Speech Rights in the Workplace, Cranfill Sumner Firm Seminar (October 2016, Raleigh, North Carolina)
•Author, The Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Corporations to Opt Out of Contraceptive Mandate in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014)
•Author, Government Speech. It’s What’s for Dinner, 82 N.D. L. Rev. 519 (2006)

Media

Discussions with Greg Kutrow, Certified Financial Advisor with Pensionmark:

Why Should I Update My Will Now That I Live Here?

Why Adding Your Adult Children to Investment or Banking Accounts Can Mean Unnecessary Risk

Health Care Power of Attorney for Children 18+

TESTIMONIALS

Can’t say enough positive things about Kara Gansmann and the Wilmington office team.'
J.C.L. 8/15/2017
Your work and that of your associates is much appreciated!'
M.S. 11/26/2018
It was extremely easy and pleasant to work with you and your team. You LISTENED to me and HEARD what I wanted. Your suggestions regarding improvements to the estate documents were on point and appreciated. Most of all, I appreciated the timeliness of the work. It was done on time and the team got it right the first time. Thanks again.'
S.M. 7/31/2018
Thank you for your help and efficiency probating my husband’s estate. You and your team have been incredibly helpful and very supportive during this difficult time. '
E.W. 2/20/2019
Kara, thank you so much for the packet of wills and assorted forms that I picked up yesterday. We really enjoyed working with you; you had great ideas and excellent insight into what we wanted and needed. It was a pleasure doing business with Cranfill Sumner. '
E.L. 3/13/2019
I am so glad you prepared my estate plan. I knew when I attended your presentation you would be a person I would enjoy working with and that certainly was the case. So much thanks and kudos to you! '
C.N. 3/15/2019
I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done. It means the world to me. I really appreciate you giving me the confidence to complete everything. I finalized everything today and I’m done! '
A.L. 3/19/2019
I have enjoyed working with you and have greatly appreciated all of your time, thoroughness, and understanding!!! Your professionalism, care, and diligence set you apart.'
A.H. 11/10/2019
It was certainly our pleasure and good fortune to have such good legal representation on Mom's behalf in this matter. We are very pleased with the overall outcome and your commitment to successfully wade through the myriad of details and voluminous governmental 'red-tape' wrapped around this matter to bring this to conclusion. Our fingers are crossed that we will not require further services, however, if we do, I will be calling on you again to work your magic.'
J.W. 8/31/2020

Accomplishments

Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Tax and Estate Planning (2022-2026)
•North Dakota Law Review, Editor in Chief (2007)
•Order of the Coif, Member
•National Order of the Barristers, Member

Most Recent Posts

News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2026 Legal Elite

Eleven Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....

News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2025 Legal Elite

Eleven Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in Retire Coastal Carolina Video Series

Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group Chair Kara Gansmann is featured in a new video series by Retire Coastal Carolina....

News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2024 Legal Elite

Twelve Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...

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The Top 5 Dos and Don’ts of Family Conversations Involving Aging Loved Ones’ Needs

If you are lucky enough to gather around the holiday table with multiple generations, aging relatives, and loved ones, consider...

News

Kara Gansmann Hosts Cranfill Conversation About Trusts

Kara Gansmann hosted the Aug. 15 Cranfill Conversation about Trusts....

News

Kara Gansmann Appointed Chair of NCBA Elder and Special Needs Section

Kara Gansmann has been appointed to serve as the Chair of the Elder & Special Needs Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. The 2023-2024 term began July 1....

News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2023 Legal Elite

Twelve Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...

News

Kara Gansmann Presents ABLE Webinar

Kara Gansmann, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP, served as a presenter for the NC ABLE Webinar Series: NC ABLE Accounts vs. Special Needs Trusts on Nov. 9....

News

Insights Article by Kara Gansmann Addresses Reducing Debt for Estate Planning

A recent Insights article by Kara Gansmann discusses the importance of reducing or eliminating debt while estate planning and how that can impact a person’s final estate. “Simplifying An Estate by Living & Dying Debt-Free” provides tips for making estate planning easier through the reduction or elimination of debt....

News

Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2022 Legal Elite

Eight Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...

Post

Kara Gansmann’s Insightful Discussion Available on Wilmington Business Journal

“Planning for Retirement and Beyond,” an Insightful Discussion by Kara Gansmann, is available from the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. The article...

News

Kara Gansmann Recognized by JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards

Kara Gansmann, a Partner in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law), was recognized as a Top Author in the area of Wealth Management by the JD Supra Readers’ Choice Awards....

News

Kara Gansmann Presents at “Dementia Conversations” Program

Kara Gansmann, a Partner in the Cranfill Sumner Wilmington office, served as a presenter for the “Dementia Conversations Program” on Jan. 27. The webinar, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, was held from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m....

News

Kara Gansmann Reappointed to NCBA Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee

Kara Gansmann has been reappointed to serve on the Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee for the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA). Kara’s term began in July and continues for one year. This is Kara’s second term on the committee....

News

Kara Gansmann Elected Treasurer of NCBA Elder Law & Special Needs Law Section Council

Kara Gansmann, a Partner in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been appointed to serve as Treasurer of the North Carolina Bar Association Elder Law & Special Needs Law Section Council....

Post

When Mom Moves in... Key Legal Considerations Before an Aging Parent Moves in with an Adult Child

As Americans are living longer, more and more seniors are turning to family members for care and support as they...

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Who, What, When, Where, & Why of Estate Planning During Covid-19 and Beyond

When a health crisis hits, families often scramble to find and locate estate planning documents and other legal documents. At...

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COVID-19: Top 5 Estate Planning Essential Tools

Amid the chaos of COVID-19, estate planners and elder law attorneys across the country are busy fielding calls and questions...

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COVID-19: 3 Times When Your Estate Plan Should Be Reviewed

As the coronavirus has made its way to North Carolina, clients are reaching out to the Elder Law Practice Group...

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FAQ: Estate Planning in the Age of COVID-19

With the novel coronavirus reaching North Carolina, here are the top questions our Elder Law attorneys and paralegals are facing:...

News

Kara Gansmann Serves as Co-Planner for NCBA Symposium

Kara Gansmann, a Partner based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, served as a co-planner for the 24th Annual Elder Law & Special Needs Law Symposium of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA). The conference was held in Charlotte on Feb. 20-21. ...

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Estate Planning Considerations with the SECURE Act

At the tail-end of 2019, Congress enacted the SECURE Act, short for “Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement Act.”...

Post

Durable Power of Attorney: Is yours “Hot” Enough?

Many states, including North Carolina, allow people to execute certain legal documents called Powers Attorney. In a Power of Attorney,...

Post

Senior Planning Checklist

When preparing for the future, seniors and their families can follow this check-list to ensure their needs have been addressed....

News

Cranfill Sumner Announces Upcoming Free Estate Planning Forums

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) will host free forums about “Trust, Estate & Long-Term Care Planning.”...

News

Kara Gansmann Named Chair of Cranfill Sumner Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group

Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been named the Chair of the Cranfill Sumner Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group....

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in Insightful Discussion

Kara Gansmann was featured in the recent Insightful Discussion on the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal....

Post

Understanding Trusts: Do you need one? What are the? How do they work?

One of the most common questions clients ask is whether they need a trust. While they are usually seeking a...

News

Kara Gansmann Appointed to NCBA Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee

Kara Gansmann was recently appointed to serve on the Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association. Kara’s term began in July and continues for one year....

Post

May is National Elder Law Month

Where the month of May celebrates mothers and the Kentucky Derby, the month of May has also been designated as...

Post

Top 5 Reasons that Seniors Should Avoid Sharing a Joint Bank Account with an Adult Child

As seniors age, many seniors believe that they should add an adult child to their bank account. Purely for ease...

Post

Long-Term Care Options: Paying for Long-Term Care

As a younger person, your fitness may have been at its all-time peak. However, the growing number of candles on...

News

Kara Gansmann Serves as Co-Planner for NCBA Elder Law Symposium

Kara Gansmann served as Co-Planner for the 23rd Annual Elder & Special Needs Law Symposium presented by the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA). The event was held Feb. 21-22 at the Pinehurst Resort....

Post

A Valentine’s Day Love Song Tribute to an Updated Estate Plan

At Valentine’s Day, we celebrate those we love whether our loved ones are our children or grandchildren, spouses, committed partners,...

News

Cranfill Sumner Announces Upcoming Dates for Free Estate Planning Forums

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) has announced dates for free forums about “Trust, Estate & Long-Term Care Planning” through May 2019. ...

Post

The Requisites for a Valid Will in North Carolina versus Texas: Blinking a Testator’s Estate Plan and Execution of a Will

Recently a Texas intermediate appellate court affirmed a trial court’s ruling to admit a Will for probate when the decedent...

News

Kara Gansmann Named Partner of Cranfill Sumner LLP

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced that Kara Gansmann has been named a partner in the firm. Kara is based in the firm’s Wilmington office....

News

Kara Gansmann Co-Plans Elder Law CLE

Kara Gansmann served as co-planner for the 2018 Basics of Elder Law & Special Needs Law CLE seminar sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association. The event was held Oct. 12 at the North Carolina Bar Center in Cary....

Post

New Veterans Administration Rules Could Impact Pension Benefits Recipients

The Veterans Administration (VA) just released new rules that impact eligibility for certain Veteran’s Benefits. The new rules go into effect on...

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in North Carolina Lawyer

Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney Kara Gansmann is featured in the latest edition of North Carolina Lawyer, a publication of the North Carolina Bar Association. “Renaissance Woman: World Traveler, Lawyer, Writer, Volunteer Kara Gansmann Can’t Be Stopped” discusses the journey that Kara Gansmann has taken on her career from flight attendant to attorney....

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Essential Estate Planning Documents for Young Adults

When packing for college, don’t forget the Power of Attorney documents. In her latest Insights article, Kara Gansmann reviews estate...

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Relief Available for Medicare Part B Penalties

“Relief Available for Medicare Part B Penalties,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann is available now on the online...

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in “Pre-Planning for Peace of Mind” Discussion

Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), is featured in the latest Insightful Discussion in the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. In “Pre-Planning for Peace of Mind,” Kara discusses the importance of pre-planning estate matters....

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Top Estate Planning Tips for Loved Ones with Special Needs

“Top Estate Planning Tips for Loved Ones with Special Needs,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann is available now...

News

Cranfill Sumner Announces August Dates for Free Estate Planning Forums

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) has announced dates for free forums in August addressing the estate-planning needs of families, recent or new “Empty-Nesters,” and young adults, including college-bound children. ...

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The Low-Down on the Medicaid Spend-Down

“The Low-Down on the Medicaid Spend-Down,” an Insights article by Kara Gansmann, appears it the latest edition of the online...

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What’s the penalty applied by Medicaid for gifts or transfers?

The latest Insights article from Kara Gansmann appears in today’s edition of the online Greater Wilmington Business Journal. “What’s the...

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in NCBA Newsletter

Kara Gansmann was featured in the May 2018 Gray Matters, the newsletter from the North Carolina Bar Association Elder Law & Special Needs Section. “Pro Bono Corner: Putting the Perks of Pro Bono Work Into Your Elder Law Practice” discusses the importance of pro bono work among elder law attorneys....

News

Kara Gansmann Addresses “Your Life, Your Legacy” Seminar

Kara Gansmann spoke at the recent “Your Life, Your Legacy” seminar at the Brunwick Senior Center in Leland, NC. Kara spoke about the importance of estate planning, long-term care planning, and how to leave legacy gifts for loved ones. ...

News

Kara Gansmann Co-Plans NCBA CLE Event

Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP, served as co-planner for the Veterans’ Legal Issues CLE conference on May 18. The event was a joint CLE event for the Military & Veterans Law and Elder & Special Needs Law Sections of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)....

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Estate Planning & Estate Administration Considerations for Bitcoin

How do you account for Bitcoin in estate planning? Kara Gansmann addresses that question in her latest Insights article in...

News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Featured in Insightful Discussion

Kara Gansmann and Rebecca Knudson recently participated in an Insightful Discussion for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. The article, “Legal Advice for Business and Personal Matters,” allowed Wilmington-area attorneys to answer reader questions about legal matters....

Post

National Elder Law Month

In recognition of May as National Elder Law Month, Kara Gansmann discusses the importance of Elder Law in her latest...

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in NCBA E-Bar

Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was featured in the April 24 edition of the North Carolina Bar Association E-Bar. The E-Bar highlighted Kara’s April 16 Insights article, “NC Seniors Will Receive New Medicare Cards But Remain Susceptible to Fraud,” which originally appeared in the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal....

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NC Seniors Will Receive New Medicare Cards But Remain Susceptible to Fraud

In her latest Insights article, Kara Gansmann reviews the latest changes to Medicare cards and what senior citizens should be...

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What Can Happen to My Cremated Remains under NC Law?

“What Can Happen to My Cremated Remains under NC Law?” is the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann. In the...

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Using a Supplemental Needs Trust for the Benefit of a Disabled Person

“Using a Supplemental Needs Trust for the Benefit of a Disabled Person,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann, was...

News

Kara Gansmann’s Insights Article Featured in NCBA E-Bar

Kara Gansmann’s latest Insights article was featured in the March 13 e-bar by the North Carolina Bar Association. “Use a Pet Trust to Ensure Your Pet’s Care” explains how a trust can ensure a pet’s care after its owner has passed or is no longer able to manage its care....

News

4ALL Statewide Service Day

Attorneys from the offices of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 11th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 2....

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Use a Pet Trust to Ensure Your Pet’s Care

Kara Gansmann discusses how pet trusts can protect family pets after an owner passes away in her latest Insights column....

News

Kara Gansmann Appointed to NCBA Elder Law & Special Needs Council

Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was recently appointed to the NC Bar Elder Law & Special Needs Law Section Council, as a voting member of the council....

News

Kara Gansmann Plans 22nd Annual Elder & Special Needs Law Symposium

Kara Gansmann recently served as planner for the 22nd Annual Elder & Special Needs Law Symposium that was held Feb. 22-23, 2018 in Pinehurst. Kara is a co-planner for the CLE Committee of the NC Bar Elder Law & Special Needs Section where she oversaw planning for this event as well as another CLE event....

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Post-Retirement Planning: A Checklist for Seniors

Kara Gansmann’s latest Insights article, “Post-Retirement Planning: A Checklist for Seniors,” provides recommendations for planning for retirement including finances, investments,...

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in Estate Planning Video Series

Kara Gansmann was featured in a recent series of videos by Tracel Wilt of Intracoastal Realty. The three-part video series answers questions about estate planning....

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Top 10 Scams that Target Seniors

“Top 10 Scams that Target Seniors,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann, is available now on the online edition...

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Impacts on Elder Law and Estate Planning Under the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act

Kara Gansmann examines the potential impact that the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may have on families considering estate...

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The New N.C. Power of Attorney Act: Its Impact on Estate and Elder Law Planning

In her latest Insights column, Kara Gansmann discusses the impact of the N.C. Power of Attorney Act on estate and...

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As Options for Senior Housing Increase to Meet Seniors’ Needs, Rely on a Geriatric Care Manager

In her latest Insights article, Kara Gansmann explains how a Geriatric Care Manager can assist families of seniors as they...

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Debunking Five Common Myths about Long-Term Care Planning

Kara Gansmann addresses “Debunking Five Common Myths about Long-Term Care Planning” in her latest Insight article in the online Greater...

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With November Comes Turkey, Alzheimer’s Awareness, and a Need to Proactively Plan for Aging Loved Ones with the Disease

Since November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, Kara Gansmann offers some tips for caring for...

News

Cranfill Sumner Announces Dates for November Estate Planning Forums

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) has announced dates for free forums about “Trust, Estate & Long Term Care Planning” in November. ...

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The IRS Increased the Thresholds for 2018 Estate and Gift Taxes

“The IRS Increased the Thresholds for 2018 Estate and Gift Taxes,” an Insights article by Kara Gansmann was published in...

News

Andy Olsen to Present About Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning at NCBA CLE Event

Andy Olsen, the Chair of the Elder Law Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), will speak at the upcoming Basics of Elder and Special Needs Law CLE event. On Oct. 27, Andy will present about Medicaid Strategies in Long-Term Care Planning, a presentation he created with assistance from Kara Gansmann....

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The Caretaker Child: How Aging Parents Can Compensate Adult Children For Care At Home

The latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann is now live on the Greater Wilmington Business Journal website. “The Caretaker Child:...

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Using Personal Care Agreements for an Elderly Person’s At-home Care

The latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann was published in today’s edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. “Using Personal...

News

Kara Gansmann Published in Business North Carolina Magazine

“How Seniors Can Afford Long Term Care Without Spending Their Life Savings,” an article by Kara Gansmann, was published in Business North Carolina Magazine’s 2017 Law Journal. Kara is an elder law attorney based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP....

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Five Tips for Protecting Seniors in a Technological World

“Five Tips for Protecting Seniors in a Technological World,” the latest Insights article by Kara Gansmann was recently published in...

News

Kara Gansmann Featured in NC E-Bar

A recent Insights article by Kara Gansmann was featured in the North Carolina Bar Association E-Bar publication. The article, “What To Do With A Paper Savings Bond After Owner Dies,” was initially published in the online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal....

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Common Mistakes In Probating Estates Without Legal Assistance

“Common Mistakes In Probating Estates Without Legal Assistance,” an Insights article by Kara Gansmann, was published in the online edition...

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Cashing A Paper Savings Bond After The Owner Dies

Kara Gansmann, an elder law attorney with Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill Sumner), recently published “Cashing A Paper Savings...

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The Importance of Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples

“The Importance of Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples,” an Insights article by Kara Gansmann was published in the Aug. 1...

News

Cranfill Sumner Elder Law Team Volunteers at Fayetteville Veterans Event

Kara Gansmann and Vanita Young recently served as volunteers at a walk-in legal clinic held at the Fayetteville Vet Center on July 19, 2017. The event was sponsored by the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center....

Areas of Practice (1)

  • Elder Law & Estate Planning

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of North Carolina Wilmington, B.A., 1998; University of North Dakota, B.A. in English, 2005
Law School Attended:
University of North Dakota School of Law, J.D., with distinction, 2007
Year of First Admission:
2007
Admission:
2007, Texas; 2015, Federal District Court, Eastern District of NC; 2014, North Carolina
Memberships:

Community Involvement

•North Carolina Bar Association, Member
•North Carolina Bar Association, Elder Law & Special Needs Law Section Council, Former Chair (2023-24)
•National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), North Carolina Chapter Member
•New Hanover County Estate Planning Council, Member
•Accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans' benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
•State Bar of Texas, Inactive Member in Good Standing
•Air to Heart Foundation, Newsletter Editor (2024- present)
•Porters Neck Village, Board of Directors (2022- present)
•The Carousel Center, Inc., Board of Directors, Chair (2016)
•North Carolina Bar Association Foundation; Law-Related Education; Attorney Advisor for Middle School Mock Trial Team (2015)

Reported Cases:
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS: Cases or matters referenced do not represent the attorney's entire record. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer's or a law firm's past results.; Obtained guardianships on behalf of out-of-state and in-state clients to protect family members with dementia; Obtained guardianships on behalf of clients to protect family members with mental illness; Obtained Medicaid-compliant annuities to assist community spouses; Obtained Medicaid eligibility and approval for single clients and married clients; Obtained an Order in estate administration that required an executor to return to the estate legal fees, commissions, and other administrative costs estimated to be in excess of $100,000 based on inaccurate inventories and accountings filed during probate.; Assisted in successful defense on appeal of a trial court's dismissal of legal malpractice claims against an attorney on grounds that the attorney was judicially immune as a quasi-judicial officer when he served as a court-appointed commissioner to oversee the partition sale of real property owned by the a plaintiff as a co-tenant.
ISLN:
922210440

Payment Information

Credit Cards Accepted
MasterCard, Visa

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My wife and I recently enlisted Kara to rewrite/update our wills and healthcare powers of attorney forms. We met for a consultation and were so impressed with her that we hired her on the spot. She...

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