Learn About Our History
80 years of combined experience
Triangle Estate Lawyers is a team of experienced estate planning attorneys based in Raleigh, proudly serving clients across North Carolina. With over 80 years of combined legal experience, we help individuals and families protect what matters most. Our services include personalized wills and trusts, asset protection, probate solutions, and long-term planning. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Cary, or elsewhere in the state, we bring strategy, clarity, and care to every estate plan.
Meet Our Estate Planning Attorneys in Raleigh
Meet the dedicated attorneys and staff who bring experience, excellence, clarity, and commitment to every estate plan. These are the professionals behind our mission to guide North Carolina families with trusted legal solutions. Learn more about how we help with estate planning and asset protection.
Mary Gurganus, CEO & Senior Attorney – Triangle Estate Lawyers
Mary Gurganus serves as the CEO and Senior Attorney at Triangle Estate Lawyers as well as Triangle Divorce Lawyers. Her journey in the legal realm began with academic excellence -graduating with honors from North Carolina Central School of Law. Her legal career began with academic excellence—graduating with honors from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she served as president of the school’s Innocence Project.
Before law school, Mary earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management and Law at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD. This strong foundation supports her ability to approach complex legal issues with a strategic business-minded perspective.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Mary’s commitment to leadership extended into her professional associations. She contributed to the North Carolina Central Law Journal and served as both Parliamentarian and National Delegate for the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Currently based in Raleigh, Mary balances her career with family life, enjoying time with her husband, three children, and her dog, Raven. She spends weekends on Lake Gaston and passionately cheers for the Baltimore Ravens and NC State teams. As a result of her strategic insight, legal acumen, and deep community involvement, Mary has become a respected leader in North Carolina’s legal community.
Mary was honored with the Power Player 2024 award from North Carolina Lawyers Weekly. This distinction, part of the Power List, recognizes attorneys selected by their peers for legal expertise, professionalism, and consistent referrals from other lawyers. It celebrates those known for results, creativity, and collaboration in their practice areas.
Alice Womack, Managing Attorney & Parenting Coordinator – Triangle Estate Lawyers
In 2020, Alice joined Triangle Estate Lawyers after managing her own private practice for five years, representing family law clients across the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. Her experience in divorce and custody law continues to inform her thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to estate matters—especially when family dynamics are complex.
Originally from Eastern North Carolina, Alice graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2014. While in law school, she served as a Staff Editor for the North Carolina Central Law Review, where her article was published on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ First Amendment decision in U.S. v. Hamilton. Before law school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Prior to entering the legal field, Alice spent several years in the hospitality industry, where she worked as a General Manager for multiple hotels across North Carolina and the Midwest. Her leadership experience and service-first mindset continue to shape her thoughtful, client-centered legal approach.
In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling with her family and playing bridge.
Alice was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2024, an honor awarded to only 2.5 % of attorneys in each state.
David Franklin, Senior Attorney (LL.M.) – Triangle Estate Lawyers
David C. Franklin is a seasoned legal professional with over 26 years of experience. Notably, he holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, and earned his law degree from Seattle University School of Law in 1989. After a decade of legal practice in Seattle—focused on family law, wills, trusts, estates, and business matters—David pursued advanced tax training, earning an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 2001.
Following his relocation to Raleigh in 2004, David has focused his practice on estate planning and family law. At Triangle Estate Lawyers and Triangle Divorce Lawyers, he helps clients navigate sensitive legal issues with strategic insight and deep compassion.
His combination of specialized education, practical experience, and personal dedication makes him a trusted resource in the North Carolina legal community for families planning their legacy.
Sheneshia Fitts, Senior Attorney – Triangle Estate Lawyers
Sheneshia Fitts is a respected voice in the North Carolina legal community, known for her client-centered approach and over a decade of experience in family law, estate planning, and probate. As a Senior Attorney at Triangle Estate Lawyers, she brings both strategic insight and practical guidance to every matter she handles.
Before joining the firm, Sheneshia managed her own private practice, where she built a reputation for clarity, empathy, and results. Her legal guidance is shaped by real-world experience and a strong foundation in both litigation and long-term planning.
Earlier in her career, Sheneshia honorably served in the U.S. Navy, where she developed invaluable skills in leadership, discipline, and problem-solving. Her military service instilled a deep sense of duty that continues to shape the way she advocates for her clients.
Today, Sheneshia is passionate about helping people through life’s most difficult chapters—whether that means crafting a smart estate plan, resolving probate issues, or guiding a family through divorce and custody matters. Altogether, her unique background, steady presence, and strategic mindset make her a vital part of the Triangle Estate Lawyers team.
Schedule a Free 15 Minute Consultation with a Raleigh Estate Planning Attorney
Connect with one of our experienced estate lawyers to protect your legacy.
Our Services
Our estate planning attorneys in Raleigh offer trusted guidance for wills, trusts, probate, and long-term planning. We provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your goals and family structure.
Explore Our Areas of Expertise
Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, and legal directives tailored to your needs.
Probate & Estate Administration
Legal guidance to simplify estate settlement.
Trusts & Asset Protection
Strategies to protect assets and ensure proper distribution.
Estate Planning In Raleigh Questions & Answers
Success in estate planning means creating a comprehensive, legally sound plan that protects your assets, minimizes tax exposure, and supports your family’s long-term goals. For probate and trust administration, our focus is on resolving matters efficiently and with minimal disruption to beneficiaries and fiduciaries.
Can You Help Me Win?
Estate planning isn’t about “winning”—it’s about control. We help you make smart decisions to safeguard your wealth, reduce legal risks, and protect your legacy. Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating the probate process, we work to position you and your family for the best possible outcome.
What Can I Expect In The Process?
We start with a detailed consultation to understand your assets, goals, and family dynamics. From there, we design and implement your plan—drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other documents as needed. For probate or trust matters, we guide you through each legal and financial step, ensuring compliance and clarity at every turn.
Do You Provide Pro Bono Services?
We do not offer pro bono representation. Our services are focused on clients seeking smart estate planning and administration solutions that reflect their priorities and protect their interests.
Can I Contact You At Anytime?
You’ll have direct access to your attorney and support team during business hours. We provide timely responses and clear communication throughout the process. For urgent estate matters, we prioritize responsiveness and discretion.
I’m Not Sure Where to Start—Can You Help?
Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us unsure of what they need. We walk you through the process—from identifying your goals to implementing the right legal tools—so you can make decisions with confidence.
Are You Hiring Attorneys or Legal Professionals?
We’re always open to connecting with professionals who have experience in estate planning, probate, tax matters, or trust administration—especially those who enjoy working with high-net-worth clients and providing smart, forward-thinking legal guidance.
What’s the Best Solution for My Situation?
Our estate planning attorneys in Raleigh work closely with you to design solutions that reflect your values and goals. That depends on your goals, asset profile, and family structure. We provide smart legal solutions—whether you need to reduce estate taxes, protect business interests, establish a trust for your children, or avoid probate entirely. Our role is to listen, advise, and build a plan that secures your legacy.