Publications by Wells Law

Denied Social Security benefits? Consider this before hiring a lawyer

September 25th, 2024 by admin

The Social Security system is an insurance system created not only to help people after retirement, but also to help them throughout life. The benefits take the place of wages. But there are benefits when workers are disabled as well as when one retires....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Next time you're in an accident, don't settle for less

September 25th, 2024 by admin

This is the concluding column in a series to help people know the right thing to do if they are involved in a wreck that is not their fault. If you sustain personal injuries, when should you settle your claim? Unless your wreck is work-related, you...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Do you need an attorney to help you with your motor vehicle wreck claim?

July 19th, 2024 by admin

This column is the third in a series aimed at helping citizens who have been in a motor-vehicle wreck resolve their claim fairly, sometimes without the need to hire an attorney. But when should you consider hiring an attorney? Attorneys represent clients...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

What do you do when you are in a wreck?

May 5th, 2024 by admin

Of all the columns I have written over the last twenty years on common legal issues, the columns I wrote a few years ago concerning property damage and personal injury claims, especially those in motor vehicle wrecks, are by far the most asked about by...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Start your estate planning now to avoid stress later.

April 7th, 2024 by admin

More than half of adults do not have estate planning documents in place. After being asked to conduct over 250 presentations to companies large and small, colleges, bodies of faith and everything in between, one of the main reasons is that individuals...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Simple steps to start the estate planning process.

February 9th, 2024 by admin

A little-known fact is that more than half of adults in America do not have estate planning documents in place. Another little-known fact is that Americans spend more money on attorneys to find their way out of the challenges this creates than anyone...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Drowning in debt? Try taking these time-tested tips.

January 8th, 2024 by admin

One of the challenges some working families face is what to do with their growing pile of bills. And how to change their family's habits to avoid their financial challenges getting worse. Studies show that over 60% of our families lack enough savings...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

What's that in English? A list of legal terms lost in translation.

June 21st, 2023 by admin

Like most lawyers, I get questions from clients about what certain legal words mean “in English.” These words are frequently found in documents related to real estate, corporate/partnership as well as wills, trusts and estate planning. They confuse many...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Here's how to help yourself avoid most legal problems

August 6th, 2022 by admin

I have been privileged to write a monthly legal column for the Winston-Salem Journal for nearly 20 years. After writing 200-plus columns, and conducting a like number of legal talks for companies, non-profits, educational institutions, service organizations...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Know your injuries before you settle a claim

July 3rd, 2022 by admin

This is the concluding column in a series to help people know the right thing to do if they are involved in a wreck that’s not their fault.If you sustain personal injuries, when should you settle your claim?Unless your wreck is work-related, you generally...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Do you need an attorney for your claim after a wreck?

June 8th, 2022 by admin

This column is the third in a series aimed at helping citizens who have been in a motor vehicle wreck resolve their claim fairly, sometimes without the need to hire an attorney.But when should you consider hiring an attorney?Attorneys represent clients...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Know your rights after a wreck

May 1st, 2022 by admin

This column will address how you ensure you are properly reimbursed for your property damages if you are in a wreck that’s not your fault. This is the second column in a series to assist readers in dealing with their personal injury and property damage...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: What to do when you are in a wreck

April 10th, 2022 by admin

Most everyone who drives is going to be in a wreck at some time. In the next columns core issues will be discussed to try to give readers guidance on what they should do to be fairly treated for their valid claims for property damage and personal injuries.Here...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Legal advice is free for the asking this week

February 28th, 2022 by admin

Do you have a legal question you would like answered without charge? This Friday (March 4), you can do just that during the 15th 4ALL event, a public service program of the NC Bar Foundation. N.C. citizens can talk to an N.C.-licensed lawyer for free...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: One lawyer's advice: You may not need us

January 31st, 2022 by admin

The law touches most every controversy or significant disagreement, but that does not mean one has to hire a lawyer to resolve many of them. Most of the relatively minor issues people face can be resolved without venturing into a court of law, but by...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Get on a better financial track for the new year

January 3rd, 2022 by admin

One of the challenges some working families face is what to do with their growing pile of bills. And how to change their family’s habits to avoid their financial challenges getting worse. The best legal problems are the ones which never happen. Here are...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Small gifts can have large impact

December 6th, 2021 by admin

One of the encouraging trends in our society today is that more people are considering charitable gifts during their lifetimes or at their deaths.Interestingly, however, while 70% of Americans give to charities during their lifetime, fewer than 6% give...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Do you need an attorney to help you with your motor vehicle wreck claim?

December 2nd, 2021 by admin

This column is the third in a series aimed at helping citizens who have been in a motor-vehicle wreck resolve their claim fairly, sometimes without the need to hire an attorney. But when should you consider hiring an attorney? Attorneys...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Have a Social Security disability claim? Get ready to wait.

November 8th, 2021 by admin

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?The Social Security system is an insurance system created not only to help people after retirement,...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Understand Employment Law Basics in North Carolina

September 5th, 2021 by admin

The next two columns will address basic employment laws in North Carolina.Unless one has a written contract, North Carolina generally follows the doctrine of “employment at will.” Even if the employer has an employee handbook or a progressive discipline...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: In COVID times: What we owe our children

August 6th, 2021 by admin

In the late winter of 2020, we began to feel the full brunt of COVID-19. But through the vision of President Trump, and others, Project Warp Speed brought us the life-saving vaccines months ahead of any projected time estimate. The collective effort of...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: A gift to your survivors: Getting your affairs in order now

August 1st, 2021 by admin

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. Do you know where your original documents are? Many people do not realize that just a copy of...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: What we owe the health care workers

July 2nd, 2021 by admin

We find ourselves on the better end of COVID-19 these days, but with a pesky variant nipping at our heels.While so many contributed to our successful virus efforts, the heroes in this time of challenge are the health care workers who walked the halls...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells Honored by N.C. Supreme Court for Pro Bono Work

June 24th, 2021 by admin

Winston-Salem, N.C., June 24, 2021 – R. Michael “Mike” Wells Sr. was recently inducted the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society for 2020 by the Supreme Court of North Carolina.Wells concentrates his legal practice in the areas of estate planning, estate...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Keep the peace after you die through good estate planning while you're alive

June 1st, 2021 by admin

Here are some best practices for handling an estate administration/asset distribution, with proper direction in wills and trusts, which will save money and maybe some hurt feelings in your family.The parents’ homeplaceParents often want to leave their...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Recent Major Changes in Retirement Account Laws that Affect You

April 6th, 2021 by admin

Retirement planning for years has included tax-deferred plans that allow a person to put money into a plan and avoid paying the income-tax rate to which the money would otherwise be subject in the year earned (35%, for example). Your personal plan contribution...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Here's your chance to talk to a lawyer for free

March 1st, 2021 by admin

 Do you have a legal question you would like answered without charge? This Friday, March 5, you can do just that during the 14th 4ALL event, a public service program of the N.C. Bar Foundation. N.C. citizens can talk to a N.C.-licensed lawyer for...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

The "law of the letter": You don't need to be a lawyer to help someone sort out a problem

January 3rd, 2021 by admin

Years ago, I was asked to host a pro bono radio show on the law on Sunday afternoons. Although 3 p.m. 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. New advertisers followed.I...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Understand the pros and cons of a revocable trust

December 6th, 2020 by admin

In the last column, we addressed the basic estate-planning documents everyone should have: will, financial (durable) power of attorney and health care advance directives. In this column, we will discuss when (and if) you need a revocable trust, which...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Common questions in these coronavirus times about estate-planning documents

November 1st, 2020 by admin

Perhaps it is a sign of the times, but more people ask these days what happens if they do not have estate-planning documents in place if they get seriously ill or they pass away.If you do not have a will, North Carolina statutes define who gets your property,...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

A Prayer for the Greatest Generation

October 12th, 2020 by admin

As we reflect on the anniversary of the end of World War II, I hope we will pause and consider all the contributions in war and in peace of the greatest generation. They fought for us in that war and through the hardest of times. The abiding story of...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

What to Know About the Mediation of Civil Cases in North Carolina

October 12th, 2020 by admin

The Gambler, a Kenny Rogers song, gives sound advice for playing a card game of chance: Know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em. But it's also sound advice for a more serious game of chance: a jury trial in a civil lawsuit. When you ask...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Understanding Opinions and the Legacies of Justices Ginsburg and O'Connor

October 6th, 2020 by admin

Beyond their opinions in a court of law, the professional stories and character of Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first two women to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, teach us important lessons in the court of life. Their careers...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Chapter 13 Wage Earner bankruptcy filing basics

September 5th, 2020 by admin

Before your financial challenges become too serious, readers are strongly encouraged to consult Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, a well-regarded and United Way supported nonprofit in Winston-Salem. Contact them at 336-896-1191 or info@financialpaths.org...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Know Your Options Before You File For Bankruptcy

August 3rd, 2020 by admin

When should you consider filing personal bankruptcy? Families facing serious financial challenges are strongly encouraged to seek some objective direction before bankruptcy, the last resort, is necessary. As discussed in the previous column, the best...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Financial Challenges in These Challenging Times

June 30th, 2020 by admin

Over the next three columns, we will address some common financial challenges many of us face in these different economic times. This first column will address some valuable community resources you can access before you have more serious financial challenges....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

6 COVID Scams (and 3 of the Garden Variety) To Look Out For

June 11th, 2020 by admin

Scams perpetrated on our senior citizens total billions of dollars every year, and they likely will total more than that in 2020 because of the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Be sure you and your loved ones are aware of several of the newer scams which are out...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Practical tips for estate administration, pre-planning advice, and a Coronavirus update

May 1st, 2020 by admin

After handling hundreds of estate administrations over the years, I can assure you the best legal problems are the ones which never happen. The tips in this third and final column on the subject should help you take the best planning steps to avoid common...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

How to Reduce the Time, Expense and Hassle of Administering a Loved One's Estate

March 26th, 2020 by admin

Here is the second column to discuss practical how-to tips to ensure a smooth estate administration.   Over the years of handling hundreds of estate administrations, the best legal problems, I have found, are the ones which never happen. Use these suggestions...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Yes, you can talk to a lawyer for free

March 1st, 2020 by admin

A terrific opportunity for all citizens to get free legal advice is set for this Friday. Don’t pass it up. (Our three-column series on helpful tips regarding estate administration will continue next month.)Do you have a legal question you would like answered...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

How to Reduce the Time, Expense and Hassle of Administering a Decedent's Estate

January 29th, 2020 by admin

The administration of a loved one’s final estate can often be more difficult, expensive and time-consuming than it needs to be.Over the years, I have handled hundreds of estate administrations, and the best legal problems one may have are the ones which...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Part II: Common mistakes in handling your personal injury claim

January 28th, 2020 by admin

This is the second of two columns devoted to providing practical solutions to help people injured in a motor-vehicle wreck avoid common mistakes in handling their claims.Property-damage claims alone rarely justify the added expense of hiring a lawyer....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Other important highlights of the significant changes to the Power of Attorney North Carolina statutes

January 28th, 2020 by admin

This 2nd column on the 2018 major-rewrite power of attorney (POA) law will address common but avoidable mistakes individuals may make, and extra elder law planning provisions many individuals now provide in their POAS to protect their assets.New Revocation...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Monitoring your loved one's care and other common issues you may encounter

January 28th, 2020 by admin

In the last column, we discussed the selection of a care facility. 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.Many facilities require the admitted...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Common mistakes in handling your personal injury claim

January 28th, 2020 by admin

In the next two columns, we will identify common mistakes that people with legitimate injuries from motor-vehicle wrecks make in settling their claims. We’ll also provide some practical solutions.Have you documented clearly that the injuries you relate...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Pro Bono“Legal” Services

January 28th, 2020 by admin

North Carolina lawyers give back to the community, state and profession by providing many pro-bono or low-cost legal services to our citizens. Here are a few of them which offer free or cost-efficient venues to ask for direction on important legal matters....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Social Security telephone scam

August 15th, 2019 by admin

"Social Security telephone scam " from Michael Wells's Album by Michael Wells. Released: 2019....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Social Security won't go bankrupt by 2035

August 15th, 2019 by admin

"Social Security won't go bankrupt by 2035" from Michael Wells's Album by Michael Wells. Released: 2019....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Do you need to speak English to get SSD benefits?

August 15th, 2019 by admin

"Do you need to speak English to get SSD benefits? " from Michael Wells's Album by Michael Wells. Released: 2019....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Take advantage of low-cost legal services

July 24th, 2019 by admin

North Carolina lawyers give back to the community, state and profession by providing many pro-bono or low-cost legal services to people. Here are a few of them that offer free or cost-efficient venues to ask for direction on important legal matters: Our...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Understand the law about traffic mishaps

July 10th, 2019 by admin

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.Motor Vehicle MishapsWhen do you have to contact the authorities?N.C. law generally requires you...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

The biggies can change your life

July 10th, 2019 by admin

This column is the second in a series of the most important legal issues most of us encounter.Traffic Tickets. Getting a traffic ticket generally is not high on the legal-impact scale in your life, but the precipitating conduct often reaches far beyond...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Hiring a contractor? Do your own homework first.

July 10th, 2019 by admin

Over the 15-plus years that I have been privileged to write this legal column, and the 25 years I hosted a legal call-in radio show, one of the most persistent problems I’ve heard about from the public involves home-construction and home-repair contracts....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Steps to take to select long-term care facilities for your loved ones

July 10th, 2019 by admin

A truism we all know is that nothing is sure in life but death and taxes. But added to that in contemporary life is the higher cost of health care and long-term care for an aging population. We will leave it to the elected officials to figure out the...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Be prepared to monitor loved ones care in care facilities

July 10th, 2019 by admin

In the last column we discussed the selection of a care facility. What other decisions might you face, and what steps should you take to monitor the level of care of your loved one?Important contract issuesMany facilities require the admitted person to...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Here are some financial tips to help you avoid common legal challenges

July 10th, 2019 by admin

I have reviewed in recent columns some of the main questions that clients and others have asked me over the years. I have fielded nearly 30,000 questions during this time, counting those received on a popular radio public-service legal call-in show I...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Protect yourself and your family with adequate insurance coverage

July 10th, 2019 by admin

My last few columns have dealt with some common legal issues clients and citizens face in everyday life, with suggestions about how to avoid the problem in the first place. The best legal problem to have is the one which never happens. Hopefully, the...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Certificate of Insurance - Example

December 31st, 2018 by admin

In his first Winston-Salem Journal article of the new year, Mike offers practical suggestions and helpful information about dealing with home building and/or home improvement contractors. Among his recommendations is confirmation of the contractors' Certificate...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: The most important points you should know about the law

September 10th, 2018 by admin

It has been my privilege to write a monthly column on the law for the Winston-Salem Journal for 15 years. I am grateful for your kind comments about the helping hand we try to extend to you to make this powerful tool, knowledge of the law in a free society,...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

The high costs of legal disputes and practical ways to resolve them

August 16th, 2018 by admin

In this Winston-Salem Journal column, Mike addresses the high costs--both financially and emotionally, of legal disputes, and offers some practical tips on how to resolve them. For the full article, click here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Steps to take to select long-term care facilities for your loved ones

August 16th, 2018 by admin

Finding and evaluating long-term care facilities is a daunting task, but Mike offers some invaluable insights and resources to help you find the right fit for yourself or a loved one. For the full article, click here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

What you should know about the New Financial Power of Attorney Law

August 16th, 2018 by admin

In this second installment of a two-part series, Mike outlines the 2018 North Carolina Uniform Durable Power of Attorney Act, and offers practical advice for users. For the full article, click here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Understand how the new federal tax law will affect you

August 16th, 2018 by admin

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. For the full article, click here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Know which types of insurance you need -- or not

May 31st, 2018 by admin

Two key questions to ask about most any insurance product are: 1) Are you insuring against a significant financial risk that would be hard for your assets to cover, or a financial discomfort? and 2) What would a thoughtful cost/benefit review tell you?In...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells: Protect yourself with smart insurance coverage

May 6th, 2018 by admin

Most of us spend a fair number of dollars for various kinds of insurance. How do you get the most bang for your buck, particularly as you assess how effectively your insurance protects you from your legal risks?Here are some major areas of personal legal...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

LEGAL FACT And FICTION Podcast by Michael Wells

March 19th, 2018 by admin

Michael Wells has dedicated his practice to serving the injured and disabled, who are often misunderstood, marginalized, and even despised. In his Legal Fact And Fiction podcast series, Michael shares intimate narratives and insights about these claims...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

What you should know about the New Financial Power of Attorney Law

January 20th, 2018 by admin

The NC Uniform Financial Power of Attorney Act went into effect on January 1, 2018. It is the first major overhaul of this law since the early 1980’s.A financial power of attorney (FPOA) may be the most important estate planning document an individual...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Spread the Word: Free Tax-Return Preparation

October 30th, 2017 by admin

AARP Tax Aide-certified volunteers will again be offering free assistance in preparing and e-filing personal federal and state income tax returns in 2018.The locations will be the Reynolda Manor Branch Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive, and the Southside Branch...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

R. Michael Wells, Sr., announcement in Winston-Salem Journal Business Milestones

July 10th, 2017 by admin

Published in the Sunday, June 25th Winston-Salem Journal: R. Michael Wells, Sr., sworn in as a member of the board of trustees of the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation. See the announcement herehttp://www.journalnow.com/business/business_milestones/business-milestones/article_041e4f9b-76c8-553a-a503-8565172f77f6.html

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Shakespeare Law: Take the Tide and Face the Devil You Fear

June 20th, 2017 by admin

You know the Devil Brothers, don’t you? They know you.When you come to that fork in the road on a major decision you have to choose: do you stick with the devil you know, with all of its known challenges, or do you choose the devil you don’t know, the...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Mike Wells on Selecting Long-term Care

June 6th, 2017 by admin

In the Sunday, June 4th edition of the Winston-Salem Journal, Mike offers in part one of a two part series, practical advice about the selection process for long-term care facilities. Select the link below to read the article.http://www.journalnow.com/business/columnists/mike-wells-steps-to-take-to-select-long-term-care/article_3e118080-c404-5d9d-ab87-60a1114a5981.html

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Social Security Disability: Value of the Post-Hearing Brief

May 22nd, 2017 by admin

Advocacy does not always end after a Social Security Disability hearing. In fact, good advocacy sometimes requires work after the hearing to drive home arguments raised in the hearing brief, in the medical records, and during hearing testimony. Sometimes...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Ask the right questions and do your homework on home-improvement projects

May 8th, 2017 by admin

Have you got plans for home improvement? If so, Mike offers some simple tips for working successfully with contractors in his Sunday, May 7th Winston-Salem Journal column. For the full article, click here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Understand the law on resolving back tax issues

April 3rd, 2017 by admin

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. For the full article, click here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

9900 North Carolinians Served During NCBA's 4ALL Service Day

March 16th, 2017 by admin

560 licensed North Carolina attorneys--including Wells Law's own Mike and Michael Wells, manned the phones during the 10th annual North Carolina Bar Association's 4ALL Statewide Service Day. The event pairs callers with an attorney who will answer their...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Michael Wells on WFMY to Promote NCBAR 4ALL Statewide Service Day

March 1st, 2017 by admin

If you've got a legal question and can wait until Friday, March 3rd for an answer, have we got an event for you! It's the annual North Carolina Bar Association's 4All Statewide Service Day (#NCBA4ALL) event where from 7 am until 7 pm licensed North Carolina...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Triad Business Journal Announces Wells Nomination to NCDOT Board

February 28th, 2017 by admin

The Triad Business Journal announced Mike Wells' nomination to the North Carolina Department of Transportation Board by Governor Roy Cooper. Wells will represent Division 9, which includes Forsyth County. Read about the nomination of Mike Wells and fellow...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Governor Nominates Mike Wells to Serve on North Carolina DOT Board

February 20th, 2017 by admin

Mike Wells has been nominated by Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the North Carolina Department of Transportation Board. Please read the Saturday, February 18th Winston-Salem Journal report, here, to learn more about it. http://www.journalnow.com/news/elections/local/governor-nominates-local-lawyer-to-state-dot-board/article_acb3c5b9-da98-5494-952b-94c79e5b20e4.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Slip or Trip and Fall For Homeowners 1.01

February 13th, 2017 by admin

Did you know that you could be held responsible to both visitors and trespassers for accidents that happen on your property? Mike Wells explains the "duty of reasonable care" in his column for the Winston-Salem Journal, here: http://www.journalnow.com/business/columnists/mike-wells-know-your-responsibility-to-people-who-get-hurt/article_73ca9479-1b54-5428-8b98-4a5b9f6e422d.html...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Using a Vocational Expert to Win a Social Security Disability Case

February 6th, 2017 by admin

The vocational expert (VE) is an expert in the field of work, who testifies at a Social Security Disability hearing. The VE uses the Dictionary of Occupational Titles to respond to hypotheticals presented by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Hypotheticals...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Will Rogers and Locker Law

February 6th, 2017 by admin

One of the great contradictions we all share is the strange interplay in life between genuine confidence and our (in) ability to thread Life’s needle of success to avoid arrogance and pride. If you find the winning path to this one you are off to a great...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Community Programs Including Advance Directives

January 30th, 2017 by admin

"Got Plans?" Free SeminarWhat: "Got Plans?" is a free advanced care workshop in Winston-Salem.When: February 7th from 1:00-2:00 pmWhere: Multipurpose Room, Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home-101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103Description: Learn about...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Winston-Salem Journal Business Milestones Shares Mike Wells' Recognition

January 30th, 2017 by admin

R. Michael Wells, a senior partner of Wells Law, PLLC, has been named by the Triad Business Journal as one of the Most Influential People in the Triad.Read the notice in the Winston-Salem Journal's Business Milestones section for January 15, 2017 here....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Wells Law Welcomes B. Brittany Scantland-Lall, Of Counsel

January 30th, 2017 by admin

B. Brittany Scantland-Lall has joined Wells Law as Of Counsel. Her primary areas of practice are estate planning and estate administration. Scantland-Lall received her BA degree from Duke University and her JD degree from the University of Denver. She...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Wake Forest Baptist Health - Best Health February Calendar

January 23rd, 2017 by admin

Wake Forest Baptist Health - Best Health has put together a calendar of events for February that offers something for everyone! Take a cooking class or two, and learn some new recipes for healthy, hearty soups to chase off winter's chill.  Valentine's...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Simplify Your Estate with New Federal and State Laws

January 3rd, 2017 by admin

Want to simplify estate planning? Mike Wells shares his thoughts about how to do so, thanks to new federal and state laws. Read his article in the Winston-Salem Journal here because, as Mike says, an informed choice is a smart choice!http://www.journalnow.com/townnews/economics/wells-changes-in-federal-and-state-laws-that-can-actually/article_79457b69-1fa0-58c7-ab61-5d77d05c03cd.html

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Triad Business Journal Honors Senior Partner, Mike Wells

January 3rd, 2017 by admin

Our senior partner, Mike Wells, was recently honored by the Triad Business Journal as one of the most influential leaders in the Triad in 2016, and one of a very few lawyers included. For more information, see http://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2016/10/27/meet-the-triads-most-influential-people.html#g96...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Leaders for All Seasons

December 27th, 2016 by admin

Leadership for the future will require us to take principled chances to find common ground.  Here are three leaders who did this.http://www.journalnow.com/opinion/columnists/r-michael-wells-leaders-for-all-seasons/article_d0c4601a-5db4-5019-92c0-e342030b24e2.html...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

'Tis the season of Joy, Giving, and risk management

December 13th, 2016 by admin

Don't get bitten by the Humbug this holiday season. In his Sunday, December 11th Winston-Salem Journal column, Mike Wells offers helpful tips for avoiding legal complications that can arise during holiday travels and gatherings, and from making big-ticket...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Common causes of motor-vehicle accidents and injuries and how to avoid them

November 7th, 2016 by admin

From the November 6, 2016 edition of the Winston-Salem Journal:http://www.journalnow.com/business/columnists/wells-common-causes-of-motor-vehicle-accidents-and-injuries-and/article_96493893-6369-558c-a2df-2b42965e70d6.html

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Forsyth County Bond Overview Video

October 28th, 2016 by admin

Your support of Forsyth County Bonds is needed to ensure the improvement and viability of essential Forsyth County resources including:Forsyth County SchoolsForsyth County Parks and RecreationForsyth Technical Community CollegeSmith Reynolds Airporthttps://vimeo.com/189326547

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Social Security Disability ODAR Judge Website Isn't a Panacea

October 26th, 2016 by admin

DisabilityJudges.comThis is a useful site in that it gives you the statistics for an ODAR (Office of Disability Adjudication and Review—hearing site) judge. In other words, it tells you how a particular judge has decided cases in the past, at least statistically....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Social Security Disability Cases Are Sad Stories

October 18th, 2016 by admin

No one wants to file a Social Security Disability claim, but things happen. Many of these things are beyond a claimant's control. These occurrences--genetic dispositions, ailments, or a combination thereof render a person unable to work. Disinformation...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Sage Advice About Online Legal Documents

October 3rd, 2016 by admin

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.http://www.journalnow.com/business/localcolumnists/wells-practical-and-common-sense-ways-to-save-on-routine/article_8f22b031-ecf5-5adf-9790-72105781d5aa.html

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Wake Forest Baptist Health - Best Health October Community Health Seminars, Screenings and Events

September 19th, 2016 by admin

The Sunday, October 18 edition of the Winston-Salem Journal featured the Wake Forest Baptist Health - Best Health October Community Health Seminars, Screenings and Events calendar, attached here for your convenience: http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/journalnow.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/classifieds/8/d7/8d7da3ea-aa85-5ad2-acf6-9c584483dc48/57de1233bc9c9.pdf.pdfAmong...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles

Assumption Law and its Unintended Consequences

September 14th, 2016 by admin

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal, September 2, 2016. Author, Mike Wells.http://www.journalnow.com/business/localcolumnists/assumption-law-and-its-unintended-consequences/article_2de4022f-766d-5543-8276-ab45c1fa8cfe.html

Read Full Story »

Posted in: WS Journal Articles