
Mark D. Vaughn, Estate Planning Attorney in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and Probate · 4.7/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Of CounselatClarke Phifer, PLLC
Pinehurst, NC
Practicing estate planning in Pinehurst since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Mark D. Vaughn?
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Quick answer
Mark D. Vaughn is an of counsel based in Pinehurst, NC. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and Probate. Mark has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clarke Phifer, PLLC. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Pinehurst, NC
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Estate Tax · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and Probate matters from Pinehurst, NC.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mark D. Vaughn: Mark D. Vaughn is an of counsel based in Pinehurst, NC. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and Probate. Mark has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clarke Phifer, PLLC. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Mark D. Vaughn
Mark concentrates on estate planning, estate tax, probate, trusts, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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Probate
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Trusts
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Tax
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Estate Planning cases in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Mark takes estate planning matters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Mark takes estate tax matters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Mark takes probate matters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Mark takes trusts matters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Mark takes tax matters in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Mark D. Vaughn — Over 38 years of North Carolina estate planning experience
Mark D. Vaughn is an of counsel based in Pinehurst, NC. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and Probate. Mark has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clarke Phifer, PLLC. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
For over thirty years, Mark has limited his practice to estate and trust planning and administration. In addition to drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney and related documents, Mark has assisted clients with estate and gift tax planning matters, charitable and planned gifting, the formation of private foundations, and multigenerational planning strategies. Mark is now of-counsel to the firm, providing consulting as needed in the following areas: Probate & Estate Administration, Estate planning, Trust planning and Estate and gift taxation.
Working with Mark on a estate planning matter
For over thirty years, Mark has limited his practice to estate and trust planning and administration. In addition to drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney and related documents, Mark has assisted clients with estate and gift tax planning matters, charitable and planned gifting, the formation of private foundations, and multigenerational planning strategies. Mark is now of-counsel to the…
Clients Mark works with
Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, estate tax, and probate matters in Pinehurst and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Mark D. Vaughn's legal education and bar admissions
Wake Forest University School of Law
J.D. · 1988
Wheaton College
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Mark's state bar admissions
North Carolina
1988 · ACTIVE
Mark studied at J.D. in Wake Forest University School of Law and B.A. in Wheaton College.
Law school and academic background
Mark completed J.D. in Wake Forest University School of Law and B.A. in Wheaton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Mark D. Vaughn
Mark has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Mark's professional memberships and bar associations
North Carolina Bar Association
1988 - Present) North Carolina Bar Association (Fiduciary Law Section, 1990 - Present · membership
Locations
Mark D. Vaughn's office in Pinehurst
Mark's primary office is at 135 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC, 28374-8521. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mark D. Vaughn — 4.7/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Mark. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Pinehurst.
4.7
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mark D. Vaughn claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mark D. Vaughn — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Pinehurst, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Mark
Mark discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mark's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mark D. Vaughn
How much does it cost to hire Mark for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Mark's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Pinehurst?
Mark is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mark will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Mark?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Pinehurst, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
Mark handles estate planning matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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