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
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
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
Brandy Cox Leads Sessions at Elder Law Attorney Conference
Brandy Cox, Senior Paralegal at Cranfill Sumner LLP, served as a facilitator at the 10th Annual Spring Retreat for the North Carolina Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NC NAELA)....
News
Kara Gansmann Featured in Retire Coastal Carolina
Kara Gansmann, the Chair of Cranfill Sumner LLP’s Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group, is featured in an interview with Retire Coastal Carolina....
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. ...
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. ...
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....
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. ...
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....
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....
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....
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. ...
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....
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....
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....
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. ...
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)....
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....
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....
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....
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....
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....
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. ...
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....
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....
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....
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....
News
Kara Gansmann Named Veterans Affairs Accredited Attorney
Kara Gansmann, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, was recently named an accredited attorney by the Department of Veterans Affairs. She received her accreditation on June 15, 2017....
News
Kara Gansmann to Co-Chair Elder Law CLE Committee for NC Bar Association
Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been selected to serve as the Co-Chair of the CLE Committee for the Elder & Special Needs Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association....
News
A Retailer’s Guide to Use of Video Surveillance Evidence to Defend Itself in Litigation
“A Retailer’s Guide to Use of Video Surveillance Evidence to Defend Itself in Litigation,” an article by Kara Gansmann, was published in the recent edition of The Retailer, a members only publication of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association. It can be found in the Retail Technology Section of Issue 2 of 2017....
News
Kara Gansmann to Participate in “Women In Law” Panel
Kara Gansmann, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, will speak today as part of a panel entitled “Women in Law.” The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Randall Auditorium on the UNCW Campus....
News
Kara Gansmann Elected Treasurer of Coastal Women Attorneys
Kara Gansmann was recently re-elected to the position of Treasurer for the Coastal Women Attorneys Chapter (“CWA Chapter”) of the...
News
Kara Gansmann to Chair Carousel Center Board
Kara Gansmann, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been elected to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Carousel Center, Inc. for 2016-2017. Kara joined the organization’s board of directors in 2014....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Eight attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 9th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 4. The statewide event is sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation and the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)....
News
Robin Hayes Terry and Kara Gansmann Participate in NCAWA Conference
Two Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys will participate in the upcoming 2015 North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys (NCAWA) Annual Conference....
News
Kara Gansmann Elected Treasurer of NCAWA Chapter
Kara Gansmann, an attorney in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner, was recently elected as Treasurer of the Coastal Women Attorneys (CWA) Chapter of the NCAWA....
News
Part 2: Look-Back, Employers, for Those Variable Hour Employees
Part 2 of “An Employer’s Basic Primer to the Affordable Care Act” was published on the Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s Insights page today....
News
Cranfill Sumner to Sponsor CLE Luncheon for the Benefit of Carousel Center
Cranfill Sumner is proud to sponsor a seminar and luncheon, “The Impact of Evolving Fiduciary Standards Upon Non-Profit Organizations and Charitable Giving.”...
News
An Employer’s Basic Primer to the Affordable Care Act
The June 1 online edition of the Wilmington Business Journal featured “An Employer’s Basic Primer to the Affordable Care Act,” written by Kara Gansmann....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Participate in 4ALL Statewide Service Day
Eleven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) participated in the North Carolina Bar Association’s 8th Annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day on Friday, March 6. ...
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Volunteer to Help with High School Mock Trial Competition
Kara Gansmann and Elizabeth King from the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner will help with the High School Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington....
News
Kara Gansmann Joins Carousel Center Board of Directors
Kara Gansmann, of Cranfill Sumner, appointed to the board of directors for the Carousel Center, Inc; a child friendly environment for abused and neglected children....
News
Three Attorneys Join Cranfill Sumner Wilmington Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced that attorney’s Trey Blincoe, Kara Gansmann and Elizabeth King have joined the firm’s Wilmington office....
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or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
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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